A forgotten prescription, severe sunburn, travel sickness, or an upset stomach can quickly disrupt a long-awaited holiday. While most travellers remember their passport and luggage, many overlook the health essentials that help prevent common travel problems before they start.
Whether you're travelling abroad or enjoying a break closer to home, preparing for stronger sun exposure, long journeys, unfamiliar foods, and unexpected minor injuries can make your trip far more comfortable. A few simple additions to your travel bag can save time, stress, and unnecessary discomfort while you're away.
This Irish summer travel health checklist covers the key essentials to consider before you leave, including prescriptions, sun protection, hydration support, insect bite prevention, travel sickness remedies, and first-aid supplies, helping you travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Before you go — prescriptions, travel vaccines, and what to ask your pharmacist
A little preparation before you travel can help you avoid unnecessary stress and deal with potential health concerns more confidently while you're away. Taking a few simple steps before departure and packing the right travel health essentials can make your journey smoother and help ensure you're prepared for common travel-related concerns.
Check your prescription medicines
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of unexpected delays. Keep medicines in their original packaging and, where possible, carry them in your hand luggage so they remain easily accessible during your journey.
Depending on your destination, it may also be useful to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your GP, particularly if you travel with multiple medications or medical devices.
Review travel vaccination requirements
Vaccination recommendations vary depending on your destination, planned activities, and length of stay. If you're travelling outside Europe or visiting more remote areas, check travel health advice well in advance so you have enough time to arrange any recommended vaccinations.
Pack a few practical travel essentials
Alongside your regular medications, consider packing:
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Hand sanitiser for situations where handwashing facilities aren't available.
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Oral rehydration sachets to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
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A digital thermometer for monitoring symptoms if illness occurs.
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A medication organiser to keep treatments organised during travel.
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Tissues, wipes, and any allergy medication you may need.
Ask your pharmacist before you travel
Your pharmacist can help you review your travel health needs, check that you have the appropriate supplies, and answer any questions about travelling with medications. Seeking advice before departure can help you travel with greater confidence and avoid last-minute complications.
Sun protection for the destination's UV
Many popular summer destinations have significantly higher UV levels than Ireland, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage, even on cooler or cloudy days. Whether you're spending time on the beach, sightseeing, or enjoying outdoor activities, protecting your skin should be an essential part of your travel preparations.
Choose a suitable sunscreen
A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For most sunny holiday destinations, a high-SPF sunscreen is recommended, particularly if you plan to spend extended periods outdoors.
For effective protection, apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply regularly throughout the day, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Don't forget the commonly missed areas
Sunburn often occurs in areas that travellers overlook, including:
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Ears – Frequently exposed but easily forgotten.
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Lips – Can become dry, sore, and sunburnt without SPF protection.
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Scalp – Particularly important if you have thinning hair or a visible parting.
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Feet – Often exposed when wearing sandals.
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Back of the neck – Vulnerable during sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Hands – Receive regular sun exposure throughout the day.
Alongside sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing can provide additional protection.
Consider after-sun care
After-sun products can help soothe and moisturise skin after sun exposure, particularly if it feels dry, tight, or irritated. Packing an after-sun product can be useful when travelling to warmer climates.
Extra care for children
Children's skin is especially sensitive to UV exposure and can burn more quickly than adult skin. In addition to using suitable sunscreen, encourage children to wear protective clothing, seek shade during the hottest part of the day, and stay well hydrated while outdoors.
Taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy your holiday comfortably while reducing the risk of sun-related skin damage.
Travellers' tummy and rehydration essentials
Changes in climate, food, routine, and activity levels can sometimes affect digestion while travelling. While most cases of stomach discomfort are mild and short-lived, being prepared can help you manage symptoms more comfortably and minimise disruption to your holiday.
Stay hydrated throughout your holiday
Warm weather, long journeys, and increased physical activity can all increase your risk of dehydration. If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting, replacing lost fluids becomes even more important.
Oral rehydration sachets are a practical travel essential, helping to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through illness, excessive sweating, or prolonged sun exposure. Drinking water regularly throughout the day can also help support hydration, particularly in hot climates.
Be prepared for minor digestive upsets
Unfamiliar foods, changes in eating habits, and disrupted routines can occasionally lead to mild stomach discomfort while away from home. Packing a few digestive health essentials before you travel can save time and inconvenience if symptoms arise.
Depending on your needs, useful additions to your travel health kit may include oral rehydration sachets and other digestive support products recommended by your pharmacist. Having these items readily available means you won't need to search for unfamiliar healthcare products when you're away.
Practice good food and hand hygiene
Simple precautions can help reduce the risk of digestive problems while travelling:
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Wash your hands regularly, particularly before eating.
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Use hand sanitiser when handwashing facilities aren't available.
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Follow local guidance regarding drinking water.
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Take care with food that may have been left unrefrigerated for extended periods.
Good hygiene habits, combined with a few well-chosen travel essentials, can help you spend less time dealing with digestive discomfort and more time enjoying your holiday.
