The excitement of planning a holiday abroad can sometimes mean that important health preparations get overlooked. We want to make sure you stay healthy before, during, and after your trip. Follow our travel checklist to ensure you get the vaccinations, medications, and advice tailored to you for a hassle-free trip.
Get Vaccinated
One of the most important steps is getting travel vaccinations and medications. Different parts of the world have contrasting health risks and requirements, so come and use our local travel clinic services before you go, and we will advise which vaccinations you need.
These may include:
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid – For travel to developing countries
- Yellow Fever – Required for some parts of Africa and South America
- Malaria tablets – Essential for travel to malaria hotspots
- Rabies – Recommended for travel to Asia and Africa
- Japanese Encephalitis – For travel to East & Southeast Asia
We can also review your routine UK vaccinations to make sure your tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and MMR vaccines are up to date. Allow enough lead time for any vaccine courses to be completed before you go.
Get Medications
In addition to vaccinations, certain medications are recommended for travel:
- Anti-malarial – Start before travel and continue during your trip
- Motion sickness tablets – For nausea during transport
- Oral rehydration sachets – For dehydration from diarrhoea
- Antibiotics – For self-treatment of severe diarrhoea
- Sunscreen – Essential for skin cancer prevention in sunny climates
- Insect repellent – To avoid mosquito and tick bites
Come to our pharmacy to get these prescribed and issued. We will provide advice on when and how to take them.
Manage Health Conditions
If you have an existing health condition, make sure it is optimally managed before your trip. Get any necessary check-ups or tests done early. Make sure you have enough medication to last the entire trip – and take it in your hand luggage. Have a letter from your doctor summarising your condition and medications. If you have diabetes, asthma, or another condition needing monitoring, bring extra supplies for testing and management.
Sort Travel Insurance
Do not travel without insurance – overseas medical care can be extremely costly. Make sure your policy covers pre-existing conditions, medical evacuation if needed, and any adventurous activities you have planned. Bring copies of your insurance documents – and leave a copy at home with your emergency contact. If you require routine or emergency medical care abroad, keep all receipts and documentation to make an insurance claim when home.
Pack a First Aid Kit
While abroad, you want to be prepared to self-treat minor ailments. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit, including:
- Plasters and bandages
- Antiseptic cream
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Indigestion remedies
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Insect bite cream
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers and safety pins
See TravelHealthPro’s and St John Ambulance guidance for a comprehensive travellers first aid-kit.
Follow Destination Advice
Before travelling, check your destination’s official health advice and entry requirements on the National Travel Health Network & Centre website. Be aware of any disease outbreaks, health risks and required documentation like visas. Stay up to date during your trip by checking travel advice and the news.
Stay Healthy Abroad
Once you are abroad, take measures to stay healthy. Drink bottled water and avoid high-risk foods, to reduce the risk of travellers’ diarrhoea. Wash your hands regularly. Protect against insect bites. Use sun protection. Avoid crowded areas if you feel unwell. Seek medical care if needed – ask your hotel for the nearest doctor or hospital.
Let Us Help You Prepare
Come to Trio Pharmacy’s travel clinic to make sure you get personalised health advice and all the medications, vaccines, and preparations for a healthy, safe trip. Our team of travel health experts will guide you through all the steps for peace of mind before you go.