Summer vacation is looming and travel plans are being made! Before you hit the road, board the plane or even pack your bags, check out these travel apps that will make your trip easier, healthier and more enjoyable.
- TravWell – available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this app provides vaccine recommendations by destination and a preparation checklist based on your itinerary. The app also keeps track of medication and immunization records, as well as reminders for vaccination boosters while on the road. The CDC updates the app with any international travel advisories and provides emergency phone numbers for the country in which you’re traveling. The app also stores copies of your passport, visa and other important documents, in case they are misplaced while on the road.
- Can I Eat This? – It’s not pleasant to think about, but Montezuma’s revenge, Delhi belly, or travelers’ diarrhea will quickly ruin your vacation experience. Also from the CDC, this app helps keep your digestive tract and stomach healthy. Before ingesting any food or drink, input the country and answer a few questions; the app will advise you of the likelihood of the food’s safety. You can be more confident about making healthy choices while in a foreign place.
- 2020 Yellow Book – The CDC Health Information for International Travel (known as the Yellow Book) is published every two years as a reference for healthcare professionals. However, it’s also a great resource to educate yourself regarding CDC recommendations for immunizations. The app contains guidelines to monitor yourself and your family for illnesses after returning from international travel.
- FEMA App – This app from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides preparedness alerts and safety tips for those looking to traverse the U.S., including alerts from the National Weather Service. The app outlines safety tips on how to protect yourself in over 20 emergency scenarios and gives information on local disaster resources no matter where you find yourself in America. The app includes driving directions to local shelters and other disaster recovery centers and is also available in Spanish.
- Smart Traveler – Be street smart and safe while traveling. This app, developed by the U.S. Department of State, provides ready access to official country information, including maps and U.S. embassy locations. The app will issue travel alerts and warnings, create personal itineraries and organize your travel based on this information. The app also enrolls you in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for free, which helps the State Department assist you in an emergency and allows family and friends to reach you in an emergency situation.
- First Aid – Created by the American Red Cross, this app offers expert first aid advice for common medical emergencies. It gives easy-to-follow instructions – as well as safety and preparedness tips for a variety of emergency situations that may arise, including all kinds of severe weather. The app can be downloaded in English or Spanish.
Traveling is one of the true joys of summer. Download these apps to make sure your trip is as safe as possible, and you have the tools necessary to be as prepared as possible. Before you leave, stop into one of the Urgent Team Family of Urgent Care & Walk-in Centers for a complete medical checkup – we will answer any questions you may have. Have a great summer!