Medications to Pack when traveling
I was the pharmacy for my friends on our recent trip to the European Christmas Markets so thought I’d share what I pack when traveling abroad…
Packing the right medications ensures you're prepared for unexpected health issues that may arise during your vacation. It can be hard to find medicine in different countries and the language barrier can make it impossible. When we were in Italy we went to the pharmacy and they didn’t speak English so we used our language app to translate the medicine. It was a good reminder to come well-prepared! In this guide, I’ll share the essential medicine to bring when traveling abroad to help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
I always travel with a pill organizer. This organizer is by MEACOLIA. It comes in a 3-pack and has 8 Compartments and is cuter than most.😆
I use a clear ziplock bag for over-the-counter medicines that don’t fit in my pill organizer.
Prescriptions:
Always pack your prescriptions, vitamins and medicine in your carry-on luggage so you have easy access at all times. If your checked bag doesn’t arrive at your destination you’ll have your medication in your carry-on.
Digestive Health:
Better to be safe than sorry… you might try foods that don’t agree with you.
•Antacids for indigestion
•Anti-diarrheal medication
•Laxatives
Pain and Fever:
•Over-the-counter pain relievers
•Fever reducers
•Thermometer
Sleep Aid:
This will help you fight jet lag. I take this the first few nights overseas to help me sleep through the night, it also helps me adjust to the time zone. You can also use sleep aids on your flight to help you adapt to the local time zone.
Allergies:
•Antihistamines for allergic reactions
•Epinephrine auto-injector if you have severe allergies
•Eye drops
Motion Sickness:
•Medications for motion sickness, if needed.
Insect Repellent and Bite Relief:
(Tropical Destinations)
•Insect repellent with DEET or an alternative
•Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites
Respiratory:
•Cold and flu medication- I always carry it when travelling during the winter months.
•Decongestant for nasal congestion
•Cough Drops
*I carry Zicam Nasal Spray. It shortens colds and works like a charm.
First Aid:
•Bandaids
•Antibiotic ointment
Personal Health Supplies:
•Prescription glasses or contact lenses with solution
•Tissues- For runny nose and for bathrooms that don’t have toilet paper.
•Sunscreen
•Hand sanitizer
•Antibacterial wipes
•Small scissors
•Tweezers
•Tampons
•Chapstick
•Water Bottle
Documentation:
•Carry a list of your medications with generic names.
•Include a copy of prescriptions and any relevant medical documents.
Health Insurance Information:
•Keep your health insurance card and emergency contact information accessible.
Packing a well-thought-out selection of medications can address common health issues. It’s always a good idea to let your travel companions know where you keep your medication in case of emergencies (also teach them how to use it if they don’t know how). When flight attendants are dealing with medical emergencies on the aircraft, they rely on travel companions to give important health information.
