How to Stay Healthy When Traveling

I am sure that you have seen the news recently - it has been going 24/7 with increasingly alarming headlines about CoVid-19 (the new official name for the coronavirus that emerged in December). So, just what should you believe? Where is the most reliable information coming from? What am I and my partners doing in the face of this situation?

For starters, the best and most up to date information is coming from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Here is a link to their site: CDC CoVid-19

I can assure you that I am in constant contact with my partners around the globe as this situation is monitored. I receive daily updates detailing their responses and preventative measures and I am keeping a close eye on all of these messages.

As we all look forward to the state of travel returning back to normal very soon, it's important in the mean time to make note of ways to help ensure that you enjoy a safe and worry-free vacation. Here are a few best practices for healthy travel at any time: • Pack 14 days of extra medication — In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please bring additional prescription medication for at least two weeks beyond the scheduled length of your trip. Also, bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required. • Provide Emergency Contact — It is critical that you provide me with a validated emergency contact & phone number. The emergency contact should not be traveling with you. This emergency contact should be another personal connection - in other words, a family member or friend. • Mobile phone instructions — When traveling outside of the US, you should enable an international travel plan which includes service for both voice and data. Cell phones will not work the same in all countries without an international plan, and Wi-Fi is not as available in many countries. An international plan will enable you to stay connected at a reasonable rate, and ensure that you can be contacted. • Purchase travel protection — It's always a good idea to purchase some form of travel protection, not only to protect you from any losses stemming from unforeseeable circumstances during your vacation, but to give you confidence to make new plans with the "cancel for any reason" coverage offered by many travel insurance carriers. • Practice healthy travel habits — According to the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the simplest and most effective way to prevent illness, is to take extra care to practice basic health habits, including: -Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds -Taking advantage of hand sanitizer wherever it's available -Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or your bent elbow. Always dispose of the used tissue and wash your hands afterwards -Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands -Avoiding close contact with sick people

Finally, Be aware of latest health advisories and new travel restrictions as issued by the US Department of State and the CDC