8 Vaccines Needed to Help You Travel More Safely Internationally
Cynthia Amin • March 9, 2021
The time has finally arrived for your highly anticipated international trip. Your trip was planned last year, and everything has been confirmed: airplane tickets, hotel reservations, and tours. You went shopping for new clothes, got your suitcase from the closet and the excitement is growing every day as you get closer to your departure.
But wait--what about vaccines?
Is this one more preparation that needs to be added to the "To Do" list? Traveling out of the country can be daunting. Pictures of exotic destinations combined with new, curious foods dance off the pages of the travel brochures. Anticipating the unexpected can be a challenge and exciting for even the most seasoned traveler. You have contacted your doctor and your doctor recommends several vaccines. But are they necessary? How do you evaluate the risks? And now, we may have to add another vaccine to travel to the list.
Covid-19
As more people around the world receive the Covid-19 vaccine, people may be more willing to travel. While getting the vaccine can minimize travel restrictions, there are still many factors to consider. There is even a chance that individual states could require visitors to be vaccinated for COVID-19, in the same way they require public school students to show proof of vaccinations for certain diseases, like polio and hepatitis A,
The travel industry — not to mention travelers — are eager for a return to normal so people can once again fly, cruise and road-trip like they did before the pandemic. Now that the Covid-19 rollout is underway, many are hoping it will be the key to help the world get traveling again.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the COVID-19 vaccination may not be required to board domestic flights, but a Covid-19 vaccine may be required to travel internationally. There are no answers now, but this is something we are going to have to watch.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through contact with blood. In the US, Hepatitis B is primarily found in adults, and is spread through intimate contact or through sharing needles used with illicit drugs. Hepatitis B is more common in the general population in East and Southeast Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Unless you plan to spend extended periods in close contact with infected persons, the risks of contracting Hepatitis B while traveling is extremely small.
Polio
Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The disease is seen primarily in children under five years of age; the initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. Polio is nearly eradicated but was once common throughout the undeveloped world. There have been no cases of wild polio in the Western Hemisphere since 1991.
Tetanus
Tetanus is an acute, spastic paralytic illness caused by a toxin released from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is found in soils and animal feces throughout the world. Neonatal tetanus is the deadliest and the type most often pictured in textbook cases of tetanus.
Tetanus is not a uniformly fatal disease. If you are traveling to remote areas, such as the backpacking in areas without medical care and without clean water, you may want to consider your tetanus status.
One thing to remember is that a tetanus shot does not guarantee protection. If you get cut, your best protection against tetanus is to thoroughly clean the wound with large amounts of warm, soapy water, and to encourage the injury to bleed profusely for a few minutes. Apply hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound, followed by a topical antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.
What About Exotic Diseases?
When traveling overseas, it is possible to encounter some illnesses not generally seen in the US. The Centers for Disease Control lists the following infections as possible concerns for anyone traveling to any destination around the globe:
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid Fever, an acute, febrile illness caused by the bacterium salmonella typhi, is characterized by fever, headache, and enlargement of the spleen. The greatest risk is for travelers to the Indian subcontinent and to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America who will have prolonged exposure to potentially unrefrigerated foods.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can vary in severity from a flu-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. The disease occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa and rural, tropical South America.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis is another mosquito-borne viral infection that is found throughout Asia, particularly in rural or agricultural areas of the temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The risk to short-term travelers to cities is extremely low. For all these potential infections, it is important to obtain a natural mosquito repellant, one that is free of DEET, the toxic additive found in most insect repellants.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that has an onset of fever and diarrhea, followed within a few days by jaundice (turning yellow). The disease ranges in clinical severity from no symptoms to a mild illness lasting one to two weeks.
Although widespread throughout the world, Hepatitis A can be prevented by carefully following the hygiene and following a few food recommendations:
1. Eat only cooked foods hot to the touch. Avoid eating food from street vendors.
2. Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.
3. Drink only "safe" beverages: sealed bottled water, hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and boiled water; avoid drinking beverages with ice.
5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood (hepatitis risk).
6. Avoid all tap water and be careful of getting shower water in your mouth. When dining in restaurants, ask whether the salad greens have been washed in boiled, distilled, or bottled water.
