When I embarked on my first journey around the globe, I was significantly more carefree than I am now as an older (and hopefully more knowledgeable) traveler. I embraced more risks, improvised much more frequently, and didn’t have much of a safety net, reflecting on it now. I received vaccinations to prevent unpleasant tropical illnesses and focused on preventing mosquito bites, but that was largely the extent of my preparations.
I no longer perceive myself as invulnerable or exceptionally fortunate. You shouldn’t either, regardless of whether you’re in your 20s or 30s. I don’t believe that travel is inherently more perilous than staying at home: the primary causes of death include car accidents, heart disease, and cancer, after all. The risks are more nuanced and unpredictable, which is why every year travelers get injured or even lose their lives due to unforeseen circumstances.
Some incidents could have undoubtedly been avoided, such as taking a selfie near a hazardous cliff marked with a sign that reads, “Do not pass this point.” Nonetheless, some risks aren’t as apparent, so here’s an adventure travel planning checklist to review before embarking on that epic multi-day hike, biking excursion, or safari.
## Travel Insurance *Plus* a Way to Get Home
Regardless of your destination or activities, it’s wise to secure travel insurance. In addition to the reassurance that comes from having medical coverage, it also provides built-in compensation for canceled or delayed flights, lost baggage, and other issues that might arise. The current US administration leans towards the interests of the industry rather than yours as a consumer, meaning that the situation regarding passenger rights is likely to worsen. Airlines may strive to offer you nothing when they cause significant disruptions, so it’s prudent to have additional protection on hand.
I have an annual plan with Allianz that serves as my “set it and forget it” option, something I renew each year while hoping not to use it. However, you can also acquire plans for individual trips, which is advisable especially if you’re booking an expensive slot on a guided tour or a cruise. If unforeseen circumstances arise and you cannot travel last minute, you’ll want to be able to recoup at least some of that money.
This is merely the “baseline” purchase. If you wish to be thoroughly covered in the event of a medical emergency, you require a medical evacuation plan. The top recommendation for that is [Medjet](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=394388&mid=20001&awinaffid=411199&linkid=2713345&clickref=). They extend well beyond basic travel insurance.
Some foreign medical facilities are outstanding, but others may fall far short of what you’re accustomed to. If you want to avoid being confined to a foreign hospital, you need a program that provides air medical transport. Most travel insurance will only take you to the “nearest acceptable facility,” but that’s likely where you will need to stay until treated to the “fullest extent possible.” A Medjet membership is what will facilitate your transfer to a hospital back home. Here’s their commitment:
“As a Medjet Member, if you become hospitalized internationally or domestically – 150 miles or more from home – Medjet will arrange medical transportation to a home-country hospital of your choice for inpatient care. All you pay is your membership fee.” That fee can be as low as $99 and can go up to $425 for a comprehensive annual family plan covering trips up to 90 days.
They also provide memberships tailored for expats who are overseas every day of the year, as well as memberships that include 24/7 security and crisis response benefits (if you’re traveling to a destination where safety is a greater concern).
[Check the rates here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=20001&awinaffid=411199&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fmedjetassist.com%2Fmedjetassist).
## Vaccinations and Disease Prevention
If you’re planning a trip to Patagonia like I will be shortly or embarking on a polar cruise in the Arctic Circle, you won’t need to be overly concerned about the vaccinations required. The majority of medical issues that could significantly disrupt your trip arise in tropical regions, and in some of those countries, a Yellow Fever vaccine is necessary for entry. In others, you’ll likely need to confirm that your childhood vaccinations are up to date with boosters, and you might also need additional shots for cholera and hepatitis A or B. Until the CDC is so defunded that they can no longer maintain their website, you can find the international vaccine [information you need here](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines).
This is a crucial