Summer is the perfect time to pack your bags, hit the road, and make memories with friends and family. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or hopping on a flight to explore a new city, warm weather and longer days make summer the ideal season for adventure. But with all the excitement of travel comes the risk of illness and injury—and nothing can derail a vacation faster than an unexpected medical issue.
That’s where knowing a few health and safety tips can make all the difference. At Lani City Medical in Rancho Cucamonga and Chino, CA, our urgent care team sees an uptick in seasonal injuries and travel-related illnesses during the summer months. Fortunately, with the right preparation and a little know-how, you can avoid common problems and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
The Importance of Planning Ahead for Travel Health
Most people don’t think about urgent care until they need it. But if you’re planning a vacation, especially one that includes children, outdoor activities, or travel to unfamiliar areas, it’s smart to include health preparedness in your planning. Knowing how to stay safe—and what to do if something goes wrong—can help you act quickly and confidently if an issue arises.
Before leaving, check in with your local urgent care provider if you need travel vaccinations, prescription refills, or advice on staying well in your destination’s climate. If you have pre-existing conditions, talk to a provider about how travel might affect your medication schedule or symptoms. It’s also a good idea to research urgent care locations near where you’ll be staying, just in case you need to visit one while away.
If you’re traveling internationally, look up travel advisories, water safety tips, and information about local health systems. Some areas may have limited medical access, making it even more important to bring a well-stocked travel medical kit and know when to escalate an issue to an urgent care facility or hospital.
Common Travel Health Risks in the Summer
Summer vacations can bring exposure to different environments, foods, and activity levels—all of which increase the risk of health issues. From dehydration on a hot day to sprained ankles while hiking, travel-related injuries and illnesses come in many forms.
One of the most common problems during summer travel is gastrointestinal illness. Changes in diet, water quality, and hygiene standards—especially when traveling internationally—can trigger stomach upset, diarrhea, or food poisoning. While most cases are mild, some may require treatment at an urgent care center, especially if symptoms don’t improve.
Other frequent concerns include sunburn, allergic reactions, bug bites, and respiratory illnesses. If you’re spending time outdoors or in large public places like airports, concerts, or amusement parks, your chances of encountering germs or environmental irritants increase. The result could be anything from a sinus infection to a rash or minor injury that interrupts your plans.
Motion sickness and altitude sickness are also common during travel. Driving through winding mountain roads or flying into high elevations without acclimating can make you feel dizzy, nauseated, or fatigued. Staying hydrated, resting, and using over-the-counter medications can help, but if symptoms persist or escalate, a visit to urgent care may be in order.
Staying Hydrated and Managing Heat Exposure
One of the biggest threats to health during summer travel is heat-related illness. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke can set in quickly—especially for young children, older adults, and anyone who’s not used to hot or humid climates. It’s important to drink water consistently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Many people wait until they feel the effects of dehydration to act, but by that point, symptoms like headache, dizziness, or muscle cramps may already be setting in. Early signs should not be ignored. If untreated, dehydration can lead to more serious conditions like heatstroke, which requires immediate urgent care or emergency medical attention.
To prevent heat-related issues, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid outdoor activity during peak midday hours. Always carry water when hiking, sightseeing, or spending time at the beach.
It’s also important to avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks when you’re spending time in the sun, as they can actually dehydrate your body more quickly. Electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration solutions can help replenish what’s lost during long days outside.
Sun Safety and Skin Protection
While a tan might be a common vacation goal, sunburn can ruin your trip and lead to long-term skin damage. Overexposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and painful burns that can blister and become infected if not properly treated.
The best way to avoid sun-related urgent care visits is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Don’t forget often-missed spots like your ears, the tops of your feet, and the back of your neck.
Sunburns aren’t just uncomfortable—they can also cause fever, dehydration, or secondary infections. If a sunburn is accompanied by chills, nausea, or severe blistering, seek treatment at an urgent care clinic right away. Your provider can assess whether topical treatments are enough or if prescription medications are needed for recovery.
Also, don’t forget about eye protection. UV rays can harm your eyes, leading to irritation or even long-term damage. Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays during prolonged sun exposure.
