• Clean Water
• Food and drink on holiday
• Immunisation
• Insect Bites on Holiday
• Jet Lag
• Motion sickness
• Pregnant travellers
• Safe Sex
• Sun exposure
• Taking medicine overseas
• Travel Medical Kits
• Volunteers and expeditions

Travel Medical Kits

Sometimes it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide precisely what to take on a trip. Peace of mind is a huge factor when travelling anywhere and a suitable travel medical kit can only add to your sense of preparedness.

The holiday destination and planned activities will, to a significant extent, determine what the contents of the medical kit should be. Vastly different items will need to be taken if you are planning a holiday in the tropics versus an adventure at high altitude, for example. It may also be worth checking with your travel insurance cover provider as they may be able to provide a suggested list of items.

If yours is a package trip primarily involving sitting on a coach or train then you may decide to take a simpler travel medical kit as most holiday firms will have their own first aid supplies. That said, it is better not to wholly rely upon this, particularly if you will be changing between various modes of transport en route as the facilities available may vary significantly.

If you intend to be self sufficient at any stage of the trip it is essential to consider what may be required. If you are travelling to an area where you are unsure as to whether or not it is safe to drink the water then it is important to take water purification tablets. For those undertaking an activity break such as a cycling or hiking trip, it is also advisable to take sticking plasters in case of a fall and pressure bandages for sprains.

Although not strictly a medical item, high factor sun cream is vital if you will be out in the sun - or indeed wind. Antiseptic wipes can be useful for sores and blisters and antihistamine tablets can be effective against insect bites and allergies. If you plan to enjoy swimming in warm waters then take a jellyfish repellent to ward off stings. Remember to pack lip balm as it will keep lips moist in extreme temperatures.

If any member of the party suffers from digestive problems, remember to pack simple laxatives or tablets for dehydration solutions. Heartburn sufferers should remember to pack an antacid. Always take painkillers and if anyone is likely to suffer from motion sickness, it is worth including Scopalamine based pills or patches, or one of the other many remedies. Natural motion sickness remedies include Ginger.

For those who may need antibiotics when abroad it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor before leaving. Although in some countries antibiotics are available without prescription, it is a good idea to discuss your own particular requirements rather than to self prescribe. Your travel insurance cover may be not be valid if you simply take tablets or medicine without consulting a medical professional.

If any member of your party is known to have a significant allergy, packing an adrenaline shot into your travel medical kit may prove to be a life saver in the event of anaphylactic shock.

Finally remember that all medicines from your medical kit will have a sell by date. Remember to throw away those that are past their date and if in any doubt as to your requirements, always consult your GP or suitable medical professional.