7. Avoid milk and dairy products of unknown refrigeration standards.
What is Recommended and What is Required?
Although the CDC recommends that all travelers obtain vaccines when traveling abroad, it is important to realize that, with one exception, no vaccine is required before you travel anywhere in the world: they are only "recommended."
You will not be required to have a vaccination record to enter a country, nor will you be required to obtain vaccines to return home. The sole exception is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which may be required if you travel to or from a South American or African country infected with Yellow Fever.
The recommendations can vary from country to country; if such a destination is part of your travel plans, you should look up the Yellow Fever requirements for that specific country.
I have been traveling the world for many years and I have only had to get a yellow fever vaccine. If, however, a Covid-19 vaccine is required for travel, I will be happy to get the vaccine and show my “Covid-19 Vaccine” passport to continue to travel the world.
Final Thoughts
As of now most countries are launching and working on their passport programs. As the vaccine becomes widely available and technology improves, an international standard vaccine passport may be required for travel.
If you enjoyed these tips and would like to know more about Colesville Travel, please email us or give us a call at 301-989-1654.
Until then, stay inspired until we can safely travel again.
Cindy
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If you've ever wondered, "Why should I use a travel advisor when I can book everything online?" you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions I hear, and it's a fair one. The internet has made travel look incredibly simple. In just a few minutes, you can book a flight, reserve a hotel, and purchase a tour. It feels easy. It feels convenient. But here's what many travelers don't realize until something goes wrong: Booking travel and planning a successful trip are two very different things. Anyone Can Book a Trip. Not Everyone Can Design an Experience. Booking online is like buying ingredients at the grocery store. Working with a travel advisor is like having a professional chef prepare the meal. Both start with the same ingredients, but the outcome can be dramatically different. When I work with my clients, my goal isn't simply to book a vacation. My goal is to create an experience that fits who they are, how they like to travel, and what memories they want to bring home. That's something a search engine simply can't do. What Are You Really Paying For? Many people assume they're paying a travel advisor just to click "Book." In reality, you're investing in years of experience, industry relationships, destination knowledge, and professional guidance. You're paying for someone who asks questions you may not have even considered. Questions like : Is this hotel in a safe neighborhood? Is it walkable? Will the room category you've chosen meet your needs? Is this itinerary too rushed? Are there hidden resort fees? Will you need visas or vaccinations? Is there a better flight connection that gives you more time at your destination? These details can make the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. Online Booking Sites Don't Know You Travel websites are designed to sell inventory. They don't know that you love small boutique hotels instead of giant resorts. They don't know you have mobility concerns. They don't know you're celebrating a milestone anniversary or traveling with three generations of family. They don't know that avoiding a six-hour layover is worth paying a little more. As your travel advisor, I get to know you. The more we work together, the better I understand your travel style, your priorities, and your expectations. That means every trip becomes more personalized than the last. The Cheapest Price Isn't Always the Best Value This is one of the biggest misconceptions in travel. The lowest advertised price often leaves out important details. That "great deal" may include: Basic airfare with expensive baggage fees Non-refundable reservations Long airport layovers Poor hotel locations Limited customer service No flexibility if plans change Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves hundreds—or even thousands—later. Value isn't about paying the least. It's about getting the most for your money. When Things Go Wrong, Who Has Your Back? Travel is unpredictable. Flights get canceled. Weather changes. Hotels overbook. Luggage gets delayed. Tours get canceled. When you book online, you're often left navigating automated phone systems, chatbots, or spending hours on hold trying to fix the problem yourself. When you work with a travel advisor, you have someone in your corner. Someone who can advocate for you, help find solutions, and guide you through unexpected situations. That peace of mind is something you can't put a price on. Your Time Is Valuable Planning a trip can easily take 15 to 30 hours—or more. Researching destinations. Comparing hotels. Reading hundreds of reviews. Checking airline