Living well with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) means finding opportunities to enjoy everything life has to offer, including travel. Whether you love taking trips for adventure, relaxation, work, or to see family and friends, there’s no reason for HIV to hold you back.

Stocking up on supplies and learning about your destination will help you feel confident before going abroad. Here are some tips to remember as you brainstorm your future travel plans.

1. Give Your Doctor a Call

Talk to your health care provider if you’re planning a trip. Don’t wait until the last minute — try to call at least a month ahead of time. Your doctor can help you think of details you may not have considered. They can let you know whether you need certain immunizations or travel medicine to avoid local health risks.

Give your doctor your trip dates so they can help ensure you’ll have enough medication to last until you’re back home (even if there’s an unexpected delay). You’ll likely need to work with your insurance company and pharmacy as well, if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time.

Your doctor may recommend a follow-up visit when you return to test for tuberculosis (TB), which is a common problem in various areas around the world. Tuberculosis is easily spread and can lead to severe symptoms if you have HIV. Getting tested and treated for TB right away helps keep you safe.

2. Store Medication Safely

Once you get enough medication to last through your trip, bring it with you in your carry-on luggage to prevent loss or damage, which is more common with checked bags. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require you to keep your medications in their original containers, but doing so may prevent additional questioning at the security checkpoints. Learn about the airline’s requirements before packing your carry-on bags to avoid breaking any rules that could affect your trip. Liquid medications may need certain screenings or labeling.

If you take long-acting antiretroviral therapy (injections usually administered at your health care facility), time your next dosage based on your travel schedule. Try to get your injection at your home clinic because coordinating with a health care center that will administer it while traveling could be difficult.

Additionally, discuss appropriate timing of your medications with your doctor or pharmacist — especially because time changes in different locations must be taken into account. Keep a copy of your prescription information and a list of your HIV medications in case you need to replace them abroad.

3. Research Health Care Facilities and Insurance

Research health care facilities at your destination, including hospitals and clinics that specialize in medical care for people with HIV. If needed, identify English-speaking health care providers and try to find out if the medications you take are readily available.

Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses related to HIV. You may want to call your insurance company and ask about their policies and coverage with regard to facilities and medication.

4. Pack All the Essentials

In addition to medication, bring essential items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, condoms, and personal hygiene products. Include a first-aid kit with supplies for treating minor injuries or illnesses. Depending on the circumstances, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to bring on the trip as a precaution if you get sick (for traveler’s diarrhea, for example).

Additionally, carry a medical alert card or bracelet indicating your HIV status, emergency contact information, identification such as license and passport, and insurance card.

5. Be Mindful of Food and Water Safety

Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated while traveling. In underdeveloped countries especially, be cautious of consuming contaminated food or water, including unpasteurized dairy products. Opt for bottled water, and avoid eating any raw or undercooked foods. Order drinks without ice, as these often use local tap water that may not be safe to drink.

Use caution when swimming, as certain bodies of water could be contaminated. Avoid swallowing the water if possible, and consider not swimming if you have open cuts or sores that could become infected.

On myHIVteam, members talk about their travel plans and share tips for visiting new places. “I require boiled water 24/7 and may be doing a trip later in the year,” shared one member. “Here in the U.K., all hotels and guest houses have kettles, but in Europe, they don’t. From what I remember of my previous trips to the U.S. many years ago, only coffee makers were in the rooms.”

You can pack nonperishable food in case you have trouble finding food you feel is safe. If your purchase food from street vendors, opt for freshly cooked and piping hot food rather than items that may have been sitting out for too long without proper refrigeration. Avoid precut or peeled fruits and vegetables.

6. Avoid Infectious Diseases

People with weakened immune systems from HIV are at higher risk of opportunistic infections, which are infections that occur more often or are more severe in those with weakened immune systems. When traveling to a new place, especially a developing country, there may be a higher risk of diseases you haven’t been exposed to before.

One of the ways infectious diseases may be spread is through animals and animal waste. Keep yourself safe by always wearing shoes outdoors and washing your hands after touching animals.

Your risk of getting sick depends on how strong your immune system is and if you are able to be vaccinated. In people with low CD4 counts, vaccinations may not work as well, and live vaccines are not recommended. Fortunately, most vaccinations are inactivated (not live) and can be given safely to people living with HIV.

7. Protect Against Mosquito Bites

In places where diseases like malaria or dengue fever spread through mosquitoes, make sure to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net treated with permethrin (a type of insecticide used to kill or repel insects) if necessary. Additionally, consult with your health care provider about appropriate antimalarial medication if you’re traveling to an area of concern.

Doctors advise people with HIV with a weakened immune system to avoid traveling to places with yellow fever if possible.

8. Manage Stress and Fatigue

Traveling can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so prioritize self-care to manage stress and fatigue. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy and on a regular basis, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and practice meditation or deep breathing exercises. “I think a good night’s rest is very important to help with stress,” said a myHIVteam member.

Pace yourself and allow time to relax during your travels. You may also want to factor in an extra day or two of rest when you return home to recover from the trip.

9. Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations regarding HIV in your destination country. Some countries have restrictions on entry, residence, or employment for individuals living with HIV. In addition, there are more than 70 countries where it’s illegal to have a consensual same-sex relationship.

Research whether you need to disclose your HIV status upon entry, and be prepared to provide necessary documentation if required. Familiarize yourself with the culture, customs, and laws so you won’t be caught off-guard when traveling far from home.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHIVteam, the social network for people with HIV and their loved ones, more than 40,000 people with HIV come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Do you have any experience traveling with HIV? Have you planned international travel to Central or South America, Europe, Australia, Africa, or Asia? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by sharing on your Activities page.