Travel Vaccinations: What you need to know May 14th, 2010 • by Matt Holmes Should you want to take Bhutan hiking tours or travel to Botswana you need to be physically prepared. Travel Vaccinations Vaccinations and inoculations are an unavoidable part of international travel and should be top of your pre-trip to-do list. We have hiking tours to suit people of all fitness levels. That said, every hiker flying abroad needs to check if their jabs are up to date. There’s no point being as fit as a mountain goat, if you are not fit enough to enter the country! So, before you go, check that all-important travel documentation. If you are unsure of the ‘due dates’ for any of your previous vaccinations, book an appointment with your doctor or at a local travel clinic. Another good resource to do your research is The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines) which offers a comprehensive section just for travelers. At this stage you should explain, in detail, which countries and regions you will be traveling to, and for how long, as this is also important. Other factors that influence the need to be vaccinated are: The season, or time of year that you travel. Your destination: Is it a city, or in the countryside, is it a fully-developed area? Your movement and intentions: Are you working during your trip and visiting other areas? Your age and general health. Remember to leave enough time before you travel. Some vaccinations are given in series, and you may have to return for ‘booster’ shots. It is recommended you leave a minimum of eight weeks between your doctor’s appointment and your departure. Good, reliable information is key to preparing for any trip. So as well as getting your gear ready, make sure your body is ready. About Boundless Journeys Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.