When traveling, many things are unpredictable. The last thing you want is to suddenly feel dizzy or unwell, which can ruin your mood and make sightseeing impossible. In some countries, you might also encounter language barriers. In such situations, having some common medications on hand is the best way to quickly alleviate symptoms.
Motion Sickness Medication
Children and the elderly are more prone to motion sickness—whether in cars, boats, or planes. Once it hits, you’ll feel extremely uncomfortable, lethargic, and may even vomit, leaving you with no energy to enjoy your trip. To prevent this, take motion sickness medication before boarding a plane, car, or boat. Remember to take it before departure, not after. Note that motion sickness medication is only for prevention, not treatment.
Cold Medicine
The weather in Melbourne, Australia, can change drastically within a day. At noon, the sun can be so intense that temperatures reach 40°C, but once the sun sets, it can drop below 20°C—even in summer. Without air conditioning. Not dressing appropriately for the large temperature differences between day and night can easily lead to a cold. Similarly, if you’re traveling to tropical places like Thailand and only pack tank tops and shorts, you might catch a chill in air-conditioned shopping malls. At the early stage of a cold, you can take cold medicine to help alleviate symptoms. However, if you experience headaches, fever, or other symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention, pause your itinerary, drink plenty of warm water, and keep warm.
Digestive Medicine
Digestive issues are among the most common health problems during travel, mainly for two reasons. First, consuming unhygienic food, and second, constipation. Pay attention to food hygiene while traveling. Avoid restaurants with poor sanitation or street food stalls swarming with flies. Also, remember to eat some fruit even when indulging in all the delicious food.
Pain Relievers
Sudden toothaches, headaches, stomachaches, or menstrual cramps can make life miserable. That’s when pain relievers come to the rescue like magic pills. You never know how your body might react—minor issues might go away with rest, but sometimes the pain can become unbearable. Having pain relievers on hand can help ease the discomfort temporarily.
Topical Medications for Wounds
Kids running around can easily get scrapes. If you plan to engage in adventurous activities like rafting or orienteering, it’s even more important to carry basic supplies for treating minor wounds. Diluted alcohol spray bottles, iodine, cotton pads, adhesive bandages, and cotton swabs are all essential for disinfection and preventing bacterial infections.
Eye Drops
If you wear contact lenses, don’t forget to bring eye drops. During travels, it’s not uncommon to wear them for up to 12 hours a day. To avoid dry or red eyes, carry eye drops suitable for contact lens use.
Mosquito Repellent
When traveling to subtropical regions, remember to keep mosquito repellent and after-bite relief like ‘Mopidick’ in your bag. Mosquito bites can cause swollen, itchy skin and really get on your nerves. While mosquito bites aren’t serious, some tropical mosquitoes can be quite dangerous, especially in countries where diseases like dengue fever are prevalent. Mosquito repellent can save you from the annoyance, but not all repellents can be sprayed directly on the skin. If the repellent contains DEET, apply it to your clothing instead, and avoid using it on pregnant women or infants.
Multi-Purpose Ointments
Multi-purpose ointments, like Tiger Balm or Mentholatum, can be used for almost any ache or pain. Apply a bit of Tiger Balm to your temples for headaches, dab some on insect bites, or use Mentholatum for minor cuts and scrapes. But if symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
Quick Tips for Carrying Medications
A. Store medications in a cool, dry place: Sunlight, humidity, and high temperatures can accelerate drug oxidation, causing them to deteriorate.
B. Before your trip, check if any medications have expired.
C. If you have chronic conditions or need long-term medication, ensure you bring enough for the trip, and even a few extra days’ worth, just in case. It’s also recommended to write down the medication names, dosages, usage instructions, and any allergies (in both Chinese and English) and carry it with you. This will help pharmacists or doctors if you run out of medication or need medical care locally.
D. Drug regulations vary by country. To avoid legal issues, if you’re carrying special medications, get an English prescription from your doctor and bring the original packaging. Also, check the import regulations for medications in your destination country.
E. Keep medications in your carry-on luggage to ensure they’re accessible in emergencies or to prevent loss during checked baggage.
These medications can provide temporary relief for minor discomforts, but remember to take them in moderation. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately. Wishing everyone a safe and pleasant trip.