Travel Medicine: Building a Prepared Travel Health Kit
When travelling, it’s helpful to have certain medications on hand to help prevent or alleviate symptoms of common travel-related conditions. It can be difficult to know what to plan for, or whether you’re bringing too much or too little. A great place to start is by considering where you’re travelling, how long you’ll be away, and whether pharmacies and healthcare services will be readily available and accessible at your destination. As a traveller, Pharmacist, and Certified Travel Health Specialist, here are the things I consider when putting together a travel medicine kit.
Pain Relief & Fever: From a headache after a long travel day to a sore throat or fever, having basic pain and fever relief in your travel kit can be helpful. Consider packing:
Acetaminophen for pain and fever relief.
Ibuprofen for pain, inflammation, and fever, when appropriate for you.
Cough drops or throat lozenges to soothe an irritated or sore throat.
Digestion: Changes in diet, rich local cuisine, unfamiliar foods, or simply the disruption of your normal routine can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort while travelling. Consider bringing:
Loperamide for occasional diarrhea, when appropriate.
Antacids for heartburn or indigestion.
Electrolyte solutions to help replace fluids and electrolytes if you experience vomiting or diarrhea and become dehydrated.
Allergies: Antihistamines are another useful addition to a travel medicine kit. They can help manage unexpected environmental allergies as well as some mild allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Options include:
Cetirizine
Diphenhydramine
Nausea & Motion Sickness: Whether you’re prone to motion sickness or simply want to be prepared for a long flight, boat or bus ride, consider packing something to help manage nausea, such as:
Dimenhydrinate or meclizine can be useful options for motion sickness.
Ginger chews are easy to pack and may help with mild nausea.
Acupressure wristbands are another lightweight, drug-free option that are easy to use on the go.
First Aid: A small first-aid kit can be invaluable when you’re away from home. You don’t need to pack an entire medicine cabinet; a few basics can help you manage minor injuries and skin concerns. Consider including:
Bandages
Antiseptic wipes
A small thermometer
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibiotic ointment
Antifungal cream
Other General Travel Tips for Travelling with Medication: A few simple steps can make travelling with medications much easier.
Pack your medications in your carry-on luggage. Checked luggage can be delayed or lost, so keep your medications with you.
Keep medications in their original, labelled containers. This can make airport security checks easier and helps identify your medications if you need medical care while travelling.
Pack an extra supply of your regular medications. Consider bringing enough to cover unexpected delays or an extended stay.
Ask your pharmacist for a current medication list. Include the name of each prescription medication, its generic name, strength, and dosage.
Consider carrying a letter from your doctor or healthcare provider explaining why you take your medications, particularly if you take several medications or are travelling with injectable or controlled medications.
Know Before You Go
One important thing to remember is that medications that are commonly used or readily available in Canada may be restricted or controlled in other countries. It is the traveller’s responsibility to understand and follow the medication laws of the country they are visiting. Regulations can vary significantly between countries, particularly for medications containing controlled substances or certain ingredients. Before you travel, check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination. Look for the health section and information about travelling with medications.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
The goal of a travel medicine kit isn’t to pack everything you might possibly need. It’s about having a few essentials on hand so that a minor headache, upset stomach, allergy, or blister doesn’t interrupt your plans. And remember, your travel health needs are personal. Your destination, activities, medical history, and regular medications can all affect what you should bring. Before heading out, talk to your pharmacist or a travel health professional about your individual needs and give yourself enough time to prepare before departure.
Safe travels!
All content is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or specific pharmaceutical consultation. Always consult with your prescribing physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment plan, or to confirm if a specific product is safe and appropriate for you.
