The idea for our RTW journey is to be as spontaneous as possible. When we get to a new locale, we plan on learning from locals and other backpackers about where the next destination should be. This way we can stay longer if we fall in love with a place, but also get the hell out of there if it is a nightmare. Plus, this is supposed to be an adventure!
But while we might become dirty hippies while on the road (I’m thinking gnarly beard with some beads braided in), we can’t totally cast aside our type-A business personalities.
A lot of fears about travel are inflated by people who have rarely, if ever, left the US. But the world does have some nasty surprises for you if you are not prepared, which is why we have already done a thorough evaluation of what vaccinations we need.
And you should too!
Even if you are being as spontaneous as possible in your travels, map out your country wish list and do the proper research to determine what vaccinations are recommended (in some case required) for which countries. There are numerous online sources for you to reference (many linked to in this article) and you can also take a visit to clinics that specialize in world travel. Also remember that you are not the first to prep for extended travel, so learn from those who have gone before!
Besides extensive internet research, we consulted with the very helpful folks over at Passport Health that have offices all over the country. In-person discussions made us feel much more comfortable as we got to rely on people who have consulted with many world travelers before us.
Since we only have 3 months until we leave and might be a little farther along in our prep than some of you, we thought we would share what we have learned about our destinations (all suggestions are based on standards for adults). Also make sure to get your “yellow card,” as this is a universally accepted verification that you have been properly vaccinated and required for certain destinations.
The Basics
There are lots of vaccinations you should look into getting when planning to go overseas, but make sure you don’t overlook the ones you should have already gotten in general. This Basic List should be followed whether you are traveling abroad or not, while the subsequent lists by regions will highlight vaccines not included directly below.
- Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) immunizations at 10 year intervals throughout your life.
- If born after 1956 (if you were born before this and still thinking about traveling RTW… way to go gramps!), get imunized for measles, mumps, and rubella if not already immune.
- Women younger than 26 should consider being immunized against HPV as it causes 70% of all cervical cancer cases in the US.
- If older than 65 or if you have diabetes, or any chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disorders than consider receiving a pneumococcal disease vaccination.
- Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for anyone from 11-18 years old or anyone planning on living in dorms. There is not much difference in hostel living compared to dorm living, so get this one before you go to college and consider it early prep for your RTW travels.
- Hepatitis A and B immunization is highly recommended in both the states and also on your RTW adventures.
South America
Visit the CDC’s website to get some great info on any vaccines you might need, but also do a quick google search. You will find a lot of great research already done for you.
- Yellow fever vaccination is actually required before you enter a few countries in Latin America, so if you are not going to get immunized, make sure you double-check the entrance requirements for all of your destinations.
- If you didn’t get your polio vaccine as a kid, then make sure you get it before you travel.
- Make sure to get your rabies vaccination so that you can do some adventurous trekking out in the South American jungle. No excuses!
- While the pampered short-term vacationer might not need a Tuberculosis vaccination, if you are traveling long-term and roughing it, then definitely look into it. Note that it is suggested to get this administered 2 months before you depart.
Western & Eastern Europe
If you have received your basic immunizations along with the ones listed for South America and Asia, then you are fairly well covered for all of Europe. The only stand out difference would be:
- Get the Tick Borne Encephalitis vaccine if you are planning to travel around Austria, Belarus, or Hungary.
Asia
We plan on traveling around Southeast Asia for awhile because it is supposedly super cheap, ridiculously beautiful, and totally foreign to our Western sensibilities. But it is also a place where the importance of being fully vaccinated takes on additional importance. In addition to all of the previous vaccinations, make sure to get the following:
- Japanese B Encephalitis. A long name to remember, but don’t forget it!
Australia and New Zealand
Not many required vaccines except the basics for these two countries. If you follow our path around the world and get the vaccines for the previous mentioned regions, you should be all set to take on these two beautiful countries at the bottom of the world!
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