Travel checklist

• Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Bring a first-aid kit containing essentials, such as pain relievers, diarrhea medicine, tweezers, Band-aids, antiseptic gel or wipes and insect repellent containing 30 percent to 50 percent DEET.
• Pack appropriate clothing for hot or cold weather. Also bring sunscreen and lip balm with UVA and UVB sun protection, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing and hats. Remember, the sun is hottest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. High altitudes also increase the risk of sunburn.
• Carry proof of your health insurance and immunization records.
• Drink bottled, purified or boiled water often before and during your stay, and refrain from drinking any beverages with unpurified ice.
• Avoid beverages with caffeine and alcohol. These tend to cause dehydration.
• Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables that are not washed in purified water nor prepared by you. Remember to boil it, cook it, peel it ... or forget it. Learn more about food-borne illness.