Your destination is selected, your itinerary set up and you are eager to get away on that great trip. However, before walking out the door, let’s talk about a few medical items that may be keys to your enjoyment.
- Pain medication: Advil, Tylenol, aspirin—whatever you routinely take needs to be in your carry-on. If you have issues with migraine headaches, include some of that just in case. The stress of travel may cause unexpected pains and issues so be prepared! Children’s pain medication is not always easily available so if you are traveling with children, be sure to have these with you. You don’t want to spend your trip with a child with an ear ache, and no way to relieve that pain.
2. Stomach aids: something for stomach upset (like Pepto, Pepcid) plus something for diarrhea like Imodium. There’s nothing more miserable than a stomach ache or diarrhea while traveling. Who wants to be looking for a restroom every few minutes because a change of water or foods has caused traveler’s diarrhea. And yes, it is a real thing. Between the airport food, change in schedules and routine, upset to your digestive system is quite common and a small packet of relief may be invaluable.
3. Antihistamine: if you have allergies, this is important. Even if you do not typically have allergies, keep in mind that you are going to be around different pollens and allergens, and therefore you might encounter items you are unaware you are sensitive to. Also, have a tube of Benadryl or Cortisone cream as a guard against a bug bite or even, God forbid, poison ivy. A couple of months ago, while on a trip to Mexico to inspect resorts, I brought home the unwelcome souvenir of poison ivy and the Benadryl cream I had in my carry-on helped maintain some degree of sanity the last 36 hours before I arrived home.
4. Sleep aids: even if you don’t require these at home, you might find that the interruption to your sleep rhythm caused by travel will be eased heavily by a mild sleep aid. Especially when you are crossing several time zones, like to Europe, it can have a serious impact on the enjoyment of your trip if you are sleep deprived for the first few days while your body adjusts to the time change. There are a multitude of over-the-counter aids as well as prescription medications to consider; consult your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations that will not be adverse in your health situation.
5. Bandaids and blister relief: while sightseeing, you will probably be walking more than you do at home, and blisters may result. Be prepared with some bandaids and possibly some antiseptic ointment.
I always pack my prescription medication and the above necessities in my carry-on bag to be certain it is with me the full trip. For daily prescriptions, I carry at least one extra day’s worth with me in case of an unexpected delay.
If you have any questions about working with me on a future trip, please shoot me an email at: laura@globaldreamvacations.
