Well. It's been a long year and a lot of you have saved up your vacations days for this. The holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New years? Is it your annual ski trip? Is it time for a trip out of the snow and into the Caribbean? Whatever your travel plans are for this last bit of 2022, we have some travel advice to go along with your packing list.
According to new data from PricewaterhouseCoopers, nearly 47% of Americans will travel this holiday season, despite concerns over flight cancellations and rising travel costs.
Here are some things to consider when planning your trip.
VACCINATIONS
It's generally recommended to update your "routine" vaccines. During this time of year, think about respiratory viruses such as RSV, influenza, and COVID.
If traveling overseas, make sure you visit the CDC travel site and find your specific destination to learn about any required (or recommended) vaccinations you need before you travel. Keep in mind that some vaccinations need to be done days-weeks ahead of arrival in-country so a little planning may be required.
MEDICATIONS
Medications should be transported in carry-on, not checked, luggage and remain in the labeled containers in which they were dispensed from the pharmacy.
If traveling to a different time-zone, ask your doctor about how to adjust your timing of medication doses.
If traveling overseas, make sure you are aware of the country's laws regarding your medications. Most allow a 30 day supply of medications but may require a doctor prescription as well.
Check with your destination’s embassy and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted.
BLOOD CLOTS
Traveling often includes sitting for periods of time, which can increase your chances of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that forms in a large vein.
Prevent clots during travel by: standing up or walking every 2-3 hours whether you are in a plane or car, do seated leg stretches, wear compression hose or stockings
ROAD TRAVEL
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among travelers.
Always wear a seatbelt. If traveling with children, make sure you use appropriate car and booster seats. You may need to bring your own.
Know local traffic laws before you get behind the wheel.
OTHER TIPS
Before you travel, consider getting travel insurance to cover yourself in case delays, accidents, or illness occur on your trip.
If going overseas, register for the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service provides travelers from the United States with important safety information in your destination and helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
Pack for a healthy trip. A complete travel health kit includes first aid items, sunscreen, insect repellent, over-the-counter medicines, and all your prescription medicines.
If you need oxygen or other medical equipment, notify your airline well in advance. The TSA Cares Helpline (toll-free at 855-787-2227) can also provide information on how to prepare for the airport security screening process with respect to a particular disability or medical condition.
If appropriate, wear a medical alert bracelet or other medical jewelry with this information on it.
FOR MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES VISIT THE CDC TRAVEL PAGE