schedules. Looking at maps. Trying to figure out which information is actually reliable. Your time has value. Many of my clients would rather spend their evenings looking forward to their vacation than spending weeks trying to plan it. That's where I come in. Experience Matters I've spent more than 30 years helping travelers explore the world. I've learned which hotels consistently deliver exceptional service. I know which excursions are worth your time—and which ones aren't. I understand the details that many travelers don't discover until they're already at their destination. Experience helps prevent costly mistakes before they happen. Travel Should Feel Exciting—Not Stressful The best vacations begin long before you leave home. They begin with confidence. Confidence that everything has been thoughtfully planned. Confidence that someone has considered the details. Confidence that if something unexpected happens, you're not handling it alone. That's the real value of working with a travel advisor. Not because you can't book online, ut because you deserve more than a reservation. You deserve a well-planned travel experience designed around you. Final Thoughts The internet is an excellent tool for gathering information. But information alone isn't expertise. When you work with a trusted travel advisor, you're gaining an advocate, a planner, a problem solver, and someone who genuinely wants your vacation to be everything you've dreamed it would be. After all, travel isn't just about getting from one place to another. It's about creating memories that last a lifetime. When you are ready to book that long deserved vacation contact Colesville Travel at 301-989-1654 or send an email to cindy@colesvilletravel.com . Until then, Stay inspired, Cindy #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelPlanning #VacationPlanning #TravelExpert #TravelTips #LuxuryTravel #GroupTravel #CustomTravel #TravelSmarter #TravelBetter #TravelWithConfidence #ColesvilleTravel #TravelWithCindy #ExperienceMakesTheDifference
Travel is supposed to feel exciting. But for many people, planning a vacation can also bring stress, nervousness, and overwhelm. If you’ve ever worried about flying, airports, safety, delays, or simply being far from home, you are not alone. Travel anxiety is more common than people realize. This is felt even among experienced travelers. The good news? Travel does not have to feel stressful. With proper planning, realistic expectations, and the right support, you can reduce travel anxiety and actually enjoy the experience again. What Is Travel Anxiety? Travel anxiety is the stress, fear, or nervousness people experience before or during a trip. It can happen whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Some travelers experience mild nervousness, while others feel intense stress leading up to departure day. Common forms of travel anxiety include: • Fear of flying • Anxiety about airports • Stress over travel documents • Fear of getting lost • Worry about international travel • Anxiety about safety and unfamiliar places • Stress from crowded airports and long flights • Fear of travel delays or cancellations Even luxury travelers and seasoned travelers can experience travel stress. Why Travel Feels More Stressful Today Modern travel has become more complicated than it used to be. Travelers now navigate: • Airline delays and cancellations • Entry requirements and passport rules • Crowded airports • Long security lines • Flight changes • Overpacked itineraries • Constant travel updates online Social media can also create pressure for vacations to look “perfect,” which adds another layer of stress. Sometimes travelers become so focused on planning every detail that they forget to enjoy the journey itself. Signs You May Be Experiencing Travel Anxiety You may be dealing with travel anxiety if you: • Feel overwhelmed before a trip • Constantly check flight details • Overpack “just in case” • Avoid booking trips altogether • Feel nervous days before departure • Worry excessively about things going wrong • Struggle to relax while traveling Recognizing travel anxiety is important because once you understand it, you can take steps to manage it. How to Reduce Travel Anxiety 1. Plan Ahead One of the easiest ways to reduce travel stress is to avoid last-minute planning. Organizing flights, transportation, travel insurance, and important documents early create peace of mind. 2. Keep Your Itinerary Balanced Trying to do too much can make travel exhausting. Leave room for downtime, relaxation, and flexibility. Some of the best moments of travel happen unexpectedly. 3. Work With a Travel Advisor Many travelers feel less anxious when they have professional support before and during their trip. A travel advisor can help manage: • Flights • Hotels • Transportation • Destination guidance • Travel requirements • Emergency assistance Having expert support allows travelers to feel more confident and prepared. 4. Arrive Early for Flights Rushing through an airport increases stress immediately. Giving yourself extra time can make the travel experience feel calmer and more manageable. 