Before travelling abroad it is easy to get caught up in deciding which bikini to pack or if you’ve got the right shades to match your sandals, but it is essential to consider your medical kit too. You never know what you could need when on holiday, or if what you need will be readily available.

 

Here are a few things to make sure you keep with you when travelling abroad to ensure you are able to get out of any troublesome situations.

1)      Antibiotics.

Always come in handy. For an emergency and can treat a variety of infections. Sometimes antibiotics can be difficult to get hold of abroad, as in some countries you require a prescription before being able to purchase certain medicines.

 

2)     Sunscreen.

It is so important to keep your skin protected, a study recently revealed that rates of the most dangerous form of skin cancer is now 5 times higher than they were in 1970s. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF15 and one that gives you protection from UVA and UVB.  A waterproof sunscreen is also recommended if you intend to spend a lot of time in a pool or in the sea.

3)     Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

An essential, not only when travelling abroad. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen come in handy in case of fever, headaches or any other aches and pains. If you are travelling with family, be sure to keep ones suitable for children as well as stronger painkillers for adults.

4)     Antihistamines.

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of a protein called histamine. They come in many forms including creams, tablets and nasal sprays and can be used to reduce any itching or inflammation caused by allergies, particularly when travelling the new, unfamiliar tropical areas.

5)     Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydrating salts.

You never know when anti-diarrhoea tablets are going to come in use, especially when abroad in places where you are trying new foods, or cannot guarantee the sanitation of food preparation. Equally rehydrating salts are essential to rebalancing levels of water, salt and sugar after a bout of diarrhoea. Furthermore, rehydration salts can come in use in particularly hot countries, where it is easy to become dehydrated just by spending time in the sun, or consuming lots of alcohol.

6)     Insect repellent.

Insect repellent is vital especially when travelling to mosquito prone areas. Be sure to get a repellent containing DEET as these are the most effective kinds of repellent. If you know you are travelling to a malaria zone it is important to see your GP 4 to 6 weeks before you leave to ensure you have the right medication you need. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the same situation as Cheryl Cole, it is simply not worth taking the risk.

7)     Contraception.

Condoms are recommended for everyone that is sexually active. It is important to get condoms marked with CE. This mark shows that the condoms are in line with EU standards.

8)    First aid kit.

These are great little kits to keep with you, especially if you plan on travelling off the beaten track. They contain all your essentials for minor minor injuries including gauzes, bandages, plasters, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers and safety pins.

For more travel products and all the essential medicines you need take a look around our online shop!