Insect bite prevention and aftercare
Mosquitoes and other biting insects are common in many popular holiday destinations, particularly during the warmer months. While most bites are harmless, they can cause itching, irritation, and discomfort that may interfere with your holiday if left untreated.
Preventing insect bites
Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce your chances of being bitten:
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Apply insect repellent as directed to exposed skin, particularly during the early morning and evening when insects are often most active.
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Wear lightweight long sleeves and trousers when spending time outdoors in areas where insects are common.
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Use mosquito nets where appropriate, especially if sleeping in areas with higher insect activity.
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Keep windows and doors screened where possible to reduce insects entering your accommodation.
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Avoid heavily scented products, which may attract certain insects.
Treating bites and stings
Even with preventative measures, bites and stings can still occur. Having an insect bite treatment product in your travel health kit can help soothe common symptoms such as itching, redness, irritation, and minor swelling.
Treating bites promptly may also help reduce scratching, which can sometimes lead to broken skin and increase the risk of infection.
When should you seek medical advice?
Most insect bites improve on their own within a few days. However, medical advice should be sought if a bite becomes increasingly painful, significantly swollen, or shows signs of infection.
Taking simple preventative measures and packing suitable aftercare products can help minimise the impact of insect bites while you're away.
Travel sickness remedies
Travel sickness can affect people of all ages and may occur during car journeys, flights, ferry crossings, and coach travel. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort can make even short journeys unpleasant, which is why many travellers choose to prepare in advance.
Reduce the risk of travel sickness
While travel sickness cannot always be prevented, a few simple measures may help reduce symptoms:
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Sit facing forward whenever possible, particularly in cars and coaches.
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Focus on a fixed point or the horizon rather than reading or looking at screens.
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Avoid heavy meals before travelling, especially before long journeys.
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Ensure adequate ventilation by opening a window or directing cool air towards you when possible.
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Stay hydrated throughout your journey, particularly during warmer weather.
Travel sickness remedies
A range of travel sickness remedies is available for both adults and children, helping travellers manage symptoms before and during their journey. The most suitable option may depend on factors such as age, mode of transport, and the length of the trip.
If you're prone to travel sickness, it's worth planning and packing any remedies before departure rather than waiting until symptoms develop. If you're unsure which option may be appropriate for you or your family, your pharmacist can provide advice based on your travel plans and individual needs.
Preparing in advance can help you travel more comfortably and focus on enjoying your holiday from the moment your journey begins.
A compact holiday first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, pain relief, and blister care)
A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you deal with minor injuries and everyday health concerns without disrupting your holiday. Whether you're spending the day sightseeing, relaxing at the beach, or exploring the outdoors, having a few essentials on hand can save time and unnecessary stress.
Essential first-aid items to pack
A practical travel first-aid kit doesn't need to take up much space. Consider including:
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Plasters for covering minor cuts, grazes, and blisters.
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Antiseptic cream or wipes to help clean and protect small wounds.
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Pain relief medication for headaches, muscle aches, and general discomfort.
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Blister care products for treating friction blisters caused by walking, hiking, or long days of sightseeing.
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Bandages and medical tape for securing dressings and providing support for minor injuries.
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Tweezers for removing splinters and dealing with small outdoor injuries.
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A digital thermometer for monitoring symptoms if illness occurs during your trip.
The contents of your first-aid kit may vary depending on your destination, planned activities and personal health needs, but packing a few basic supplies can help you deal with common problems quickly and confidently.
A compact first-aid kit takes up very little room in your luggage and can provide valuable peace of mind throughout your travels.
Flying tips (ears, hydration, and swelling)
Air travel can be tiring, particularly on longer journeys. Fortunately, a few simple measures can help improve comfort during your flight and reduce some of the common issues travellers experience.
Managing ear pressure
Changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing can cause temporary discomfort in the ears. Many travellers find relief by:
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Swallowing frequently.
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Chewing gum during ascent and descent.
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Yawning regularly to help equalise pressure.
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Sipping water throughout the flight.
These simple actions can help reduce pressure-related discomfort, particularly during landing.
Stay hydrated in the air
Aircraft cabins typically have low humidity levels, which can leave you feeling dry and fatigued during or after your flight. Drinking water regularly throughout your journey can help maintain comfort, especially on longer flights.
Reduce swelling on longer journeys
Sitting for extended periods may contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles. To stay comfortable during longer flights, try to:
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Stand up and walk around periodically when safe to do so.
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Stretch your legs and move your feet while seated.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing during travel.
A few simple habits before and during your flight can help you arrive feeling more comfortable and ready to enjoy your holiday.
Shop Travel Health
Before heading abroad, take a few minutes to review your travel health kit and ensure you have everything you may need during your holiday.
From sun protection and hydration products to travel sickness remedies, insect bite prevention, and first-aid supplies, being prepared can help you focus on enjoying your trip rather than dealing with avoidable health concerns.
Explore our travel health ranges:
If you're unsure which products are best suited to your destination or travel plans, the team at Ballyduff Pharmacy can help you choose suitable options before you depart.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual health needs vary, and travel requirements may differ depending on your destination and personal circumstances. If you have specific health concerns or questions before travelling, consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional.