At Ildiko Varga Travel, IVT, we want every journey to be as smooth and enriching as possible—from the moment you start planning to the day you return home. This section is designed to help you prepare for your trip and stay healthy while you're away.

For country-specific health recommendations, we encourage you to consult trusted resources like TravelHealth Pro and Fit for Travel.

 

    JET LAG CALCULATOR                                      FLIGHT TIME CALCULATOR

 

 

Travel Vaccinations

We recommend speaking with your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. They’ll provide the most current advice tailored to your destination and personal health history, as not all vaccinations are suitable for everyone.

Vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly advised for travel to tropical and subtropical regions. It’s also important to ensure your routine immunizations—such as tetanus, polio, and TB—are up to date. For extended travel or remote destinations, additional vaccines like cholera, diphtheria, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis may be considered.

Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination, especially if you're arriving from affected regions in Central/South America or Sub-Saharan Africa. This vaccine not only protects you but helps prevent the spread of disease across borders. Requirements vary and can change frequently, so always confirm with your healthcare provider before traveling.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses & Prevention

Malaria is present in many tropical and subtropical regions and is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, which typically bites after sunset. While there’s no vaccine, antimalarial medications can help reduce your risk—but none are foolproof. That’s why mosquito bite prevention is essential.

Before traveling, consult your doctor or a travel health clinic. Share your full itinerary so they can prescribe the right antimalarial for your destinations. Some medications may have side effects or interact with existing conditions, so personalized advice is key. Be sure to take the medication exactly as directed, including after your return, to cover the incubation period.

 

 Other Mosquito-Borne Risks

Beyond malaria and yellow fever, mosquitoes can carry other serious illnesses:

  • Zika Virus: Spread by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day. Most cases are mild, but Zika has been linked to birth defects. Pregnant travelers or those planning pregnancy should avoid destinations with known Zika transmission and consult their doctor for the latest guidance.

  • Dengue & Chikungunya: Also transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. These viruses can cause fever and, in rare cases, severe complications. Dengue is one of the most common causes of fever in travelers returning from tropical areas.

 

 Bite Prevention Tips

Protecting yourself from bites—day and night—is essential. Here’s how:

Clothing & Barriers

  • Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk

  • Use mosquito nets when sleeping in unscreened rooms or outdoors

  • Choose nets treated with insecticide for added protection

Repellents: Conventional & Natural

  • DEET-based repellents are widely considered the most effective

  • Natural alternatives include:

    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) – proven to be nearly as effective as DEET

    • Citronella – commonly used in sprays and candles; best for short-term use

    • Lavender oil – pleasant scent and mild repellent properties

    • Tea tree oil – offers antibacterial benefits and mild repellent effects

    • Neem oil – used traditionally in tropical regions for its insect-repelling properties

    • Geranium and peppermint oils – often blended into natural repellent formulas

Apply repellents to exposed skin and reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating. Pack enough for your trip, as natural and conventional repellents may be hard to find abroad.

Additional Measures

  • Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing—consider treating clothes with permethrin

  • Burn pyrethroid coils or use plug-in diffusers to deter mosquitoes indoors

If you feel unwell after your trip, let your doctor know where you’ve traveled. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.

 Food & Water Safety

Staying healthy while traveling starts with smart choices around food and water. In many destinations, hygiene standards may differ from what you're used to, so a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing travelers’ diarrhea and other illnesses.

  • Water: Avoid drinking tap water or using it to brush your teeth unless it’s been boiled, filtered, or chemically treated. A refillable bottle with a built-in filter is ideal. Bottled water is a safe alternative, and always check that the seal is intact. Skip ice cubes unless you’re certain they’re made from purified water.

  • Fresh Produce: Salads and raw vegetables can be contaminated if washed in untreated water. Stick to fruit you can peel yourself and cooked vegetables.

  • Hot Food: Make sure meals are served piping hot and haven’t been sitting out. Avoid leftovers or anything that looks reheated.

  • Street Food: Sampling local street food can be a highlight of your trip. Follow your guide’s recommendations and choose vendors who prepare food fresh and serve it hot.

  • Hygiene: Wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom. If soap and water aren’t available, carry hand sanitizer or wipes.

If you do experience stomach upset, stay hydrated with clean fluids and use oral rehydration salts. Seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.

Drinking Tap Water Safety Worldwide | Travel Health Pro

 Altitude Awareness

Many breathtaking destinations—like the Andes or the Himalayas—are located at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower. While most travelers adjust without issue, altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness.

Common symptoms include breathlessness, headaches, vivid dreams, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, more severe symptoms like nausea and dizziness may occur.

To minimize discomfort:

  • Ascend gradually and rest upon arrival

  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, smoking, and heavy meals

  • Use pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches

  • Consult your doctor about altitude medications if needed

Local Remedies: Coca tea is often offered in South America, but be cautious. The leaves may not be hygienically processed, and boiling temperatures at altitude may not fully purify the water. Coca products are also illegal to import into many countries, including the US and UK.

  •  Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

    Long flights or extended periods of sitting can increase the risk of DVT. To stay safe:

    • Stretch and move your legs regularly

    • Speak to your health care provider about compression socks

    • Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine

    • If you have a history of DVT, recent surgery, or heart/lung conditions, consult your doctor before flying

 Sun Protection

Whether you're hiking at altitude or lounging on a tropical beach, sun exposure can be intense. UV rays are stronger at higher elevations and reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and snow.

Protect yourself by:

  • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing

  • Applying high-SPF sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming

  • Seeking shade during peak sun hours

  • Wearing a T-shirt and shorts while snorkeling or swimming for extended periods

  •  Traveling with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

    At IVT, we understand that good planning is key to a safe and enjoyable journey—especially when managing health conditions. Before you travel, make sure your itinerary and insurance cover your destinations, planned activities, and any pre-existing medical needs. A pre-trip consultation with your doctor or nurse can be invaluable, particularly if you take medication on a strict schedule that may be affected by time zone changes.

    Medication Tips

    • Pack enough medication to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays

    • Keep all medicines in your hand luggage, not checked bags

    • If refrigeration is needed, request a fridge in your room ahead of time

    • Travel with your prescription and original packaging to avoid issues with customs

    • Be aware of international regulations—some medications legal at home may be restricted abroad

    • For liquid medications, airline rules may be waived with proper documentation

    You can find more guidance on traveling with medication through NHS Choices.

     

     Accessibility & Support

    If you need wheelchair access or additional assistance at airports, on flights, or during your trip, please let us know in advance. We’ll coordinate with our partners to ensure your comfort and mobility throughout your journey.

     

     Mental Wellbeing on the Road

    Travel is exciting—but it can also be stressful. We encourage you to prepare for challenges like jet lag, sleep disruption, culture shock, or travel anxiety. Research your destination, know what to expect, and have strategies in place to support your mental well-being. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help—your health and peace of mind matter.