Travel Vaccines: The Unsexy (But Necessary) Part of Trip Planning
Note: This was published in February 2026. Vaccine requirements change. Always consult a travel medicine specialist or healthcare provider for current recommendations specific to your health and destination.
So you're either deep in the fun part of trip planning or you are about to embark on a trip with us at Laura Ericson Group Trips (either rocks!). Imagining yourself riding camels through the Sahara, playing Holi in India, maybe finally getting that perfect sunset photo in Greece.
The last thing on your mind right now is scheduling a doctor's appointment to get stuck with needles.
I get it. But nothing derails a trip faster than spending it in a bathroom—or worse, a foreign hospital. So here's your no-bullshit guide to travel vaccines, because I'd personally rather have this conversation now than deal with a medical emergency abroad. 🙅🏻♀️
Why Travel Vaccines Actually Matter
After taking over 300 travelers to 10+ countries, I've seen what happens when people skip vaccinations. It's not pretty, and it's 100% avoidable. When I quit my job at 37 to start this business, I made myself a promise: I'd prepare my travelers for everything—not just the Instagram moments, but the logistics that keep you healthy.
You know what's more expensive than vaccines? Medical evacuation. A hospital stay in Kenya. Missing half your trip because you're too sick to leave your room.
Where to Get Travel Vaccines
Travel medicine clinics will work, but I prefer SafeGard’s Full Service Travel Medicine Consultation Program through Costco. They specialize in this stuff and stay current on health advisories. Plus, they're reasonably priced, easy to get into, and they know what they're talking about.
Your regular doctor can work too—they'll review your records and can prescribe travel meds. Just know they might not stock everything or be experts in international vaccinations and might still refer you to a travel clinic.
Local health departments sometimes offer vaccines at lower costs. It’s worth checking if you're on a budget.
Important: Schedule appointments at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses over several weeks.
Travel Vaccines by Destination
On a game drive in Kenya. [2024]
Kenya Travel Vaccines
Required (depending where you’re traveling from):
Yellow fever (proof required at border if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through one.
While not universally required for direct travel from some regions, it is strongly recommended for most travelers, particularly those visiting national parks,, and essential for proving health compliance.
Recommended:
Typhoid
Hepatitis A & B
Malaria prophylaxis
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines (MMR, etc.)
The malaria pills are highly recommended—at the bare minimum, at least bring them along. Keep in mind, depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking it multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.
Driving back from the legendary Holi celebration in Nandgaon. [India, 2025]
India Travel Vaccines
Nothing officially required, but it’s recommended travelers get these:
Typhoid (injectable, not oral)
Hepatitis A & B
Japanese Encephalitis (monsoon season/rural areas)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Malaria prophylaxis (region dependent)
Routine vaccines
We're eating street food, we're in packed festivals, and we're touching everything. India will test your immune system.
Touring Havana via classic cars. [Cuba, 2025]
Cuba Travel Vaccines
Recommended:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Cuba's healthcare is solid, but typhoid and hep A are still smart moves. Also, bring all medications and emergency antibiotics for food poisoning—there's no CVS to run to.
On a school visit in Morocco as part of our give back day. [2025]
Morocco Travel Vaccines
Recommended:
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies (if you're petting street cats—and you will)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Morocco's low-risk compared to other destinations, but typhoid and Hep A are worth it. And if you can't resist cats (guilty), consider rabies shots.
Wine tasting in Crete. [Greece, 2025]
Greece Travel Vaccines
Recommended:
Hepatitis A & B
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Greece is chill. Keep routine vaccines current, and you're good.
Celebrating Day of the Dead on our group trip. [Mexico City, 2025]
Mexico City Travel Vaccines
Recommended:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
We eat a ton of street food in Mexico City. Get the typhoid vaccine.
Participating in the Georgia wine harvest. [2025]
Georgia Travel Vaccines
Recommended:
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies (rural hiking)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Wine country's relatively safe, but standard food/water precautions apply.
Soaking up the Ecuadorian landscapes. [2025]
Ecuador Travel Vaccines
Required:
Yellow fever (from certain countries—check requirements)
Recommended:
Typhoid
Hepatitis A & B
Malaria prophylaxis (Amazon regions)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Going near the Amazon? You need malaria pills.
Scouting out my next group trip. [Japan, 2024]
Japan Travel Vaccines
Recommended:
Hepatitis A & B
Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas, warmer months)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Japan has extremely high health standards—lowest risk destination. Just keep routine vaccines current.
Touring the Colombian countryside. [2022]
Colombia Travel Vaccines
Required:
Yellow fever (depending on region)
Recommended:
Typhoid
Hepatitis A & B
Malaria prophylaxis (certain regions)
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Routine vaccines
Mosquitoes in some regions are intense. Ask your travel clinic if you need malaria pills for your specific itinerary.
Other Health Essentials
Malaria medication: Start taking before your trip. If side effects are bad (weird dreams, nausea), you'll have time to switch.
Pack an emergency travel meds kit (I put pills in this container): I bring on every single trip, and I've used something from it on probably 80% of my travels. I include:
Sunscreen: Wear it everyday (no matter where you are).
First aid kit: Be prepared.
Don't Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is another non-negotiable for me. I partner with Wanderwell because they donate part of their profits to environmental causes I care about.
Here's what makes them worth it:
Medical coverage abroad (including emergency evacuation—yes, that thing that costs $50,000+ if you need it)
Trip cancellation protection (because life happens and sometimes you can't go)
24/7 emergency assistance (someone who answers when things go sideways)
Lost baggage coverage (not ideal, but better than eating the cost of replacing everything)
Adventure sports coverage (because my trips aren't exactly spa retreats)
Get a quote and see what actually fits your trip. It's one of those things you don't think about until you need it, and then you're really glad you have it.
The Bottom Line
Like many travelers, I hate needles. But I hate ruining my own trip more.
Most travelers I've seen get seriously sick abroad skipped recommended vaccines.
These recommendations follow CDC and WHO guidelines, but consult a travel medicine specialist about your specific needs—things change, and I'm not your doctor.
Schedule that appointment now. Future you, not dealing with typhoid in Mumbai, will be grateful.
Ready to travel smart? Check out our upcoming group trips to these destinations—properly vaccinated and ready for adventure.
