Traveling is always unpredictable no matter how much planning you do, and some of its surprises include getting sick. While you can’t always prepare for unexpected illnesses while you’re traveling, you can prepare for the common ones that might dampen your spirits and ruin your trip.
There’s no time to be sick when you’ve got the whole world to see. Don’t let colds or diarrhea get in the way of making the most out of your trip.
Here are 9 first aid medicines you should always bring when traveling:
1. OTC Pain and Fever Medicine
Coming down with a fever or a headache and you still have to tour Disneyland the next day? Good thing if you packed some OTC pain and fever medicines with you so you can focus on being a tourist.
2. OTC Antacid
The last thing you’ll want to do on a vacation is walk around with heartburn or stomachache, especially with all the new cuisines and beverages you might want to try. Always carry along antacids wherever you fly so you can thoroughly enjoy all the culinary adventures you want.
3. OTC Mild Sedative or Sleep Aid
You will find trouble sleeping if you’ve crossed timezones or if you picked a hotel in the middle of a bustling street. Carrying OTC sleep aids with you can help you sleep better and set you up for next day’s adventures.
4. OTC Motion Sickness Medicine
Nothing can ruin your trip quite like motion sickness on whatever mode of transportation – train, plane, bus, or a cruise ship. Instead of swallowing down every urge to vomit and getting slumped over with nausea and dizziness, always take motion sickness medicines with you so you can travel like a champ.
5. OTC Cough drops or Suppressants
You’re at an increased risk for contracting illnesses when traveling as your germ exposure heightens. Bring some cough drops to temporarily alleviate sore or itchy throat and keep the coughing fits to a minimum.
6. OTC Antihistamine
Allergies almost always never come announced and can especially come up while you’re experiencing new climates and environments when traveling. Fend off the annoying symptoms of allergies such as itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and incessant sneezing, by bringing along antihistamine meds in every trip.
7. OTC Decongestant
It’s annoying to travel with a stuffy nose. Whether it’s from allergies or a cold, carrying along OTC decongestants may help relieve stuffiness and clear your head as you explore new sights. Just make sure to pick out the non-drowse kind so you can stay alert during the day.
8. OTC Diarrhea Medicine
Diarrhea can happen anywhere. It’s a good idea to always bring an anti-diarrheal medication no matter the destination or the type of trip you’re taking.
9. OTC Mild Laxative
You won’t regret it.
This list has been adapted from this article by Smarter Travel.
What first-aid medicines do you never travel without? Let us know in the comments below!