Keeping Kids Safe While Traveling
Traveling with kids brings its own set of health challenges. Children are more prone to injury during summer activities like biking, swimming, and climbing, and their immune systems may react more strongly to changes in food, water, or routine.
Be sure to pack a basic travel health kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, fever reducers, and any medications your child may need while away. It’s also wise to teach children about safe play habits, hydration, and proper handwashing.
Keeping your child’s vaccination records on hand and knowing their allergies or medication sensitivities is also important in case of an emergency. If your child has asthma, diabetes, or another chronic condition, consult your urgent care provider before travel to discuss medication management, emergency protocols, and equipment needs.
If your child shows signs of illness or injury—such as persistent fever, vomiting, unusual fatigue, or limping—don’t wait it out. Head to a nearby urgent care center to get a quick evaluation and avoid worsening symptoms.
Recognizing Travel-Related Illnesses
It’s not uncommon for travelers to get sick a few days into a trip, especially when crossing time zones, changing diets, or staying in unfamiliar environments. Fatigue, exposure to new germs, and stress can lower your immune system’s defenses and leave you more vulnerable to illness.
Symptoms like coughing, congestion, sore throat, or body aches may point to a viral infection like a cold or flu, but they could also be early signs of more serious issues like bronchitis or sinus infections. These conditions often respond well to early treatment at an urgent care clinic and don’t require an ER visit.
If you’re experiencing symptoms and unsure whether to wait it out or get help, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Prompt care can keep a minor illness from derailing your entire trip.
Traveler’s diarrhea, ear infections from swimming, or allergic reactions to pollen or unfamiliar foods are also common reasons people visit urgent care while on vacation. Fortunately, most of these issues can be quickly treated with the right medications or care plan.
Injuries That May Require Urgent Care
Vacation is a time for adventure, but accidents can happen. Twisting an ankle on a trail, cutting your foot on a sharp rock, or crashing your bike are all possibilities when you’re exploring the great outdoors. Minor injuries like sprains, small cuts, or burns can often be treated quickly at an urgent care facility, allowing you to get back to your plans faster.
Injuries to watch for include deep cuts that may need stitches, joint sprains that cause swelling or instability, and burns that cover a large area or show signs of infection. Falling or hitting your head—especially with resulting confusion, dizziness, or nausea—warrants medical attention right away.
Urgent care providers can assess these injuries, perform imaging if needed, apply splints or dressings, and provide follow-up care recommendations. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option for non-emergency situations that still require timely treatment.
When to Go to the ER Instead of Urgent Care
While urgent care is an excellent resource for most vacation-related health concerns, there are some situations where the emergency room is the better option. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe head trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of stroke, don’t wait—go directly to the nearest ER or call emergency services.
Understanding the difference between urgent and emergency care helps you make the right decision when time is of the essence. For everything else, especially minor to moderate concerns, urgent care provides faster service, lower costs, and less stress.
How to Find Urgent Care While Traveling
Before your trip, look up urgent care locations near your destination. Most clinics have websites where you can check hours, services, and insurance coverage. It’s also helpful to save their contact info in your phone so you’re not scrambling during an emergency.
If you’re traveling with children or elderly family members, research pediatric-friendly and geriatric-friendly urgent care centers. Some clinics even offer virtual visits, allowing you to speak to a provider from your hotel or vacation rental for non-urgent matters like rashes, medication questions, or mild infections.
Also, check if your health insurance covers out-of-network urgent care visits. If it doesn’t, many clinics post transparent pricing or offer self-pay rates so you know what to expect.
Trust Lani City Medical for Urgent Care Before and After You Travel
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, your health deserves just as much preparation as your travel itinerary. Lani City Medical in Rancho Cucamonga and Chino, CA, is here to support your summer travel plans with expert urgent care before, during, and after your trip.
Need a travel check-up, vaccination, or advice before you go? Walk in or schedule an appointment today. And if you return home with a minor injury or lingering illness, our team is here to help you feel better fast—so you can start planning your next adventure with confidence.