Summer is the season of adventure. Whether you’re road-tripping to the beach, flying overseas, or heading to a family reunion, millions of Americans will travel this July alone – AAA estimates nearly 71 million travelers over the July 4th holiday weekend! But while vacations are meant for making memories, nothing derails a trip faster than unexpected illness or injury.
At Hometown Urgent Care, we’re here to help you prepare, stay healthy, and get back on track if something does come up. Use this summer travel health checklist to plan with confidence.
Your Pre-Travel Health Checklist
Before you pack your bags, take a few simple steps to protect your health and avoid last-minute surprises:
✔ Check your medications:
- Refill any prescriptions at least a week before you leave.
- Pack extra doses in their original labeled containers in case of delays.
✔ Review vaccines and preventive care:
- Make sure you’re up to date on flu shots, COVID boosters, and tetanus.
- Traveling internationally? Talk to a provider about vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, or other region-specific illnesses.
✔ Schedule a last-minute check-up:
- Especially important for children or adults managing chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
💡 Tip: If you need help refilling prescriptions or reviewing your vaccine status, Hometown Urgent Care makes it easy with walk-in visits and online scheduling.
What to Pack in Your Travel Health Kit
A well-stocked travel health kit can save you a trip to the pharmacy while you’re away. Consider including:
- First-aid basics: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter pain relievers
- Motion sickness remedies and allergy medications
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sunglasses
- Insect repellent and itch relief cream
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
💡 Pro Tip: Pack your health supplies in your carry-on bag so they’re accessible anytime.
Travel Tips for Staying Well on the Go
Long flights, unfamiliar foods, and schedule changes can all take a toll on your health. Keep these tips in mind:
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle, especially for flights or long car rides.
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
- Stick to a sleep routine as much as possible, even across time zones.
- Be mindful of food safety: Wash fresh produce, avoid undercooked meats, and be cautious with street food.
When to Visit Urgent Care Before or After Your Trip
Even with the best planning, sometimes you still need care. Hometown Urgent Care offers walk-in visits, extended hours, and online scheduling, so you don’t have to wait.
Consider visiting urgent care if you experience:
- Last-minute illness: Fever, sore throat, flu symptoms
- Travel-related injuries: Sprains, minor cuts, insect bites, or rashes
- Post-trip symptoms: Stomach issues, persistent cough, unexplained rash, or fever
You deserve peace of mind—before, during, and after your trip.
Travel Smarter This Summer
Whether you’re leaving town for a weekend getaway or an overseas adventure, preparing now means fewer surprises later.
At Hometown Urgent Care, we’re here to help you stay healthy and feel your best wherever summer takes you.
📍 Find a location near you or schedule a pre-travel visit today:
🔗 myhometownuc.com/urgent-care