5. Focus on the Experience — Not Perfection No trip is perfect. Delays happen. Weather changes. Plans shift. Travel becomes much more enjoyable when you focus on meaningful experiences instead of perfect schedules. Can Travel Anxiety Ever Be Helpful? Surprisingly, a small amount of travel anxiety is normal. Traveling pushes people outside of their routines and comfort zones. That nervous energy often comes from stepping into something new. Travel builds: • Confidence • Adaptability • Independence • Cultural awareness • Personal growth Many travelers return home feeling stronger and more empowered than before they left. Final Thoughts on Travel Anxiety Travel anxiety is real, but it should not stop you from seeing the world. The key is learning how to travel in a way that feels comfortable, supported, and enjoyable for you personally. The world is still full of incredible experiences waiting to be explored, sometimes you just need the right preparation and support to enjoy them fully. Call us at 301-989-1654 to stay connected or visit our website https://www.colesvilletravel.com Stay inspired! Cindy #TravelAnxiety #TravelTips #WomenWhoTravel #LuxuryTravel #TravelStress #TravelPlanning #TravelAdvisor #GroupTravel #TravelWell #MindfulTravel #TravelWithCindy #ColesvilleTravel #InternationalTravel #TravelLifestyle
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Are you passionate about exploring the world and love sharing adventures with your friends? Travel is most meaningful when it’s shared with the people you enjoy most. If you love exploring the world and bringing friends together, there’s a well-designed, effortless way to do just that. With expert support from Colesville Travel, every detail is thoughtfully arranged whether you prefer a fully escorted experience or a relaxed journey at your own pace. Through our Adventure Ambassador Program , you can enjoy beautifully curated group travel while receiving exclusive benefits along the way. If you’re ready to travel well with your circle, we invite you to explore the Adventure Ambassador experience. 1. Become the Trusted Curator for Your Travel Circle Many people dream of traveling but are hesitant because of the details involved such as selecting the right destination, choosing accommodations, and coordinating experiences. By bringing your circle together with the support of Colesville Travel, you offer them a beautifully curated trip where every segment of your travel is thoughtfully arranged, making group travel feel effortless, refined, and truly enjoyable. 2. Take the Stress Out of Group Travel Bringing a group together doesn’t mean managing every detail yourself. Colesville Travel takes care of all the arrangements in advance, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating the details. Colesville Travel handles all trip arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience so your group can travel with ease, comfort, and confidence from start to finish. Everything will be organized for maximum fun and minimal hassle. 3. Inspire Your Friends to Explore Traveling together invites your friends to enjoy experiences they may not have chosen on their own - beautifully curated and effortlessly enjoyed. From private wine tastings in Italy and refined beach retreats in the Caribbean to unforgettable safaris in Africa, immersive food experiences in Bangkok, or exclusive museum visits in France, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to reflect the destination at its very best. With the support of the Adventure Ambassador Program and the expertise of Colesville Travel, you and your guests simply arrive, relax, and savor the journey. 4. Enjoy Meaningful Rewards While Traveling Well One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling with your circle is the added benefits that come with it. Through the Adventure Ambassador Program , thoughtfully curated group travel can include exclusive savings, preferred amenities, and in some cases, complimentary travel opportunities. With Colesville Travel handling every detail, your passion for exploring the world is enhanced with meaningful rewards, without compromising comfort, quality, or experience. 5. Create Lifelong Memories and Connections Travel is about more than where you go, it’s about how it makes you feel and who you are sharing it with. Traveling with your friends allows you to create moments that linger long after the trip ends: elegant dinners with unforgettable views, enriching guided experiences, and shared discoveries in beautiful destinations. With every trip carefully arranged, these trips naturally become cherished memories and lasting connections. Final Thoughts Travel is at its most rewarding when it’s shared. If there’s a destination you’ve been dreaming about, this is your opportunity to experience it alongside friends in a way that feels effortless, refined, and thoughtfully curated. With expert planning and personalized support from Colesville Travel, you and your circle can enjoy the journey from the very first idea to the final memory, beautifully arranged, and entirely your own. Contact Colesville Travel at 301-989-1654 to learn more or click Adventure Ambassador Program for more information. Until then, stay inspired Cindy #TravelWithFriends #GroupTravelMadeEasy #MatureWomenTravel #TravelLeadership #AdventureAmbassador #SharedAdventures #GirlsGetaway #TravelCommunity #LuxuryTravelWithFriends #TravelTogether
