Travel well prepared: what to bring?
Your pharmacy thinks with you
For many people, going on a trip is an escape from everyday life. But even on vacation, you may encounter minor inconveniences or health problems. Think diarrhea, insect bites or sunburn. Do you have prescription medication? Then there are additional things to consider, such as a medicine passport or storage advice in high temperatures. At the pharmacy, we'll help you with:
Checklist: this should not be missing from your travel pharmacy
What you need depends on your destination, how long you are going away and with whom. But these items are always handy to bring: paracetamol or ibuprofen, band-aids, gauze and disinfectant, diarrhea inhibitors, travel sickness medicine, ointment against insect bites, a pair of tweezers or forceps, thermometer, high-factor sunscreen (at least SPF 30), aftersun, ORS (for dehydration), antifungal cream (e.g. for foot fungus), mosquito repellent with DEET, any of your own medication in its original packaging and a medicine passport. Feel free to ask us for help putting together your personal checklist.
Be careful with children
Are you going on vacation with children? Then good preparation is even more important. Consider child-friendly sunscreen, ORS, and a fever thermometer. For young children, special remedies for motion sickness and pain relief are available. We would be happy to advise you on the right dosage and remedies that are appropriate for your child's age.
Healthy on vacation
Drink plenty, especially in hot weather. In countries with different tap water, it is better to use bottled water. Eat hygienically and do not take risks with raw food. Be careful with alcohol in combination with medications. And do you use medications that are sensitive to heat? Then keep them in a cooler bag and don't leave them in the sun or car.
Don't forget your sun protection
The sun can quickly damage your skin, especially abroad. Use sunscreen with at least factor 30 and top up regularly. Even when it is cloudy. Note that some medications make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight. This is called photosensitivity. We can tell you if this applies to your medication.
.Think about your medicine passport
Do you use prescription drugs? Then it is wise to bring a medicine passport, especially when traveling outside Europe. This is not an official travel document, but helps with customs checks or medical emergencies. Ask us about it in the pharmacy or use the option through your pharmacy app.
