Advice for travelers

This chapter discusses individuals who travel around the world for business, tourism, study, or aid work. The World Tourism Organization estimates that, in 2015, there were 1.2 billion international tourist arrivals worldwide. The chapter covers common health problems associated with travel, especially in low-income countries where travelers frequently self-report a travel-associated health problem and often seek healthcare while traveling or after return. Healthcare providers can play a critical role in minimizing the risk of illness and injury during travel, and the administration of travel-related vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis remain cornerstones of the pre-travel consultation. The chapter highlights noninfectious causes of morbidity and mortality, such as injury and exacerbation of chronic illness, that are typically the most common health issues travelers encounter.