Heading on vacation soon? Stock up at the pharmacy with our expert-recommended essentials to ensure a worry-free trip. We've got practical tips and key reminders for a healthy summer.
Manage Your Chronic Medications
- Ensure you have enough supply for your entire stay.
- Pack your prescription.
- Keep medications in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.
- Use an insulated bag for temperature-sensitive drugs.
- Consult your pharmacist about photosensitizing medications (e.g., NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, amiodarone, acne treatments). These can cause severe reactions or permanent pigmentation.
Important Note:
Pharmacists typically dispense only one month's supply unless specified. For trips over a month abroad, ask your doctor to add "Deliver for X months – Travel abroad" on the prescription.
Build Your Travel First Aid Kit
Before departure, review your kit's inventory and check all expiration dates.
- Essentials: Paracetamol, antiseptic, compresses, bandages.
- Saline pods for eye irritation (sand, conjunctivitis), jellyfish stings, nasal congestion.
- Thermometer (crucial for infants).
- Misting spray to combat heat (plus plenty of water).
- Motion sickness remedy if needed, plus bags or a basin.
- Tweezers for splinters, sea urchin spines, ticks, thorns.
- Mosquito repellent for prevention.
- Antihistamine cream for itchy bites.
- Toothpaste and brushes.
- High-SPF sunscreen.
- After-sun or moisturizing lotion post-beach.
- Sunburn cream (use prevention to avoid it).
Sunscreen alone isn't enough.
Top sun safety practices:
- Wear a hat or cap.
- Choose UV-filter sunglasses.
- Keep a t-shirt on (anti-UV preferred).
- Avoid direct sun for infants.
- Skip peak hours (12 p.m.–4 p.m.).
Health-Related Documents
- Chronic treatment prescriptions.
- Social security certificate and Carte Vitale.
- Health insurance card.
- European Health Insurance Card for EU care reimbursements.
- Children's health record book.
- Authorization for emergency care for minors (e.g., if leaving with grandparents).
For International Travel:
Consult your doctor about antimalarials, updated vaccines, traveler's diarrhea meds, and more.
