Even the most seasoned traveler will encounter poor health away from home. Fevers, sore throats, diarrhea, and dehydration can ruin an otherwise heavenly get-away. Long flights can leave a traveler bloated, constipated, and exhausted. The noise of the train can produce migraine-like symptoms. Cruise passengers often find themselves overcome with nausea and vomiting. I remember hiking around Rome in 98 degree heat, praying for a restroom to appear. When I finally found one, the restroom had no toilet paper. Keeping that memory alive has helped me to pack more carefully since then.

Always pack with these possibilities in mind, and keep them with you:

• Band-Aids – for paper cuts and blisters
• Imodium AD tablets – for unplanned diarrhea and abdominal pain
• A diuretic – if you tend to retain water while traveling, which can lead to headaches, bloating, high blood pressure, and general discomfort
• Dramamine tablets – for motion sickness; take it BEFORE you begin the day’s journey to ward off nausea; start with one tablet, as more can leave you drowsy
• Pocket sized baby wipes – for cleaning hands, freshening face, wiping stains from clothing, and for when you find yourself without toilet paper!
• Small hand sanitizer – for use in public places like train stations, taxis, and restaurants
• Aspirin or Motrin – for general aches and pains
• Decongestant – for sinus headaches caused by changes in barometric pressure
• Nyquil capsules – for when you just need a good night of rest
• Sunblock lotion – with SPF 30 (or higher)

One more suggestion: ask your family physician for an antibiotic like Cipro that you can take in the event of ear ache or severe sore throat. Remember, not all pharmacists speak English, so getting your needs met in a foreign country can prove tricky. Take my advice and plan ahead to be on the safe side.

By guest writer Kathleen A.