A vacation overseas is an exciting event. Exotic locations can mean a greater risk for potential health problems and a larger chance of not finding adequate medical services.

Take matters into your own hands and prepare for that travel in advance with Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel’s list of 8 Travel Tips that will make your excursion safer, happier and healthier.

1. Have current immunizations.

Check with the CDC on the internet at www.cdc.gov/travel and specify which countries you will be traveling, to check on the current immunizations required. This site also has many suggestions on staying healthy during your trip.

2. Brush your teeth with bottled water.

Local water supplies can carry diseases that often cause illness in travelers but not in natives. Use bottled water to brush your teeth. If bottled water is not available, boiling local water for a minimum of 1 minute and allowing it to cool to room temperature will kill bacteria and parasites that can cause illness.

3. Try and peel vegetables and fruits before eating them.

Local fruits and vegetables can also harbor parasites and bacteria that can make a healthy traveler ill. For that reason, the CDC advises not buying food from street vendors. Dr. Rosenfeld proposes skinning raw fruits and vegetables before eating. Always be sure that your food is cooked fully.

4. Take additional medication with you.

Your vacation should be fun. The anxiety you would undoubtedly feel by running out of necessary prescription medication could ruin good memories of the trip. Do yourself a favor and avoid that anxiety by packing extra medication beyond the number of days you plan to be away. Murphy’s Law exists; negate it by being prepared.

5. Build your own first aid kit.

Build a first aid kit to pack in your suitcase. A smaller kit that you can keep with you is a good idea as well. In your suitcase kit, include anti-diarrheal medication, mild laxative and anti-motion pills as your destination dictates. You should also include antihistamine and decongestant, anti-fungal and hydro cortisone cream in 1% solution. The kit that stays with you through your day should include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotic cream and the typical assortment of alcohol pads, latex gloves, band aids and moleskin for blisters.

6. Purchase travel insurance.

Canceling an anticipated trip is disappointing to say the least. Don’t let that disappointment become a financial problem as well. Purchase travel insurance to cover the unexpected, especially for an expensive trip.

7. Do not swim in still bodies of water.

It is fine to swim in chlorinated pools and the ocean, but do not swim in still bodies of water like ponds or lakes. Don’t swim in rivers either. The same bacterial and parasitic concerns of drinking water exist in still bodies of recreational water.

8. Be mosquito aware.

Pack insect repellent that contains 20-50% DEET. This level is acceptable for adults and children over 2 months. You can wear pants and long sleeves as well. It’s helpful to spray your clothes with repellent too. If you’ll need sunscreen, apply it first then use repellent and make sure to wash off before bed. These safety measures will fend off ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Malaria transmitting mosquitoes are more active at dawn and dusk. Daytime biters tend to pass dengue fever.

If an injury or unexpected illness hits a member of your traveling party, seek help from one or more organizations that specialize in this type of situation. The International Society of Travel Medicine and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene both have websites and can give you information on clinics in your area. MEDEX at www.medexassist.com is another organization referenced on the CDC website that is worth checking into.

Healthy travel is easy if you are prepared. Enjoy your travels knowing you are prepared for the worst which, universally speaking, means the worst probably won’t happen.