By Dr James Knox, Infectious Diseases Specialist
Last updated: October 2025
The anticipation of travel is one of my favourite things. Taking off to some far-flung destination, somewhere culturally fascinating, with a different climate, and unfamiliar smells and sounds – it doesn’t get much better.
I’ve been through the preparation process many times myself. And, as a travel doctor, I’ve helped many others do the same. Here are five pieces of distilled wisdom I’ve collected over the years.
1. I Read the Smartraveller Website
For a new destination, this happens at the very early planning stage – when I’m still working out what sort of place it might be. I carefully check the travel advisories and practical country-specific information. The headlines about natural disasters, civil unrest or high crime rates are important, but I also pay attention to the finer points.
Some countries have strict laws around things like photography, prescription medications, or dual citizenship. Others have dress codes or rules around alcohol that might surprise Australian travellers. In Indonesia for instance, some medications for ADHD can land you in gaol. In Angola, you can be in trouble for photographing the military or wearing shorts in public. SmartTraveller is a simple check that informs the rest of your planning — and it only takes a few minutes.
2. I Check the Malaria Situation
For nearly a year I lived and worked in sub-Saharan Africa, in an area which was hyperendemic for malaria. So, I have a healthy respect for how sick malaria can make you and just how quickly this can happen. There’s no vaccine, but there are preventive measures. If I’m travelling solo or with other adults, I’ll assess the risk based on a range of factors including the sorts of accommodation available (airconditioned versus under bed nets).
If I’m travelling with my kids, I take a more cautious approach. I usually steer clear of high-risk malaria areas altogether, as the consequences can be severe. A quick look at the malaria maps on reputable sources like the CDC website helps me make an informed decision.
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3. I Book a Travel Health Consultation — Eight Weeks Out
As a travel doctor, I’m not allowed to prescribe medications for myself and, realistically, I can’t make objective decisions about my own treatment or that of my family. So, I seek out a travel health professional.
It’s a common misconception that a certain destination country equals a particular list of things required for medical preparation. But the answer to what you will need depends on all sorts of things, from how long you are going, to which season you are travelling, to what sort of places you will be staying and what sort of activities you will be pursuing – not to mention your own particular risk tolerance and your budget.
You can try and figure this out all by yourself online but it’s complicated and time consuming, not to mention risky. Your best bet is almost always to sit down and discuss it with an experienced health professional.
Fortunately, getting this advice is now easier than ever. Most Australian states and territories support pharmacist-led consultations, GPs can help, and among the specialised travel clinics, some like ours offer advice by telehealth. I aim to see a travel health professional about eight weeks before departure to allow enough time for anything I might need.
4. I Pack a Simple Travel Health Kit
I tend to limit the medical supplies I carry to a few small things which are most likely to earn their place based on their size and weight:
This usually includes:
· Alcohol-based hand rub to clean my hands when soap and water aren’t available
· Tropical strength insect repellent if I’m heading to areas with illnesses carried by mosquitoes and other insects
· Oral rehydration salt tablets to support hydration if I’m travelling somewhere where sanitation infrastructure is less well developed than at home and the risk of gastroenteritis is high
· Over-the-counter options for simple analgesia and traveller’s diarrhoea
· A small first aid kit for basic wound care (things like plasters, a bandage and antiseptic wipes)
For major medical issues that arise overseas, I’ll be looking for a local doctor. But I want to be able to manage minor things on the spot, without needing to find a pharmacy in an unfamiliar city. Other medications I take are based on the outcome of my pre-departure travel medicine consult.
5. I Take Out Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must, no matter where I’m going or how short the trip. It’s not just about lost luggage or cancelled flights — it’s about knowing you’ll be able to access medical care, hospital support, or emergency evacuation if something goes wrong.
In most countries, reciprocal arrangements with the Australian healthcare system are not in place. And in many of these, an intensive care unit stay and medical repatriation to a hospital in Australia can cost you a six-figure sum.
I always check the fine print to make sure the policy covers my destination, includes 24/7 emergency assistance, and accounts for any high-risk activities I might be doing — from skiing and diving to scooter rentals. If I’m travelling with family, I make sure everyone is covered under the same plan.
Final Thoughts
In the excitement ahead of an overseas trip, it’s easy to get distracted by the fun parts — booking hotels and restaurants, planning tours and activities. So, these are five things I make sure I keep in mind. It’s a great feeling when all the good stuff is booked and you also know you’ve taken the right precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy while you’re away.
None of the things I’ve outlined are difficult or time-consuming. But they're often missed and, if neglected, at least four of them can leave the unsuspecting in real trouble overseas.
So, when you’re planning your next trip, keep these five tips in mind. Travel is one of life’s great pleasures — it’s even better when you’re well prepared.
About the Author
Dr James Knox is an Australian Infectious Diseases Specialist with a Diploma of Tropical Medicine. He has worked in countries as diverse as Angola, Sudan, India, and Peru. He founded Glide Online Travel Clinic to make pre-travel health advice more accessible to Australians.