Important Travel Items
Foreign travel is usually an adventure, regardless of the purpose. A wise traveller will prepare ahead of time for emergencies, which often requires bringing important health items and personal documents along on the trip. Below are items the clinic recommends travellers take on their journeys, but not all of them may be necessary, or appropriate, for every traveller.
Prescription Medications
- Allergies
An insect sting treatment kit or Epi Pen should be carried by travellers with severe allergies to stinging insects (Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, etc.). - Diarrhea Treatment
An antimotility agent and/or an antibiotic may be prescribed for treatment. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for use as prevention of diarrhea. - Treatment of Infection
An antibiotic may be useful for travellers at risk of upper respiratory, urinary tract, or skin infections. - Jet Lag
A short-acting sleeping medication may be useful in treating sleeping problems in cases associated with jet lag. - Malaria Medication
The malaria situation in many countries continues to change. The malaria situation in your country of destination will be carefully explained to you by the Travel Doctor staff and appropriate medications will be prescribed.
Read more: Malaria Information for Travellers - Mountain Sickness
There are medications, depending on the nature of the travel, which have been shown to be effective in preventing some cases of high altitude problems. - Anti-Nausea Treatment
Travellers who experience motion sickness may be prescribed a medication for this. - Antibiotic ointment
For topical application on minor cuts and abrasions.
Non-Prescription Items
- Antifungal powder or cream
For travellers prone to athletes’ foot and/or other fungal skin problems. Women prone to yeast vaginitis should consider antifungal vaginal creams or troches. - Antihistamine tablets
For mild to moderate allergic reactions. - Condoms
- Cough Suppressant
Cough preparations, throat lozenges. - Decongestant tablets
For nasal congestion due to colds, allergies or water sports. - Dental emergency kit
Oil of cloves, dental floss. - Hydrocortisone Cream
For topical relief of itching due to insect bites or sunburn. - Insect Repellant
For protection from the local insect population. - Pain medications
ASA, Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen for general relief of minor aches and pains or headache. - Water purification tablets
Iodine or chlorine tablets or an adequate filtering device. Vitamin C tablets can mask the unpleasant taste of iodine.
General Medical Supplies, etc.
- Bandages – Band-Aids or generic brands, gauze pads, roll of tape.
- Ace bandage – for minor sprains.
- Duct tape – useful for blisters (and many other things).
- Moleskin – for prevention of blisters.
- Safety pins – for a multitude of emergency uses
- Small case – to hold medications and supplies.
- Thermometer– to measure body temperature.
- Towelettes, pre-moistened – for cleaning hands and abrasions.
- Scissors
And don’t forget…
- Your physician’s phone and fax number.
- A copy of your most recent ECG, lab and/or X-ray results, if appropriate.
- Extra glasses, contacts, or a copy of your prescription, if appropriate.
- Your health insurance information.