Jose M. Baez, M.D., F.A.C.P., Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
It is estimated that more half of all Americans travel during the holidays. Most are headed to celebrate Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanzaa with family scattered across the country while many will be traveling for leisure during the winter. Whatever the reason, preparing ahead of time can make your trip much more relaxing and far less hectic than leaving things to chance. Let’s have a look at some ways we can prepare for holiday travel this year.
1. Download your navigation system for offline use. Sometimes on the journey, internet coverage can be less than excellent. You may lose reception and will need to navigate offline for a while. If you have not downloaded your chosen navigation app, you may be going in circles for a while before arriving at your destination.
2. If traveling outside of the country, contact your bank to let them know that your card will be used outside of the US. Otherwise, you may try to use your card upon arrival and have it blocked by your bank automatically. Imagine if that happens to you on a Friday night and you have no way to unblock your card until your bank opens on Monday. It happens all the time.
3. Pack your medications. Be sure to pack enough of the meds you will need plus maybe a day or two extra in case of emergency. If possible, carry a prescription with you in case your medications are lost or stolen. When flying, pack your medications in your carry-on luggage to avoid them being lost with your misplaced luggage.
4. Scan important documents and have an electronic copy that is password protected that you are able to access online. This should include your passport if traveling internationally and your driver’s license. Having electronic copies of any tickets you have is also important. These may be airline tickets, theater tickets, or even prepaid amusement park tickets. You will also want to have copies of your credit cards in case they are lost or stolen. Having the contact number to cancel those cards immediately may save you some hassle if another person is trying to use your card.
5. Have contact information for your doctor. This is where concierge medicine can really be helpful. If your doctor is available via phone, email, or text, that can be quite helpful in cases of illness or emergency. The possibility to have a virtual visit with your concierge physician who knows you and your medical history can save you an expensive trip to a walk-in clinic and risky medical advice from a doctor who does not know you. It can also be invaluable if you are in a country where you don’t speak the language.
6. Find out if you can use your cell phone in the place you are visiting. Is there coverage where you will be staying? If you are traveling outside of the US, will your cell phone plan cover international calls and texts?
7. We all want to put COVID behind us, but it is still a factor when traveling. Most airlines still require a mask at all times onboard. Many countries require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test to enter. Check with your airline to see that their specific requirements are. Use the US Embassy website to see what your international destination requires for entry. If vaccines or tests are required plan ahead on when and where to have them done. Some countries require vaccines to be at least 2 weeks old or require that your negative test be done within 24 hours of departure. Do your research. Don’t get stuck at the airport.
Seeing family for the holidays or escaping to an exotic destination can be exciting yet stressful. Making proper preparations before you travel can make your holiday a relaxing and fun time. Make a check list and be sure to have everything ready ahead of time. Travel should be a fun adventure, not a stressful disaster.
About Dr. Baez
José M Baez MD, FACP is a Board-certified Internal Medicine specialist with over 30 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is a Graduate of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in NY. As a Ward Attending at Harlem Hospital, affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, he served the Greater NYC community. Subsequently, he established a private practice in Fairfield County, CT. He was also Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Connecticut, School of Medicine. Dr. Baez has been a stable member of the Naples community for 10 years, a member in good standing with the Collier County Medical Society and voted Naples Illustrated Top Physician 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
If you are looking for personalized medical care, the kind that you can take with you wherever you go, contact Dr. Jose M. Baez in Naples. Dr. Baez is a Board-certified physician with more than 30 years’ experience.
He can be contacted via email at
info@JoseMBaezMD.com or by calling his office at 239.777.0663. His website (www.josembaezmd.com) includes information about concierge medicine and how it can work for you while at home or during your travels.
Jose M Baez MD
11181 HEALTH PARK BLVD., SUITE 1180
NAPLES, FL 34110
(239) 777-0663