Here are some great tips for travelling abroad from Colleen Pizarev, Vice President of International Distribution for PR Newswire.
Travelling outside of your home country can be a lot of fun - whether it’s for business or pleasure. What can completely destroy that fun is getting sick on the trip. A good medicine kit is essential for overseas travel, and this is one of the most asked-questions from my colleagues when they go overseas the first time. The first step is to talk to your doctor about any specific medication you will need for the countries you’re visiting. Then, put together the necessaries. Here’s what I bring with me every trip:
Steri-pen - This tiny, indispensible ultraviolet light pen will sterilize bottles of water, or glasses of water. This is a MUST for anyone travelling outside of the US, and has saved me from travel tummy many times. You can find them at most travel stores or on the web. Find out more at www.steripen.com. I never travel without this - anywhere!
Antibiotics - If you’re travelling to Asia, Africa, Latin America or India I would highly recommend you take a prescription of antibiotics with you. Speak to your doctor about which one is best for you.
Lomotil Travel tummy is usually guaranteed at some point, and immodium usually doesn’t do the trick when it’s caused by water bacteria. Talk to your doctor about a prescription.
Sleep medication Jet lag can be nasty, and you’ll get the 3am zinger at some point. Ruins your day if you can’t fall back asleep.
Cold medication - There is some good medication that’s over the counter in many places, but the names are different, as are the active ingredients. If you’re going to a country in which you don’t speak the language, it’s best to bring your own to prevent adverse reactions.
Thermometer - I’ve always found that I need one at 2am, and pharmacies are closed.
Pepto-Bismol - Works great for nausea if you eat something that doesn’t agree with you - which is very easy to do.
Antacid - these are hard to find overseas. Bring your own - with different cuisines that you’re not used to this is a necessity!
band-aids for blisters - you can get these pretty much everywhere, but do you really want to take the time to find a pharmacy/chemist shop? Bring many sizes.
antiseptic for cuts and blisters - I carry the band-aid foam because it’s in a small bottle and it works well.
yeast infection medication - You CAN’T get this outside of the US without a prescription. Believe me, I’ve tried, and now I never leave home without it. It’s not a lot of fun trying to explain to a doctor what’s wrong by hand signals.
Several bottles of Purell, and a couple of packages of antiseptic wipes for plane use. Be really careful what you touch and always sanitize before eating. This is the best way to ensure that you will be healthy and have a great experience.
