The Most Common Travel Health Mistakes I See….And How to Avoid Them

By a certified travel health nurse who’s seen it all

Planning your dream vacation? Flights booked, hotel secured, excursions mapped out. Now what?

At some point between packing your outfits and setting your “out of office,” the thought creeps in: Do I need travel vaccinations before my trip? Should I get malaria pills? What if I get sick abroad, will my insurance cover it?

As a travel health nurse, I see the same mistakes over and over again, ones that can lead to unnecessary stress, last-minute scrambles, or even serious health risks. The good news? They’re easy to avoid if you know what to watch for.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book Your Travel Health Appointment

Timing is everything when it comes to vaccines and travel medications. Many people ask:

• How far in advance should I book a travel health appointment?
• Do I need vaccines if I’m only going for one week?

Here’s why early planning matters:

• The yellow fever vaccine must be given at least 10 days before entering certain countries.
• Some vaccines (like hepatitis A, typhoid, or rabies) may require multiple doses, which take time to schedule.
• Not all pharmacies carry every vaccine—sometimes they need to be ordered in.

👉 Pro tip: Even if your departure is tomorrow, a consultation is still worth it:

• Partial vaccine protection from a first dose is better than none.
• Same-day medications are possible (malaria, diarrhea, altitude sickness).
• Updated safety guidance on food, water, insect precautions, and outbreak alerts.

Virtual Travel Clinic makes it possible to get last-minute travel health advice, prescriptions, and vaccine support 

Key takeaway: Book your travel health consult at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.

2. Skipping Travel Insurance

No one thinks they’ll need it… until they do. From broken bones to allergic reactions to unexpected hospital stays, emergencies happen everywhere. Without coverage, medical bills abroad can cost thousands of dollars.

When comparing policies, check:

• Does it cover emergency medical evacuation?
• Does it include trip cancellation or lost baggage?
• Do you have quick access to your insurance info while abroad?

Travel insurance isn’t just paperwork—it’s your safety net.

Key takeaway: Travel insurance = peace of mind + financial protection.

3. Forgetting Sun Protection and Insect Repellent

Two of the biggest mistakes I see:

• ☀️ Not reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating).
• 🦟 Skipping insect repellent in destinations where mosquitoes carry malaria, dengue, or Japanese encephalitis.

Remember this order:

1. Apply sunscreen first.
2. Wait 20 minutes.
3. Apply insect repellent (with at least 30% DEET).

Doing it in reverse reduces sunscreen effectiveness.

Key takeaway: Reapply sunscreen and insect repellent correctly to avoid preventable misery.

4. Not Packing a Travel Health Kit

Many travellers ask: What should I pack in a travel health kit?

📋 Here’s a starter list:

• Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheals, and motion sickness tablets
• Oral rehydration salts (check with your doctor if you have chronic kidney disease)
• Bandaids, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer
• Prescribed medications (in original packaging, with backup copies of prescriptions)
• Sexual health supplies if relevant
• Destination-specific items (e.g., altitude sickness meds, water purification tablets)

Not having these on hand means you could waste precious time hunting for supplies abroad—sometimes in a different language.

Key takeaway: A well-stocked kit can turn a potential crisis into a non-issue.

TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read): Summary for Travelling Smarter

Avoiding these common mistakes makes your trip safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Quick recap:

✅ Book your travel health appointment at least 4–6 weeks early if possible 

✅ Always travel with comprehensive insurance

✅ Use sunscreen and repellent properly

✅ Pack a custom travel health kit

At Virtual Travel Clinic, we make travel health simple and stress-free. From vaccines and prescriptions to personalized advice, our team is here to give you the confidence to explore the world.

👉 Book your online travel health consultation today—and have the confidence to go, knowing you are protected and prepared for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How early should I get vaccines before travelling?
Ideall,y 4–6 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines take multiple doses to be fully effective.

Q: Can I get travel vaccines at a regular pharmacy?
Some pharmacies offer them, but not all stock every vaccine. Our partner pharmacies do.

Q: Do I need malaria pills for my trip?
It depends on your destination and itinerary. A travel health consult will determine if you need them.

Q: What should I include in my travel health kit?
Pain relievers, allergy meds, bandages, hand sanitizer, prescriptions, and any destination-specific items.

📌 Next step: Don’t leave your health to chance. Book your Virtual Travel Clinic appointment today and travel with confidence.