Getting ill abroad is stressful enough without hunting for a pharmacy in a language you don’t speak. A small travel health kit takes ten minutes to pack and covers the most common problems on the road.
Your regular medicines
- Pack enough for the whole trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays.
- Keep them in your hand luggage, in their original labelled packs.
- Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for injections, controlled medicines or large quantities.
- Check the rules of the country you’re visiting. Some medicines that are legal at home are restricted elsewhere.
Stomach and travel sickness
- Motion sickness tablets such as Dramamine, taken 30–60 minutes before travelling. See our motion sickness guide.
- An anti-diarrhoeal such as Imodium for adults and children 12+. Read when to use it and when not to.
- Oral rehydration salts, to replace fluids if you get a stomach bug.
- A probiotic such as Vizylac, if you like to take one.
Allergies, aches and skin
- An antihistamine such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra for hay fever, insect bites and hives. Which one?
- A pain and fever reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- An antifungal cream such as Mentax: hot, sweaty shoes are a classic cause of athlete’s foot.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+), after-sun and lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent, especially where mosquitoes carry disease.
First aid basics
- Plasters in different sizes and blister plasters
- Antiseptic wipes or cream
- A small roll of tape and gauze
- Tweezers and a digital thermometer
- Hand sanitiser
Before you go
- Check whether you need any vaccinations or malaria tablets. See a doctor or travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you leave.
- Get travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation.
- Save the local emergency number and your insurer’s helpline in your phone.
More in our Travel Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.
