Rest loses its meaning in case of sudden health problems. Any deviation from the norm – a spike in blood pressure, gastrointestinal upset, cold or allergic reaction – can ruin a trip. Without a properly assembled first aid kit, a tourist is forced to seek local medical facilities, deal with language barriers, spend money and time. To ensure a peaceful vacation, it is important to accurately understand which medications to take on vacation depending on the climate, duration of the trip, route, and individual health characteristics.
Universal basis of a first aid kit: which medications to take on vacation
The set of basic medications is always formed with a focus on the most likely scenarios. Tourists face not only overeating, changes in water and climate, but also unfamiliar physical exertion, sun exposure, insect bites, and unfamiliar allergens. Therefore, each kit must include the following categories:
- Fever and pain relievers. Ibuprofen 200-400 mg and paracetamol 500 mg are used for fever, headache, muscle pain. They act quickly, do not require a prescription, and are suitable for short-term use.
- Remedies for gastrointestinal disorders. Loperamide (Imodium), activated charcoal, Smecta, and Enterofuril provide control of diarrhea, eliminate toxins, and regulate intestinal microflora.
- Antihistamines. Cetirizine 10 mg and Loratadine 10 mg effectively neutralize reactions to insect bites, plants, food components. Suitable for daily use without a pronounced sedative effect.
- Antiseptics and dressing materials. Chlorhexidine, alcohol wipes, iodine pencils, bandages, bactericidal plasters, gauze dressings are indispensable for abrasions, cuts, burns.
- Vasoconstrictor drops and throat medications. Xylometazoline, Naphazoline, spray with chlorhexidine and lidocaine, lozenges with antiseptics (Strepsils, Lizobact) facilitate breathing and alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections.
- Remedies for motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), scopolamine patches, and mint capsules prevent symptoms of motion sickness by sea and air.
- Preparations for sunburn and insect bites. Panthenol aerosol, hydrocortisone ointment, aloe vera gel, repellents with DEET of at least 30% provide skin protection.
Destination country and climate: personalizing the first aid kit
Different climatic zones and epidemiological situations determine which medications to take on vacation. Traveling to Asia, Africa, or Latin America requires an expanded first aid kit, including antimalarial drugs and antibiotics. Before traveling to India, Cambodia, or Kenya, it is recommended to add:
- Doxycycline or Mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis (taken as a course).
- Azithromycin 500 mg for possible traveler’s diarrhea therapy.
- Gel with metronidazole for skin infections after insect bites.
For trips to Europe, a standard kit is sufficient, but in case of allergies to spring pollen – a course of antihistamines at least 5 days before departure. In the tropics – emphasis on repellents, electrolytes, antifungal agents. In mountainous regions – medications for altitude sickness (acetazolamide), in regions with high humidity – antifungal creams and hydrophilic dressings.
Age and condition-specific medication intake
The safety of not only adults but also children, the elderly, and pregnant women depends on the composition of the first aid kit. Each case requires an adapted approach:
- Children under 12 should not be given aspirin (risk of Reye’s syndrome), it is preferable to use paracetamol in suspension or ibuprofen in suppositories. Antiseptics – without alcohol, for example, Miramistin. For diarrhea – Smecta, Rekitsen-RD, or Enterol.
- Elderly people with hypertension, diabetes, IHD – strictly monitor the dosages of regular medications. Copies of prescriptions, a supply for 1.5 courses, a glucometer, a blood pressure monitor with automatic cuff control are mandatory.
- During pregnancy, the list of medications to take on vacation is minimal: paracetamol, Miramistin, Smecta, seawater nasal spray. Motion sickness and allergy remedies – only as prescribed by a gynecologist.
First aid kit for active and extreme recreation: which medications to take
Recreational routes with elements of risk – trekking, kayaking, windsurfing – require special attention. The following come to the forefront:
- Anti-inflammatory gels: diclofenac, nimesulide.
- Preparations for sprains and bruises: elastic bandage, cold compress, ketoprofen gel.
- Tablets or powders with electrolytes: Regidron, Humana EL.
- Water disinfectants: Aquatabs tablets, activated charcoal filters.
- Portable thermometer, healing creams based on zinc or calendula, tourniquets for deep cuts, 2 ml syringes and adrenaline ampoules for emergency assistance in case of anaphylaxis.
Control and packaging of medications while traveling
The answer to the question of which medications to take on vacation also depends on transportation rules. Tablets and sprays up to 100 ml are allowed in carry-on baggage, with the packaging being transparent, and prescription drugs with original labeling and a copy of the prescription. The optimal way to pack is in airtight zip-lock bags by category: gastrointestinal, antiseptics, pain relievers, etc.
To avoid overheating, use a thermal bag with a cooling agent for medications that require storage below 25°C. If the flight lasts more than 6 hours, it is recommended to keep the main medications at hand, in a separate section of the backpack, rather than in checked baggage.
Which medications to take on vacation: drugs that will be useful in unforeseen situations
Some medications are not essential but often come in handy:
- Eye drops (Tauphon, Visine) relieve dryness and fatigue during flights and in intense sunlight.
- Fluconazole 150 mg – a single dose for fungal infections, which often occur in hot climates.
- Herpes patch – protects affected skin and speeds up recovery.
- Dexpanthenol cream – accelerates healing of microtraumas, cracks, burns.
- Glycerin suppositories – a gentle remedy for stool disturbances in new dietary conditions.
- Homeopathic Arnica gel – reduces swelling after bites, bruises.
Strategy of a thoughtful approach
The choice of which medications to take on vacation shapes not just comfort but safety and freedom of movement. A carefully assembled first aid kit is the result of analyzing the route, climate, health condition, and daily routine. A simple set of medications can reduce expenses, avoid emergency visits to a doctor, and preserve the pleasure of traveling. It is advisable to prepare the first aid kit 7-10 days before the trip, coordinate the contents with a therapist for chronic conditions, and check the expiration dates.
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The choice of a suitable hotel depends on the purpose of the visit. For business trips, options with conference halls and business services are optimal, for example, Moscow Marriott Imperial Plaza or President Hotel. For romantic trips, the Four Seasons and The Carlton, Moscow are ideal due to their private atmosphere and panoramic views. Fans of historical architecture will appreciate the Metropol and the National.