Travel is changing and, in many ways, it’s getting better. As someone who’s been planning trips for decades and traveling the world firsthand, I can tell you this with confidence that 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year to travel, especially for travelers who value comfort, culture, and meaningful experiences over rushing from place to place. If you’re thinking about traveling in 2026, whether it’s a bucket-list destination, a long-awaited celebration, or simply time to enjoy the world again I hope this guide will help you understand what’s coming, where to go, and how to prepare so your trip feels exciting instead of overwhelming. What’s Trending in Travel for 2026 One of the biggest shifts I’m seeing is that people are traveling with more intention. Travelers aren’t just asking where they want to go but they are asking how they want to feel while they’re there. From my research here is what’s stands out for 2026: Fewer Trips, Better Experiences Instead of packing in multiple destinations, travelers are slowing down. Travelers are staying longer, making deeper connections, and are taking the time to actually enjoy the destination. These items are becoming the priority. Comfort Matters More Than Ever Premium economy, business class upgrades, smaller group tours, private transfers, and well-located hotels are no longer “extras” but are part of traveling well. Meaningful & Cultural Travel People want experiences that feel personal: food tours, local guides, heritage travel, music, art, wine, and history and not just photo stops. Small Group & Hosted Travel Travelers love knowing someone else has handled the details. Small group journeys, escorted trips, and curated itineraries are especially popular heading into 2026. Where to Go in 2026 While the classics will always be popular, 2026 is the perfect year to explore destinations that offer rich culture without the chaos. Here are a few standouts travelers are gravitating toward: Europe—Beyond the Obvious Think Portugal, Southern Italy, France beyond Paris, river cruising, and train-based itineraries. These allow you to see more without constantly unpacking. Africa & Heritage Travel Countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Morocco continue to grow in popularity, especially for travelers seeking history, connection, and powerful experiences. Alaska & Expedition-Style Cruising Alaska remains a favorite, especially for travelers who want nature, wildlife, and comfort all in one trip without flying overseas. Caribbean with Purpose Instead of just beach time, travelers are choosing islands that offer culture, food, rum tastings, sailing, and local experiences alongside relaxation. How to Prepare for Travel in 2026 (Start Now) Here’s something I say often and it’s more important than ever: The best trips are planned early. Waiting until the last minute usually means fewer choices and higher prices. Travelers who start preparing for their trip early, enjoy better flight options, better hotels, and far less stress. Here’s what I recommend doing now: Check Your Passport Many countries require passports to be valid at least six months beyond your return date. This is one of the most common and preventable travel issues. Start to Think About Timing Popular destinations and cruises are already filling up for 2026. Flexibility helps, but early planning helps even more. Decide How You Want to Travel Do you want independent travel, small group experiences, or a fully escorted trip? Knowing how you want to travel makes planning smoother and more enjoyable. Working with a Professional Travel today involves more moving parts than it used to. Having someone who understands the destination, the logistics, and your personal travel style makes all the difference. Why 2026 Is a Year to Travel Well If there’s one thing experience has taught me, it’s this: travel should enrich your life, not exhaust you. 2026 is the perfect opportunity to travel smarter, to choose destinations that inspire you, choose experiences that matter, and travel at a pace that allows you to truly enjoy the journey. Whether you’re dreaming about Europe, Africa, cruising, or something completely new, now is the time to start the conversation. Final Thoughts Are you ready to start planning? If you’re thinking about traveling in 2026, I’d love to help you shape a trip that fits you, I will take into consideration your comfort level, interests, and travel goals. The earlier we begin, the better your options will be. Travel is an investment in yourself. Let’s make it a great one. Contact Cindy at Colesville Travel today at 301-989-1654 or email cindy@colesvilletravel.com and let us help you start planning for 2026. Stay inspired, Cindy #ColesvilleTravel #TravelwithCindy #Travel2026 #TravelTrends2026 #FutureTravel #TravelPlanning #TravelSmart #IntentionalTravel #MeaningfulTravel #LuxuryTravel #SlowTravel #SoftAdventure