Being healthy while travelling ... starts even before the journey!

Travelling gives us the opportunity to explore new places, learn about different cultures and have unforgettable experiences. But while we make our travel plans and pack our bags, it is important not to disregard our health. Whether it's minor ailments or unforeseen medical emergencies, a well-stocked first-aid kit can help us respond to health challenges with ease.

In this blog post, you'll learn about the essentials you should pack in your first-aid kit to protect your health while travelling.

💊🩹 The Basics

There are some basic medicines and consumables that should not be missing from any first-aid kit. These include painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can help with headaches or fever. Furthermore, antihistamines against allergic reactions, for example to insect bites, and a broad-spectrum antibiotic for emergencies should also be included. Bandages, disinfectants and plasters are also indispensable for treating minor wounds and injuries.

🤢 Travel Sickness

Many people suffer from travel sickness, whether by land, sea or air. If you are one of them, you should include anti-nausea and anti-vomiting remedies in your first-aid kit. There are various over-the-counter preparations such as chewing gum, chewing gum patches or tablets that can help you relieve these unpleasant symptoms.

😫 Gastrointestinal Complaints

New dishes and foreign foods can confuse our digestion and lead to gastrointestinal problems. To prepare for such eventualities, you should include preparations against diarrhoea, constipation and stomach complaints in your first-aid kit. Probiotics can also help keep the intestinal flora in balance and support digestion.

🌞 Sun Protection

Sun protection is an absolute must, no matter where you are going. A high-quality sunscreen with sufficient sun protection factor (it should be at least SPF 20) should not be missing from any first-aid kit. Be sure to pack both sunscreen for the body and a lip balm with sun protection factor to avoid sunburn and long-term damage from UV rays.

In Addition ...

If you need to take certain medicines regularly, don't forget to pack enough for the entire duration of your trip. It is advisable to also carry a copy of the prescription or a medical certificate in case you need to buy the medication or prove it at check-ups. Check the medical regulations of your destination in advance to avoid problems when bringing in certain medicines.

Depending on where you are going, it may also be useful to pack mosquito repellent. Check with your local pharmacy to find out which mosquito repellent is most effective at your destination. Particularly in the coastal regions of France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and on the Mediterranean islands, special types of mosquitoes can occur, whose bites are usually long and very itchy and can even transmit parasites.

A well-stocked first-aid kit can be a real lifesaver when it comes to your health while travelling and can save you a lot of worry. From basic medications and supplies to special needs such as motion sickness or gastrointestinal complaints, careful preparation and planning can help you enjoy your trip without major health problems.

Remember that this article is intended as a recommendation and it is advisable to consult a travel and tropical medicine doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice before setting off.

Pack wisely and be ready to have carefree and healthy adventures on your trip!