Holiday Health Kit Checklist – Be Travel Ready with The Health Dispensary in Neath

At this time of year, many of us are thinking about travel and jetting off to warmer climates for a much-needed break. Whether you’re flying abroad or exploring closer to home, it pays to plan ahead — not just with passports and packing, but for your health too.

From forgotten painkillers to unexpected ear infections, even pharmacists like me have found themselves visiting a pharmacy abroad! So before you go, take a moment to get prepared — with the right medicines, sun protection, and a few trusted items in your holiday kit.

🌍 Before You Travel

Check what vaccinations or preventative medicines might be needed for your destination. You can find the latest advice on the UK Government Foreign Travel Advice pages.

Closer to your trip, our pharmacists can help you prepare a personal travel checklist — including tips for keeping healthy on flights, managing jet lag, and protecting against common holiday complaints like diarrhoea or ear infections after swimming.

🧳 What to Pack in Your Holiday Health Kit

1. Prescribed medication – Always top of the list. Allow plenty of time before your holiday to order repeat prescriptions and Collect 24/7. Keep medicines in their original packaging, and carry them in hand luggage if possible.
2. Pain relief – Simple painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen are handy for headaches, muscle aches, or minor fevers. Don’t forget child-friendly options if travelling with little ones, and remember airport liquid limits.
3. Rehydration salts – Travel, heat and holiday indulgence can all cause dehydration. Products such as Dioralyte or our Numark brand are great for replacing fluids lost through sun, exercise, or tummy upsets.
4. First aid and creams – Pack antiseptic cream for cuts and grazes, and a mild steroid cream for bites or allergic reactions. For natural care, we love Neal’s Yard Bee Balm — perfect for lips, dry skin or minor scratches.
5. Plasters and dressings – Blisters and flip-flops often go hand-in-hand! Choose blister plasters for long-lasting protection, plus a few sterile dressings and micropore tape for emergencies.
6. Tummy meds – Changes in diet and water can upset digestion. Pack Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhoea and gentle remedies for indigestion or bloating. Our pharmacists can recommend options that suit you.
7. Sun protection – Sunscreens can be pricey abroad, so stock up before you go. Choose SPF 30 or higher and an after-sun such as aloe vera gel. Some medicines make skin more sensitive to sunlight — ask us if you’re unsure.

✈️ On Your Return

Sometimes, the holiday souvenirs no one wants are ear infections, skin irritations or insect bites. We can help with effective NHS or private treatments for common post-holiday issues like:

• Ear infections after swimming or flying
• Infected bites or stings
• Tummy troubles

🏖️ Enjoy a Healthy, Stress-Free Holiday

A little planning makes a big difference. Having your medicines, first aid items and sun care sorted before you travel can save time, stress and money — and help you focus on making memories instead.

Our friendly pharmacists in Neath are happy to help with any pre-travel questions, from repeat prescriptions to wellness supplements. Let’s keep you Healthy, Happy and Hopeful — wherever your travels take you.

Written by Ali Sparkes BSc (Hons), MSc Econ, FRPharmS, IP
Medical disclaimer: This article is for information only and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional (like ours) about your own circumstances.