Zocdoc booking trends reveal how Americans are preparing for travel, and how they manage the ailments they're most likely to encounter on their journeys

“Zocdoc Reports: Travel Travails” is a comprehensive data analysis of common travel ailment related appointment bookings from January-June 2021 to January-June 2022. At the height of summer travel season, we're taking a look at how Americans are preparing for healthy, happy travels, as well as which common travel-related illnesses and injuries are on the rise.

The data shows that people are preparing for trips, now that “Revenge travel” is reality, with travel this season up 16% since last summer. With more people vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 than ever, and health concerns declining as a reason to put off traveling, Americans are making up for lost time, packing airports and setting sail to embark on trips that have been on hold for years.

Pre-trip preparations

While many people put off their routine health visits throughout the pandemic, upcoming travel is a catalyst for many to check in with a healthcare professional before setting off on a journey. From January-June 2021 to January-June 2022:

• Travel vaccination appointments increased by 327%
• Travel medication consultation appointments increased by 147%
• Pre-travel consultation and checkup appointments increased by 60%

During this same timeframe, 73% of these pre-travel appointments were conducted in-person, as people become increasingly comfortable with, and even prefer, in-office care. 

Travel travails

Even with the best health and safety preparations, traveling comes with a unique set of risks, as people let their guard down and interact with unfamiliar environments and hazards. Between January-June 2021 and January-June 2022:

• Sunburn and sun damaged skin appointments increased by 11%
• Concussion appointments increased by 33%
• Sprain-related appointments increased by 36%
• Plantar fasciitis appointments increased by 40%
• Foot and ankle fracture appointments increased by 22%
• Arm and hand fracture appointments increased by 52%
• Stomach pain appointments increased by 20%
• Diarrhea appointments increased by 46%

For more information, contact press@zocdoc.com. If you are a healthcare provider who wants to reach new patients and offer seamless access to care — in-person or virtually — you can learn more at zocdoc.com/join.