Medicine to Take on Your Next Tropical Vacation
On your next tropical vacation, consider taking some or all of the list below. Even if you’re going to a resort with its own water filtration system and a stellar record for not having any problems with widespread illness problems, it happens. A vacation is great, until someone doesn’t feel good, then it’s not so fun. So here’s a list of things you might want to take along:
General Health & Pain Relief
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – for headaches, fever, or minor pain
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – for inflammation, muscle aches, or sunburn discomfort
- Aspirin (if tolerated) – for headaches or cardiovascular use (if normally taken)
Stomach & Digestive Aids
- Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, or Pepcid) – for heartburn or indigestion after rich meals
- Anti-diarrheal (Imodium / loperamide) – helpful if island food or water upsets your stomach
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol chewables or liquid) – for nausea, diarrhea, or general stomach upset
- Electrolyte packets (Liquid I.V., DripDrop, or Pedialyte powder) – to rehydrate after sun exposure or stomach illness
- Probiotics – can help prevent or ease traveler’s diarrhea
Allergies, Bites & Skin Irritation
- Antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl) – for allergies or insect bites
- Hydrocortisone cream (1%) – for itching, bites, or mild rashes
- Afyer-bite stick or calamine lotion – for mosquito or sand flea bites
- Aloe vera gel – for sunburn relief
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or Polysporin) – for small cuts or scrapes
Motion Sickness & Nausea
- Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Bonine (meclizine) – for motion sickness (boat trips, transfers on winding hilly roads, etc.)
- Ginger chews or capsules – natural help for nausea
Sun & Heat
- High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Lip balm with SPF
- After-sun lotion or cooling gel
- Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets – for dehydration prevention
Cold & Sinus
- Decongestant (Sudafed or pseudoephedrine) – for sinus pressure
- Cough drops or throat lozenges
- Saline nasal spray – helpful for dry airplane air or congestion
Extras Worth Having
- Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
- Small first-aid kit – bandages, gauze, tweezers
- Thermometer – small digital one
- Eye drops – for dryness or irritation from salt or chlorine – for dryness or irritation from salt or chlorine
Travel Tip – Keep these items in your carry-on, especially meds you might need in the first 24 hours (pain relievers, allergy meds, anti-nausea, etc.).
Pack the rest in a waterproof pouch in your checked bag.
0 Comments