A well-prepared travel health kit can turn a holiday medical problem into a minor inconvenience rather than a major drama. Whether you’re travelling within the UK or heading further afield, the right products in your bag give you confidence and peace of mind.

Before You Travel: Pre-Trip Health Planning

For travel to areas with specific health risks (tropical diseases, altitude, food hygiene concerns), visit a travel clinic or NHS travel medicine service at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Vaccinations (typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis — depending on destination) require time for immunity to develop. Malaria prevention: your GP or travel clinic will recommend appropriate antimalarials based on destination. Travel insurance is essential — include adequate medical cover.

Pain and Fever

Pack both paracetamol and ibuprofen — different strengths for different situations. Include children’s liquid paracetamol and ibuprofen if travelling with young children. Note that in some countries, common medicines may not be available OTC, or the local equivalents may be unfamiliar.

Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Oral rehydration sachets (Dioralyte) — absolutely essential, particularly if travelling to regions with higher risk of diarrhoeal illness. Critical for children who dehydrate faster than adults. Loperamide (Imodium) — for short-term control of traveller’s diarrhoea. Not for use in children under 12 without medical advice. Do not use if blood is present in stool or if high fever. Antacids — indigestion is common with dietary changes. Probiotic capsules — evidence for reducing traveller’s diarrhoea risk; start a week before travel.

Travel Sickness

Hyoscine (Kwells, Joy-Rides) — the most effective OTC travel sickness treatment. Starts working within 30 minutes; repeat every 6 hours. Can cause drowsiness. Not for under-10s. Promethazine (Phenergan) — effective, sedating antihistamine. Useful for children over 2 with a doctor’s guidance. Cinnarizine (Stugeron) — effective for sea sickness in particular. Ginger — evidence for mild nausea; good option for pregnancy. Acupressure bands (Sea-Bands) — limited evidence but no side effects; popular.

Sun and Insect Protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm are non-negotiable in sunny destinations. DEET-based insect repellent (50%+ concentration) in malarial or dengue risk areas. Picaridin is an effective, less-irritating DEET alternative. Antihistamine cream and tablets for insect bite reactions. Hydrocortisone cream for inflamed bites.

Women’s Travel Health

Thrush risk increases in hot, humid climates — pack Canesten cream and/or pessary. UTI risk increases with travel disruption to bathroom access; carry cystitis sachets. Hormonal contraception: crossing time zones requires specific planning — consult your pharmacist or GP.

Shop our full Travel Health range at Chemist 2 Customer. Related: First Aid at Home, Sun Protection Guide.