6 Essential Tips for Smoother Travels this Summer

Posted July 11, 2024 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness

Collage of people traveling and holding a first aid kit

Summertime is here and that means many families are gearing up for their annual summer getaways including beachside fun, cross-country adventures – even international voyages.

Whether you’re an occasional road-tripper or a frequent flier, SummaCare offers six essential tips to ensure smoother travels and avoid unnecessary headaches while spending time away from home.

After all, the more research and prep you put in before you hit the road (or board the plane), the more likely your experience and journey will be a great one.

Tips for traveling by plane

If you’re flying to your destination, follow these tips:

Be flexible on travel dates and times. Flight prices can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
Whenever possible, look for a nonstop flight to avoid delays.
Get TSA PreCheck® to avoid long lines and receive expediated screening.
Check in and print your boarding passes early to save your seat and avoid being bumped if the flight is full. Many airlines allow passengers to check in 24 hours before their flight.
Use Carry on bags as much as possible. If you have to check them, track your luggage with an Apple AirTag or similar device in case of lost luggage.

Tips for traveling by car

If you’re driving to your destination, follow these tips:

Get your oil changed and have your vehicle inspected, including evaluating the battery, engine and tires, before hitting the road.
Review your roadside assistance plan; no one wants to ever be stranded in an unfamiliar area. Even a reliable car can get a flat tire.
Make sure to keep your license, vehicle registration and insurance documents with you in the car.
Have cash-on-hand for unexpected tolls or local markets that don’t accept credit cards.
If you’re stopping at a hotel along the way, pack an overnight bag within easy reach so you don’t have to haul all your larger luggage into the hotel for one night.
Stay hydrated by bringing along refillable water bottles for everyone in the car. You can refill them at rest-stop drinking fountains.

Consider travel insurance

If you’re planning to travel cross-country or internationally, consider travel insurance. Travel insurance offers protection in case of unforeseen problems, such as illness or injury, lost luggage, emergency evacuations, environmental interruptions, trip cancellations and more.

Bring copies of important travel documents

In the case of loss or theft, take along both digital and hard copies of important travel documents, such as your driver’s license and passport, if traveling out of the country. If you have travel insurance, make sure to bring copies of that, too.

Be sure to check expiration dates on these important pieces before your trip begins. Renewing them can take time, and you don’t want to be stuck away from home with an expired license or passport.

Be prepared for unexpected medical situations or emergencies

Pack a first-aid kit with basic essentials, such as pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes and allergy medications, along with any needs for existing health conditions.

In addition, don’t forget to pack copies of your medical record and health insurance plan, so you’re prepared. Many medical records are digital, so make sure you have a login to access all your family’s records. You’ll want access to important health information, such as your health summary and history, current medications, allergies and immunization records in case you must visit an urgent care or ER away from home. With this information, you’ll be treated right away with the best care possible so you can get back to more fun in the sun.

Review your health insurance plan for value-added travel benefits

Your health insurance plan may come with value-added benefits, so you can manage your health care from anywhere — whether you’re traveling 100 miles away or 1,000. If you unsure of what’s covered, contact your health insurance company to find out what your benefits are if the unfortunate happens while on vacation.

If you’re a SummaCare member, don’t forget about these health coverage essentials available on most plans at no extra charge:

Teladoc® Health Virtual Visits. You can speak with a licensed physician by web, phone or mobile app through Teladoc® Health for primary care provider, dermatology and/or behavioral health visits that can be scheduled 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
24-hour nurse line. For non-urgent medical questions that don’t require a PCP appointment, you can contact SummaCare’s Nurse Line. Nurses are available to assist you with questions about an illness or injury, identifying an urgent or emergency symptom, locating a primary care provider, specialist or hospital for care, identifying medication interactions and more.
Plan Central. Plan Central allows you to manage your health and wellness all from one convenient, online location. If you need immediate medical attention, Plan Central is perfect for storing your personal health record, as well. A history of your doctor visits, lab results, immunization records, such as COVID-19 vaccine records, and medication history are located in one convenient place.