Having a short list of medicines to take when travelling can spell the difference between a dream vacation and a disastrous sojourn. Moving around a new place can be physically taxing on your system that there is a high chance that you might get sick while being on a trip that you have so wanted to happen for so long. I have been in four (going five!) different countries within one month so trust me when I say never to leave home without medicines to take when travelling. Here are the contents of my medicine box:
There's nothing like pain caused by a terrible headache so painkillers are on of the main medicines to take when travelling. In a 15-hour trip from LA to Guangzhou (China) with screaming twins, my husband and I made sure that we have those “headache” tablets ready to at least mitigate the impact of jet lag and stress. I have with me “White Flower Oil” which is in a very small vial that I inhale when everything is heading south. It’s always best to be prepared.
You may become more adventurous when you are away from the comforts of home and try the street food. While the food is good (and I swear it is good!), your dear tummy may not be agreeable to it and the result is not pretty. That is why my word of advice for those with sensitive stomachs is eat with caution. But if you can’t help it, expect the runs and just keep your medicines within reach.
I always get congested when I travel to places with a colder climate. I am from the tropics so when I go to some place where it’s a lot colder than my home country, I get the flu instantly. One thing I hate about getting the flu is that it changes you: your voice most especially. It can be a real adventure breaker. So just bring along your friendly decongestant and hope that Mr. Cold won’t get you.
I don’t know if it falls under the category of “medicines” but when I travel, I always bring a vapor rub with me. It mostly aids decongestion but it’s also good for stomach ache (as per experience). My Mom would put a generous amount on our bellies and I still do that now. When my children have colds, I use “baby rub” on their chest, backs and their feet. I massage them for a while and cover their feet with socks after the massage.
Or syrup or capsule or whatever works for you. There are over-the-counter medicines that you can buy but be sure to check that you are okay to take them. This is the medicine you take before your journey because it won’t work when you already feel like throwing up. It’s that kind that gets you all set up before the storm.
These are especially helpful if you have allergies and you are likely to meet irritants when you are on the road. Be sure to know what dosage is right for you and check with the airport authority’s website how much you can bring in your carry-on luggage.
You never know when you will need it. I think that it’s always best to bring something familiar on your trip, especially medicines. Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial creams should be in your list.
What else do you have in your medicine box when you travel?