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European Countries do not require any vaccinations for Americans. However, the Center for Disease Control recommends these, and you might want to carry a vaccination card just in case. Be sure to visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before you go in order for the vaccinations to be effective.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).

Hepatitis B. This is if you might have contact with blood either through sex or medical treatment.

As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diptheria.

For more information visit the CDC site at: www.cdc.gov/travel

Prepare ahead of time for an emergency.

Travel Insurance- protect your wealth and health. Check with your current provider, otherwise many student travel agencies offer plans.

Embassies- U.S. Embassies and Consulates provide support for specific problems such as passport loss, crime, political instability, incarceration and even death. Consular Assistance can send you health, security and embassy contact information on any country in the world. Simply visit travel.state.gov.

Iamat (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers)- The membership is free and includes a directory of qualified interantional physicians that guarantee a set price. Visit www.cybermall.co.nz/NZ/IAMAT.

Medicine

It is a good idea to bring medicines in their original bottle. Loose in Ziplocks they may be crushed and seem to be drugs. Keep important medications in your daypack.

-Prescriptions. You may want to bring a copy of your prescription in case you are questioned or lose your medicine.

-Bring an extra pair of contacts or glasses if possible.

-Sunblock.

-Anti-diarrheal and cold medicine, as well as Tylonol or another such pain-killer.

Money and Documents

-Copies! Copy your passport, driver's license, airline ticket, credit cards and traveler's checks serial numbers. Keep one set with you in a separate place and leave one set with a friend or relative.

-Bring extra passport photos and a copy of your passport information in case you need a replacement.

-Carry a spare credit card and a little cash in a separate place in case the other is stolen.

-Put your name, telephone number and address on the inside and outside of all luggage. Use covered tags for privacy.

Theft Prevention

-Keep everything important on your self, preferably in a money belt under your clothing.

-If you must leave your pack in a storage area, try to lock it to something with a bike lock or a similar lock.

-If you are taking an overnight train, lock the cabin and lock your pack, sleep on your pack or keep it between you and the wall.

-Keep any bags on the building-side of the sidewalk as you walk to avoid drive-by pickpockets.

-On crowded busses and subways, wear your daypack on your front instead of your back.

Staying Healthy

In general, you should take the same precautions for traveling in Europe as you would in the U.S.

-Do not eat: unpasteurized dairy products; undercooked beef, poultry or shellfish; raw eggs. When in doubt, drink bottled boiled or carbonated beverages, avoiding tap water and ice cubes.

In rural areas:

-A good rule of thumb is "boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it". Wear long sleeves, pants and repellant to avoid ticks. Bring insect repellant such as DEET. Permethrin is effective for ticks. Also consider bringing a water filter and or iodine.