International Travel Health: What Every Student and Parent Needs to Know

Traveling abroad as a high school student is thrilling—but it’s not all sightseeing and Instagram moments. Whether you’re heading out for a school trip, an exchange program, or just family travel, keeping your health in check is a must. Here’s what really matters before you board that flight or cross any border.

First thing’s first: vaccines and paperwork. Some countries will outright turn you away if you’re missing required vaccinations. Check the official recommendations for your destination—not just routine shots like tetanus or measles, but region-specific ones like yellow fever or typhoid. Get these sorted at least a month before your trip to allow any side effects to show up and to give your immune system a head start.

Next up, don’t mess around with medication rules. Sure, you might be used to popping an allergy pill or carrying an EpiPen in your backpack, but not every country is cool with your usual meds. Some prescription or even over-the-counter drugs are banned in certain places. For instance, regular cold tablets can cause trouble in countries like Japan or the United Arab Emirates. Check embassy websites for the latest updates before you pack anything with medical labels. Always carry meds in original packaging, with your prescription and a doctor’s note—it’s a lifesaver at customs.

Mosquitoes don’t care if you’re a tourist or a local, so don’t brush off advice about insect-borne diseases like malaria or dengue. Pack quality repellent, cover up at dusk, and get those malaria pills if they’re recommended. Drink only bottled or filtered water if you have any doubts about tap water safety—it’s one of the most common reasons students end up sick on trips.

Food is another big one. Street food makes for killer selfies, but it can leave you glued to a bathroom for days. Go for food that’s steaming hot, skip the raw salads if water sources aren’t safe, and carry a stash of familiar snacks for backup, especially if you have allergies or food sensitivities.

Parents—don’t let your teens gloss over insurance. Regular medical insurance won’t always cover overseas care or evacuation. A travel insurance plan that includes health coverage pays for itself with one trip to the clinic. Store digital copies of insurance details, prescriptions, ID, and vaccine cards so nothing vital gets lost along the way.

Staying healthy while traveling is about being proactive, not paranoid. Encourage your teen to tell a teacher or host family about any health issue—they shouldn’t hide it out of fear of missing activities. Pack a basic first-aid kit, routine meds, and a comfort item that works when jet lag or nerves hit. Little things make a big difference when you’re halfway across the world.

International travel during high school sets the stage for independence and cultural growth. But it’s way easier to enjoy new worlds when you’re not sidelined by stomach bugs or stuck in a clinic. A little preparation means more energy for adventure—and way fewer headaches for parents back home.