More Than Just Vaccines: What Not to Forget Before you Travel!
- Dr Shidan, Kids Travel Doc
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
When you're travelling with kids, vaccines are a big part of keeping them safe and healthy but they’re not the whole story. There are a few other key things that can make a huge difference to your child’s health on the go. Here are some non-vaccine essentials of your child’s travel health plan. Check out our checklist at the end of this page!
1. Insect Bite Prevention: Keep the Mosquitoes and Bugs at Bay
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects aren’t just annoying, they can carry diseases like dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis, especially in tropical areas.
For parents, this means packing a few must-haves:
Child-safe insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
Long sleeves and pants for dusk and dawn
Bed nets for rural or open-air stays
Permethrin-treated clothing for high-risk zones
Tip: Avoid heavily scented lotions, perfumes or soaps, mozzies love them!
2. Safe Food and Water Habits: Skip the Tummy Troubles
Nothing puts a damper on a trip faster than a child with traveller’s tummy. Loose stools and stomach upset are amongst the more common health issues during travel.
Bottled or boiled water only
No ice unless water source is confirmed safe
Eat hot, fresh, well-cooked food
Avoid raw fruit, salad, and seafood unless you peel it yourself
3. Sunscreen and Hydration: Stay Cool, Stay Covered
Children can get sunburned faster than adults even on cloudy days. Combine that with hot weather and lots of running around, its important to stay hydrated!
SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapplied often
Broad-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing
Sunglasses with UV protection
Water bottle for each child and encourage frequent sips
Oral rehydration salts in your kit
4. Travel Insurance: Be Ready for the Unexpected
Before you board that plane, double-check your travel insurance. Having medical cover for accidents and illness is essential.
Medical coverage for children
Emergency evacuation cover
Check cover for pre-existing conditions
Policy saved on your phone and paper copy just in case
5. Car Safety: Safety First, Even Abroad
Even if car safety isn’t always top of mind in other countries, it should be for families it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent serious injuries while travelling
Bring or hire an age-appropriate car seat
Buckle up every ride, even in taxis and rideshares
Know the local traffic rules
Cross roads carefully (and always hold little hands!)
Our Kids Travel Doc's Pre-Travel Checklist
TRAVEL HEALTH BASICS
☐ Book travel health consult 4–6 weeks before trip
☐ Check if any vaccines are needed
☐ Pack travel documents and immunisation records (e.g. Yellow Fever Booklet)
INSECT PROTECTION
☐ DEET or picaridin repellent (child-safe)
☐ Long clothing for evenings
☐ Treated bed net if needed
☐ Anti-itch cream or antihistamine
FOOD & WATER SAFETY
☐ Bottled/boiled water plan
☐ Snacks from trusted sources
☐ Oral rehydration salts
☐ Hand sanitiser and alcohol wipes
SUN & HEAT
☐ SPF 50+ sunscreen
☐ Water bottles
☐ UV hats/sunglasses/clothing
☐ Cooling towel or fan
TRAVEL INSURANCE
☐ Medical and hospital cover
☐ Check for emergency evacuation
☐ Trip cancellation coverage
☐ Print and digital copies of policy
TRANSPORT SAFETY
☐ Car seat or booster
☐ Road safety review for kids
☐ Safe transport options arranged in advance
MEDICAL PREP
☐ First aid kit (kid-friendly)
☐ Medications (with script copies)
☐ Emergency contacts, list of overseas clinics/hospitals and embassy info
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For personalised travel health recommendations, always speak to your GP or a travel health specialist.
