We thought we’d help you out as you get ready to head off on vacation by creating a list of things you should always take with you, including medications. 

Sunglasses:  help to protect your eyes from UV rays and prevent cataracts. 

Wide Brim Hat:  prevents skin damage, sunburn, and premature aging.

Sunscreen:  Apply SPF 30 or higher when going outdoors.  Spray on sunscreens make for quick application, but make sure to apply throughout the day.  It is suggested that you apply sunscreens every two hours or every hour if you are sweating a lot or in the water. Sunscreen use will ward off skin cancer and wrinkles.  Stay indoors between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Bug Spray:  wear bug spray in areas where it’s needed to prevent bites from disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks. For children over the age of 2 months, you can use DEET, but only apply once a day (DEET is not water-soluble and can last up to 8 hours). Only use concentrations up to 30%–there is not much benefit above 30%. Higher strengths last longer—10% lasts about 3 hours, while the 30% last about 6 hours.

DO NOT use combination sunscreens and insect repellents. Sunscreens need to be re-applied after exposure to water and sweating. Repellents do not. If you are using both, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.

Water:  keep hydrated during the day by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks.  Stay away from dehydrating coffee and caffeinated pop. 

Small First Aid Kit:  carry just in case if a scrape or bump arises.  Better to have it than not. Make sure this includes bandages and triple antibiotic ointment.

Printed List of Emergency Numbers:  make a list of emergency contacts just in case you lose your cell phone.  Also include the number of your bank and credit-card company in the event your wallet/purse is stolen. Keep a copy of your driver’s license or passport, along with credit card numbers on your person, as well as hide a copy in your luggage in case these important things get stolen.

Something Good to Read: We’ll let you choose this.

Technology Needs: Phone, Camera, Chargers, Computer, Batteries

Medications:

1. Your current prescribed medicines—make sure that you leave them in the original bottles that show what they are in case you are stopped at the airport. This includes any vitamins or supplements that you take, as well.

Over the Counter Medications that are good to have on hand (or even buy if you have to while on vacation):

1. Imodium or other anti-diarrheals, as well as Pepto Bismol for upset stomachs and diarrhea. Pepto Bismol is especially recommended for “traveler’s diarrhea” which often occurs from eating different foods with different bacteria present that your body is not accustomed to. NO Pepto Bismol for children under the age of 12 due to the salicylate component (which is related to aspirin and can cause Reyes Syndrome).
2. Benadryl, Loratadine, or other allergy medicines—Benadryl also has a drowsy effect, so it works to help you sleep, as well, as controlling allergy symptoms.
3. Aloe Vera for sun burns—which you should not get if you wear your sunscreen.
4. Bonine or Dramamine—for motion sickness if you are going on a boat or get an upset stomach flying.
5. Zanfel—use after exposure to poison ivy/oak/sumac to remove the toxin that produces the itch and rash. I would recommend always having this on hand if you are camping—you never know what you might get into.
6. Hydrocortisone cream, Calamine/Caladryl lotion, Benadryl cream/gel/pills, Ivy Dry—if you don’t use the Zanfel in time and need to treat the itch from the poison plant family.
7. Topical Analgesics for pulled muscles—We really like Biofreeze or Freeze It. These two are very similar and they work well to relieve aching muscles and have a low odor like Ben Gay.
8. Basics—Antacids, Aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen. 

Check to make sure you are up-to-date on vaccinations needed before traveling to a foreign country. You can find this information on the CDC’s Web site: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx

Thanks to Joe and Aggie for helping me compile this list!