You guys, getting ready for a 12 day trip over the holidays has been insane. Wrapping things up at work, celebrating the holidays with friends here in Omaha before we go, making arrangements for Punkin, packing, etc. etc. We fly to Florida today and I only took my suitcases out of storage last night!
Recently at work I was talking about our cruise and my coworker asked me if I had gotten my travel vaccinations yet. I felt so stupid but I didn’t even know what she meant. Apparently before you go to another country you’re supposed to check and see if you need any vaccinations for illnesses they have there that we have not been exposed to.
A quick Google search led me to the CDC website where I was able to check the specific countries we’re going to to see if there were any vaccines we needed to get. Lo and behold, they recommend a typhoid shot for travelers to Caribbean countries. (They also recommend this for Mexico and I’ve been there twice without even thinking to check a vaccination list. Lesson learned!)
Because of my work with Minute Clinic in the past I know they’re a good resource for things like this. They’re open seven days a week and you don’t need an appointment. I went on their website and found an entire section dedicated to travel health. Seriously, did the whole world know about this but me?
Josh and I stopped in together for a pre-travel consultation. It was easy and quick and the Doctor we met with was super helpful and knowledgeable. We reviewed where we were going, what shots were recommended for those countries, and some general wellness tips to practice while abroad. While getting the shots weren’t cheap, I appreciate that CVS puts all their prices online. And in my mind it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
So others don’t find themselves caught unaware when planning their first cruise, I made this graphic with my top health tips for first-time cruisers. A stop to Minute Clinic will now always be on my agenda before international travel!
Questions of the Day: Have you gotten vaccines before international travel? Have you been to Minute Clinic before? What is a tip you follow to stay healthy while traveling?
Thanks to Minute Clinic for their continued partnership with Her Heartland Soul.
This is new to me, too. I’ve cruised five times before and never once got vaccinated (I don’t even have a “Real” passport. I have a passport CARD, so I can only drive or sail into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean). This is great information to have. I’m going to Mexico next year on another cruise. Thanks, Erin!
I never did vaccinate before traveling abroad and didn’t even think of it now that you say that. It’s good to know though. You never know what you could end up getting. Thanks for sharing.
We are big cruisers, but I have never thought to check with the CDC before. Good pointer! Not sure if we would actually end up opting for the vaccine, would probably depend how far we plan to venture from the ship, but it’s good to know your options. Such a great list! Definitely hand sanitize! Even if you don’t the cruise staff will make well sure you have plenty lol.
I currently have a travel linkup going on and this post would make a great addition! Feel free to join in on the fun 🙂 http://www.lifessweetwords.com/2016/12/traveltuesday-115-year-in-review.html
Have a wonderful afternoon!
It’s been years since the hubby and I have been on a cruise. I wasn’t prepared at all the first time. These are great tips!
Thank you so much for this, girl! This is super helpful. I’ve never been on a cruise or traveled very far before, so this is useful for me!
I took my first cruise a few years ago and loved. From the time I returned I have been planning to travel on more cruises. This information is right on time. I need to see my doctor asap and let her know where we are traveling in case she needs to vaccinate me.
I never got a vaccination to cruise, doesn’t mean its not a good way to go though. I hope you enjoyed your cruise, I love the longer cruises, planning on a Mediterranean one soon.