Autumn and winter holidays can be a wonderful way to enjoy warmer weather, festive markets, winter sports or time with family overseas. However, travelling at this time of year can also bring different health considerations. Changes in climate, seasonal infections, food and water, insects and the activities you plan can all affect the advice you need before you leave.

At Barnes Pharmacy Travel Clinic on Welwyn High Street, we can provide personalised travel health advice and help you understand which vaccinations and precautions may be appropriate for your destination. It is best to arrange an appointment well before your departure date, as some vaccines require more than one dose and protection may take time to develop.

Why seek travel health advice before an autumn or winter trip?

Travel health recommendations are based on several factors, including the country or countries you are visiting, the areas you will be staying in, the length of your trip, your accommodation and planned activities. Your general health, age, pregnancy status and previous vaccinations are also important.

A short city break may involve different risks from a backpacking trip, a cruise, a beach holiday or a skiing holiday. Visiting friends and relatives can also require careful planning, particularly if you will be staying in local accommodation or travelling to rural areas.

During a travel clinic consultation, you can discuss your itinerary and receive advice that is relevant to your plans. This can include recommended or required vaccinations, preventing insect bites, managing food and water risks, preparing a travel health kit and staying well during the journey.

Check your routine vaccinations

Before considering travel-specific vaccines, make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date. Protection against illnesses such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps and rubella is important at home and abroad. Some infections that are uncommon in the UK may still circulate in other parts of the world.

It is particularly important to check measles protection before international travel. Measles can spread easily, and travel may expose you to infection in airports, hotels, resorts and other busy environments. If you are unsure whether you have received the recommended doses, ask a healthcare professional to review your vaccination history.

Seasonal influenza is another consideration. Autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere coincide with the UK flu season, while some destinations in the southern hemisphere experience their flu season at a different time of year. Your risk may be higher if you are older, pregnant, have a long-term health condition or will be mixing with many people during travel.

Coronavirus advice and vaccination recommendations can change. Check current guidance for your destination and discuss any personal concerns during your travel health consultation.

Travel vaccinations may be recommended or required

Depending on your destination, vaccines may be recommended to reduce the risk of illnesses such as hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal disease or yellow fever. Not every traveller will need all of these vaccines, and the advice depends on your specific circumstances.

Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, or may request a certificate if you have recently travelled through a country where yellow fever occurs. Requirements can depend on your route as well as your final destination. If yellow fever is relevant to your trip, you should seek advice from an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre and allow sufficient time for the necessary documentation.

Do not rely solely on a general list found online. Destination guidance can change, and advice for one region may not apply to another. Bring your complete itinerary, including stopovers and excursions, to your appointment so that your recommendations can be assessed accurately.

Cold-weather holidays and winter sports

Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports bring their own practical health considerations. Cold temperatures, high altitudes, sun reflection from snow and physical exertion can all affect your wellbeing.

  • Wear several suitable layers, waterproof clothing, gloves and protective headgear where appropriate.
  • Use sun protection and lip balm with sun protection, even when the weather feels cold. Ultraviolet exposure can be strong at high altitude and reflected by snow.
  • Stay hydrated and allow time to rest, particularly when adjusting to altitude.
  • Follow local advice about altitude sickness and seek help if you develop severe or worsening symptoms.
  • Take care on icy surfaces and ensure winter sports activities are suitable for your experience and fitness.

If you have asthma, heart disease, circulation problems or another long-term condition, discuss your plans with a healthcare professional before travelling. Pack enough regular medication for the whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays, and keep it in your hand luggage where possible.

Warmer winter destinations: insects, food and water

For holidays in tropical or subtropical areas, insect-borne illnesses may remain a concern even during the UK winter. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases including malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika in some destinations. The level of risk varies by country and region, and there may not be a vaccine or preventative medicine for every infection.

Reduce mosquito bites by using a suitable insect repellent, covering your arms and legs when practical, and sleeping in accommodation with screens or air conditioning where available. Follow destination-specific advice about malaria prevention. If medication is recommended, it is important to understand when to start it, how to take it and when to continue after returning home.

Food and water precautions are also important. Drink bottled or treated water when advised, be cautious with ice and choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating. A small travel health kit containing items such as hand sanitiser, plasters, oral rehydration sachets and appropriate pain relief can be useful.

Travelling with children, pregnancy or medical conditions

Children may need specific vaccination advice and practical support, particularly if they are travelling to visit relatives or will be away for an extended period. Pregnant travellers or those planning a pregnancy should seek individual advice before booking or travelling, as some infections and vaccines require special consideration.

If you take prescription medicines, keep them in their original packaging with the dispensing label. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter explaining your treatment, especially if you use controlled medicines, medical equipment or injectable medication. Check the rules of the countries you are visiting, as some medicines that are permitted in the UK may be restricted elsewhere.

Travel insurance should cover your destination, planned activities and any existing medical conditions. Insurance does not replace preventive health advice, but it can help if you need medical care while abroad.

Plan ahead with Barnes Pharmacy Travel Clinic

Ideally, arrange your travel consultation several weeks before departure. Even when your holiday is coming up soon, it is still worth seeking advice: there may be useful vaccinations, medicines or precautions that can be arranged at short notice.

Bring details of your destinations, travel dates, accommodation, activities, previous vaccinations, regular medicines and relevant health conditions. Our team can help you prepare for a safer and more confident autumn or winter holiday abroad.

Book your travel health appointment

Ready to prepare for your trip? Book a Travel Clinic appointment with Barnes Pharmacy and get personalised vaccination and health advice for your autumn or winter holiday.