Traveling is a rejuvenator for the mind, body, and soul. It refreshes your zest for life, but at the same time it is burdened with chances for illness and injury. So to have the best and safest time, remember to be prepared and follow these steps.

1. Plan Ahead for Health
   Everyone leads busy lives. And we want to pack and finish up all the last-minute “to dos” before we leave. The frenzy of this leaves us tired when we should be storing up all the energy we can for travel.
2. Check Your Prescriptions
   Make sure you have enough prescription medicine (if you need it) for the entire length of your trip. Make a list of these and take them with you in your carry-on and keep them separate from the medications, in case your luggage is lost or stolen.

If you are traveling abroad, you should take extra precautious:

• Carry the prescription medicines in their original, labeled bottles.
• You should also include the generic name of the drug, as some medicines have different names in different countries.
• The U.S. State Department suggests checking with the foreign embassy of the country to make sure any required medication is considered to be illegal.
• Carry a letter from your doctor describing the condition and any medications used, if you have a pre-existing medical problem.

3. Check Your Travel Insurance Coverage
   Make sure you carry your insurance policy card and a claim form with you. If you are traveling abroad, contact your provider to see if you are covered if you become ill while abroad. Your insurer may cover “customary and reasonable” hospital costs, but few companies pay for medical evacuation back to the states. (The U.S. State Department estimates costs at $10,000 or more.)
   
   If they do not cover you, you may want to purchase supplemental insurance.
   
4. Check your Packing List
   This list is based on the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Emory University TravelWell Clinic. The first thing to remember is to pack lightly, as you want to prevent back stain. However, pack what you know you’ll need and won’t be able to get in other countries. Many major cities do supply anything you can buy at home. Some suggestions include: (Click here to see the full list).

• Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent with DEET concentration
• Bandages of various sizes

Source: “Packing for a Health Vacation,” by Newsletter from WebMd.com.