As one of the largest private foundations in the world, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has done immense amounts of good throughout the world. In the last few months alone, the foundation has committed over $500 million to fighting Ebola as well as other potentially deadly diseases that are currently affecting the developing world.

The Gates Foundation’s mission is to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty throughout the world, while focusing on United States-based efforts as well. Supported by donations from Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, and his wife, Melinda, as well as business magnate Warren Buffett and other investors, the foundation has been able to support major efforts through grants, direct donations, and other means of financing.

The foundation itself is divided into four sectors: Global Development Division, Global Health Division, United States Division, and the Global Policy & Advocacy Division.

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In the previous posts in the Passport Health Holiday Travel Tips Series, we have discussed tips that will help you have a fun and safe trip, wherever your travels may take you. However, there is one piece of advice that is more important than nearly any other when it comes to preventing disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best prevention of almost any disease is being vaccinated (assuming a vaccine is available for that illness). Here are three vaccines that should be considered before your next trip.

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Although traveling is one of the most fun parts of life, it can also be extremely stressful. From the flight, to navigating the roads in a foreign country, to hailing a taxi when you do not speak the language, there are many transportation related issues that can make travel stressful. However, transportation does not have to become a travel woe. With a little prior planning, getting around your destination can be a breeze. For this installation in Passport Health’s holiday travel tips countdown, we review how transportation in your destination can be made less stressful.

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The types of journeys that are open to a traveler are endless. No matter the particulars of your travel journey — whether it includes a restful sojourn on a sandy beach, a thrilling hike up a rocky mountain peak, medical mission work in a developing country, or a tour of the cultural highlights of a foreign nation — each journey provides a wealth of life changing experiences.

Philanthropic travel, in particular, affords travelers the opportunity to marry their wanderlust with their desire to help others in the destination country, often providing an even more rewarding experience as a result. Project C.U.R.E. sponsors such trips every year via the organization’s PhilanthroTravel program that gives travelers a unique opportunity to connect with communities and individuals on a personal level while serving those in need by delivering important medical supplies. Unlike making a one time monetary donation, active participation in philanthropic work gives people the opportunity to see their donation in action and gain a new perspective on travel.

Passport Health was fortunate to participate in a recent Project C.U.R.E. PhilanthroTravel trip to Panama and had the opportunity to work with other volunteers to deliver a cargo container full of medical supplies to a hospital in the country, as is highlighted in the video above.

Remember that proper preparation lays the groundwork for any successful journey, but when your travel plans include medical mission work, your personal health and safety are even more crucial. After all, you will only be able to help those in need if you yourself are healthy and well. Therefore, let Passport Health be a part of your journey; schedule an appointment at a Passport Health travel clinic in advance of your trip so that we can arm you with all of the vaccines, medications, and health advice you will need to stay healthy as you help others.

Just one question remains: What will your journey be?

Ideal winter travel destinations vary greatly from person to person. Many head to the mountains to go skiing or snowboarding while others go south to warmer, more tropical climes. However, just like going into snowy weather, there are some perils that come with travel to these tropical regions. For this post in Passport Health’s holiday travel tips series, we look at six diseases and viruses to be aware of if you are traveling to a tropical region and what you can do to avoid running into problems.

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