Family Travel Health: What to Pack
Minor bumps, bites and upset tummies are part of most family holidays. Having the basics with you means you can deal with them straight away, rather than hunting for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar town, late at night, with a language barrier. This checklist covers what most families find useful.
The first-aid kit
A ready-made travel first-aid kit is the simplest option, as it comes in a compact case that slips into a suitcase. Look for one with a good range of dressings, and top it up with anything your family uses often. If you prefer to build your own, include:
- plasters in assorted sizes, including some fun ones for younger children;
- sterile cleansing wipes and antiseptic cream;
- non-stick dressings, a crepe bandage and adhesive tape;
- tweezers (for splinters, sea urchin spines and ticks) and small scissors;
- a digital thermometer;
- burn gel or after-sun for minor burns and sunburn;
- insect bite relief, such as a cooling gel or wipes;
- an eye wash pod and a few safety pins.
Everyday medicines
Familiar brands can be hard to find abroad, and packaging and strengths often differ from those at home. It is worth packing a small supply of the medicines your family uses, in their original packaging with the instructions. Depending on your family, that might include:
- children's pain and fever relief, plus adult painkillers;
- antihistamines for allergies, hay fever or bites;
- oral rehydration sachets for tummy bugs;
- anti-diarrhoea medicine for adults;
- travel sickness remedies;
- teething gel for babies;
- cold and flu remedies, and antacids.
Not every medicine is suitable for every age, so check the label and ask a pharmacist before you go if you are unsure which products are right for your children.
Prescription medicines
- Pack enough for the whole trip, plus a few extra days in case your return is delayed.
- Carry them in your hand luggage in their original, labelled packaging, so they can't be lost with checked bags.
- Bring evidence. A copy of the prescription or a letter from your GP helps at security and at borders.
- Check local rules. Some medicines that are routine in the UK are controlled or banned in other countries. The GOV.UK foreign travel advice page for your destination explains where to check.
Liquids and airport security
Liquid medicines, creams and gels are subject to hand-luggage liquids rules, although essential medicines and baby food or milk are often allowed in larger quantities. Rules vary between airports and are changing as new scanners are introduced, so check the GOV.UK hand luggage guidance and your departure airport and airline before you pack. Keep liquids together in a clear bag so they are easy to present at security, and remember that the rules at the airport you fly home from may be different.
Sun protection
Pack a high-factor, broad-spectrum sun cream that your children already tolerate, along with after-sun, lip balm with SPF, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that offer UV protection. You can usually buy sun cream at your destination, but bringing your own means you are covered from the first afternoon and know exactly what you are using.
Other useful extras
- Insect repellent suitable for your children's ages.
- Hand sanitiser and a pack of antibacterial wipes.
- Contraception, if you need it, with enough to cover the trip.
- Spare glasses or contact lenses, and any allergy action plans or auto-injectors (carry two if prescribed).
- Your GHIC cards and insurance details, kept with your passports.
Packing cubes or a zipped pouch keep the kit together so anyone in the family can find it quickly. If you haven't yet sorted vaccinations and insurance, read family travel health before you go, and for cabin-bag ideas see our hand luggage essentials.