Summer Holiday Travel Essentials: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Staying Healthy Abroad
Summer holidays are all about relaxation, adventure and making memories, but nothing can disrupt a trip faster than illness, sunburn or forgetting essential medication.
As pharmacists, we often see a surge in last-minute holiday queries before peak travel season. Whether you are heading to the beach, exploring a city or travelling with children, a little preparation can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing while abroad.
Here are the key travel essentials every holidaymaker should consider before packing their suitcase.
1. Check Your Medication Before You Travel
One of the most common problems travellers face is running out of medication abroad. Taking a few minutes to prepare before departure can help prevent unnecessary stress.
Medication Checklist Before You Fly
- Ensure you have enough regular medication for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging.
- Carry medication in your hand luggage where possible.
- Check whether your medicine is legal or restricted in your destination country.
- If you use injectable medicines or controlled drugs, you may need a doctor’s letter.
If you take medication that requires refrigeration, speak to your pharmacist about suitable travel storage options.
2. Build a Basic Travel Health Kit
A small pharmacy kit can save you time, stress and expensive purchases overseas.
A pharmacist will often recommend packing:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites
- Diarrhoea relief medication
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Plasters and antiseptic cream
- Motion sickness tablets
- Indigestion remedies
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
If travelling with children, pack child-friendly formulations you are already familiar with rather than relying on finding alternatives abroad.
3. Do Not Underestimate Sun Protection
Every summer, pharmacies see the consequences of inadequate sun protection, including painful sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion and worsening skin conditions.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
Essential Sun Safety Tips
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Reapply every two hours.
- Children and those with fair skin need extra protection.
- Wear hats and sunglasses and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
Some medicines can increase sun sensitivity, including certain antibiotics, acne treatments and anti-inflammatory medicines. Ask your pharmacist if this applies to you.
4. Be Aware of Food and Water Safety Abroad
Traveller’s diarrhoea is extremely common, particularly in hot climates.
To reduce your risk:
- Drink bottled or purified water where advised.
- Avoid ice in areas with poor water sanitation.
- Eat freshly cooked food.
- Peel fruit yourself where possible.
If symptoms become severe, persistent or are accompanied by fever or blood, seek medical attention promptly.
5. Prepare for Flying and Long Journeys
Long flights and lengthy travel days can affect circulation, hydration and energy levels.
Healthy Flying Tips
- Stay well hydrated.
- Limit alcohol intake during flights.
- Move regularly during long journeys.
- Consider compression stockings if you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
People living with asthma, diabetes or heart disease should plan ahead and carry all necessary medications and emergency supplies.
6. Check Travel Vaccination Requirements Early
Some destinations require travel vaccinations or malaria prevention treatment.
Ideally, seek travel health advice at least six to eight weeks before departure.
Depending on your destination, you may require:
- Hepatitis A vaccination
- Hepatitis B vaccination
- Typhoid vaccination
- Yellow fever certification
- Malaria prevention tablets
Many community pharmacies now offer travel health services, making vaccinations and expert advice more accessible than ever.
7. Do Not Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is often overlooked until something goes wrong.
Ensure your policy covers:
- Existing medical conditions
- Medication and medical equipment
- Emergency healthcare abroad
- Adventure activities if relevant
This is particularly important for travellers living with long-term health conditions.
Travel Health Essentials Checklist
| Travel Essential | Why It Matters | Action Before You Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Medication | Avoid running out abroad | Pack extra supplies and carry them in hand luggage |
| Travel Health Kit | Manage minor illnesses quickly | Pack pain relief, antihistamines and first aid essentials |
| Sunscreen | Protect against UV damage | Choose SPF 30 or above |
| Travel Vaccines | Reduce the risk of serious illness | Book advice 6–8 weeks before departure |
| Travel Insurance | Protect yourself financially | Check existing conditions are covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book travel vaccinations?
Travel vaccinations should ideally be arranged six to eight weeks before departure to allow enough time for immunity to develop.
Should medication be packed in hand luggage?
Yes. Regular medication should always be carried in hand luggage where possible, along with a copy of your prescription if required.
Can pharmacists provide travel health advice?
Yes. Many community pharmacies offer travel vaccinations, malaria advice and guidance on destination-specific health risks.
What should be included in a travel first aid kit?
A basic travel kit should include pain relief, antihistamines, oral rehydration sachets, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
What if I have a long-term medical condition?
Plan ahead before travelling. Ensure you have enough medication, carry emergency supplies and check your travel insurance covers your condition.
Final Thoughts
A well-prepared traveller is far more likely to enjoy a stress-free holiday. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and can provide practical advice tailored to your destination, medications and health needs.
Before you travel this summer, take a few minutes to review your health essentials. Your future self will thank you.
Maintaining a healthy routine before and after your holiday is equally important. If you are currently managing your weight, MyPharmacyClinics also provides pharmacy-led support through our weight loss hub, with clinically appropriate access to treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy following an online consultation.
Safe travels and enjoy the sunshine.
