11 Travel Safety Tips for Americans Visiting India

6. Health & hygiene

Check CDC guidance for travel vaccines and get recommended shots several weeks before your trip (https://www.cdc.gov/travel). Carry a small travel pharmacy with basic items: pain relievers, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medicine, and any regular prescriptions with original labels. Avoid drinking tap water; drink sealed bottled water or use a reliable water filter when needed. Be cautious with street food—try busy stalls that cook to order and look clean, and use your nose and eyes as a quick check. Wash hands often and carry hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t handy. If you have food allergies, have the dish name written in the local language to show servers or cooks. Know where to find a reliable clinic or hospital in the city you’re visiting, and carry your insurance and policy numbers. For ongoing medical conditions, bring enough medication for the trip plus a small extra supply in case of delays. Consider traveler’s diarrhea prevention measures and be ready to hydrate early if needed. Buy travel insurance that covers medical care and possible evacuation, and know how to call your insurer before seeking major treatment.