by Dr James Knox
Planning an overseas family holiday? Between booking flights, packing suitcases, and finding someone to water the plants, one vital thing often slips down the priority list: protecting your family’s health while you’re away.
The good news? Getting expert travel health advice is now easier than ever – and many parents don’t even know this option exists. Online travel clinics are a new and growing service that let you prepare for overseas trips without the hassle of in-person appointments. For time-poor Sydney families, it’s a game-changer.
Here’s what every parent should know about this simple and smart way to safeguard your family’s wellbeing while travelling.
What Are Online Travel Clinics?
Online travel clinics are telehealth services specifically designed to provide expert travel medicine advice. Instead of trying to squeeze in a doctor’s visit between school drop-offs and work meetings, you can book an appointment from your couch – often after hours or on weekends.
During the consultation, a travel doctor will provide personalised advice based on your family’s destination, itinerary, and health needs. They’ll email through any necessary prescriptions and talk through all your preventive health options. You’ll also get written instructions covering food and water hygiene, bug bite prevention, and any country-specific risks.
And it’s not just for the kids. Adults travelling for work, leisure or visiting family overseas can benefit just as much.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With international travel now rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, Australians are once again exploring the world – especially popular family spots like Bali, Thailand and Fiji. Over one million Australians travel to Bali alone each year.
Unfortunately, many of us still overlook travel health until we’re already overseas and unwell. Around half of Aussie travellers don’t get proper medical advice before leaving the country. This can lead to serious, preventable issues – from upset stomachs to more complex infections that can derail an entire trip. Travel medicine is all about understanding the unique health risks of your destination and having a plan in place to keep your family protected.
Why Online Travel Clinics Are Ideal for Sydney Families
If you live in NSW, you’re in luck. Online travel clinics work particularly well here thanks to state health regulations. Many pharmacists in NSW are qualified to assist in all aspects of pre-travel preparation.
This means the whole process can often be done in two easy steps:
- Book a telehealth consult with a travel doctor.
- Visit a pharmacy to fill scripts, pick-up travel essentials and get everything else you need.
The few exceptions to this are when you need yellow fever vaccine (which is not required for common destinations like Bali, Thailand or Fiji) or if immunisations are required for a child under five. In these cases, your online travel doctor can arrange the easiest approach.
There’s usually no need to travel across town to a specialist clinic. For busy Sydney mums and dads juggling multiple schedules, this saves valuable time and energy.
Not Just for Big Trips
A common misconception is that travel health advice is only necessary for remote, high-risk destinations. But even short family trips to popular destinations can carry risks – especially when it comes to young children.
Foodborne illnesses, mosquito exposure, and animal contact are common issues in tropical areas, and young kids are often the most vulnerable. Even a single day of illness can affect an entire holiday. With proper planning, many of these problems can be easily avoided.
Early Adopters vs. Busy Parents
Right now, the majority of online travel clinic users are young travellers – people in their 20s heading off on backpacking adventures. But the benefits for families are arguably even greater.
Sydney parents already use telehealth for everything from GP appointments to speech therapy – so it makes sense to include travel health in that mix. Yet awareness is still low. That’s why now is a great time to spread the word among parents’ groups, schools, and community networks. If you’re planning a trip, around six to eight weeks out is the perfect time to see your travel doctor.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your family’s health while travelling doesn’t have to mean extra stress or navigating traffic to reach an appointment. Online travel clinics offer a smart, modern solution that more Sydney families should be taking advantage of.
They’re fast, convenient, and designed to fit into your life – not the other way around. If you haven’t tried one before, now’s the perfect time. A quick telehealth chat could be the easiest – and most important – thing you do before your next family getaway.
About Author
Dr James Knox is an Australian Infectious Diseases Specialist and Director of Glide Online Travel Clinic. He is passionate about making travel health accessible and helping busy parents prepare for overseas travel with peace of mind.