Traveling This Summer? Here’s How To Keep Your Mind And Body Safe

In the days before a big vacation, you’re probably getting ready to pack (or at least thinking about it) and making arrangements to travel to your destination. You want to make sure you have the right clothes and gear for your trip, but making preparations for your health and well-being while traveling is equally as important. And if you’re like many Americans, this could be your first time traveling in nearly two years. Travel looks a little different these days — as does the way we prepare for travel — so a refresher on preparedness could go a long way.

While you can’t ever be fully prepared for the unexpected, there are steps you can take to make sure things go as smoothly as possible if a health issue does arise. Whether you need to fill a prescription while you’re away from home or you need to take part in a virtual visit with a specialist, the travel tips ahead are here to help.

Stock Up On Travel Must-Haves

While you’re filling your suitcase with swimsuits, sunblock and other goodies for your trip, one helpful tip is to also pack a first aid kit. Your personal first aid kit can include first aid essentials such as Band-Aids, gauze and hydrocortisone cream, along with any necessary prescription medications. Depending on where you’re traveling, these medications can include anything from malaria pills to prevent malaria to diamox for altitude sickness.

Suffer From Allergies? Be Smart About Where You Stay

If you suffer from allergies, there are several steps you can take to minimize your symptoms. For those staying at a hotel while on vacation, you can request a non-smoking room and ask about hypoallergenic bedding (bedding that lessens the exposure to environmental allergens). If the hotel does not provide this type of bedding, you can bring your own hypoallergenic bedding.

If you do find that an allergy flare-up is negatively impacting your trip, but don’t want to waste a day in a local clinic or urgent care waiting room, you can seek guidance from a licensed health care provider via a virtual visit on GoodRx Care. If your provider thinks a prescription medication is necessary, they can send your prescription to a local pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Keep Updated On COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

When on vacation, it’s fairly common to have your passport handy — especially when traveling overseas. But over the past few months, a "vaccine passport" has become another important document to have when traveling. For those who have received one of the COVID-19 vaccines, your health care provider likely provided you with a paper vaccine card verifying that you received the inoculation. This paper vaccine card (or another proof of vaccination) serves as your vaccine passport.

For those who prefer to have a digital version of their vaccine passport or fear losing this important document, GoodRx provides a Vaccine Wallet for GoodRx Care users. With their simple Vaccine Wallet feature, all you have to do is upload a photo of your COVID-19 vaccination record card, enter a few vaccine details, and you’re all set! To access your vaccine information wherever you are, just log in to your GoodRx Care account.

As more people become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is continuously updating its website with guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. Currently, the CDC states that “If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.” The CDC does recommend that you keep up to date on restrictions by checking the state or territorial and local health department where you are, along your route and your ultimate destination. Fully vaccinated people must also wear a mask over their nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States.

For those who are not fully vaccinated, the CDC advises that you continue to wear a mask, stay 6 feet away from others, wash your hands and take all precautions. And if you haven't been vaccinated yet, the CDC recommends you do so.

Know How To Find A Doctor While Traveling

If you find yourself in need of care while traveling, visiting with a doctor virtually is a quick and often affordable option for receiving expert insight on what’s ailing you. As mentioned earlier, GoodRx Care allows you to get professional medical help within minutes. There’s also the option to receive a new prescription if needed.

Among the services provided by GoodRx Care are poison oak and ivy treatment, flu treatment and short-term medicine refills. In addition to its convenience, GoodRx offers affordable and upfront pricing. The general cost of your virtual appointment with a specialist using GoodRx Care is only $49.

Additionally, the CDC is a great resource for finding a clinic if you prefer to see a specialist in person.

Traveling Within The U.S.? Here's How To Fill A Prescription Even If You're Far From Home

If you need to fill a prescription while on vacation, GoodRx’s easy-to-use pharmacy finder tool allows you to search pharmacies near you. Simply type the name of your prescription and set your location to find drug prices in the city you’re visiting. GoodRx also provides free coupons on prescriptions, so you’ll have plenty of extra cash for splurging on that seven-course tasting menu or stocking up on souvenirs for the family.

Keep in mind that coupons are valid at participating pharmacies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. When picking up your prescription, show the pharmacist the coupon on your mobile device’s browser or on the GoodRx app, and you’re good to go.

As you prepare for any upcoming vacations, it’s important that you’re aware of what medications you should bring and how to find care if you need it. Not only is GoodRx an excellent resource for uncovering deep discounts on prescriptions, the GoodRx website and app can help you find care on the go so your travels stay happy.

Visit GoodRx to save big on prescriptions, schedule a virtual visit with a specialist and more.