Make an appointment for a general health check with your doctor, dentist, and, if you are a woman, your gynecologist before you leave for your trip around the world. If you take your medications on a regular basis, your doctor will give you more of them. In order to avoid any problems, they should also include a signed statement that you are supposed to take the medication.

Also, check whether you need to get vaccinated or take malaria medications. Some vaccinations are required, like those against yellow fever, while others are suggested, like those against rabies and hepatitis A and B. If you bring your vaccination record book with you on your trip, you can go to a hospital abroad and get vaccinated later if you discover while you’re traveling that you didn’t get a vaccine.

Additionally, travel health insurance should not be overlooked! TIP: Extended insurance that covers things like lost luggage, stolen electronics, and cancelled flights is a good idea for long trips. There is a greater chance that something will go wrong the further you travel. Don’t forget to add sports like diving, hiking, and mountain biking to your insurance policy—for a fee, of course—because these activities aren’t covered by the basic tourist insurance.