There are a few easy things you can do to help you stay healthy and enjoy your holiday.
What you should pack?
First aid kit
It might sound a bit extreme but even taking some basic first aid supplies will make a big difference if you’ve cut yourself or eaten something dodgy. You can buy mini first aid kits at lots of chemists, but if you want to create your own then think about including the following:
- painkillers
- indigestion remedies
- anti-diarrhoea treatment
- insect repellent and something to ease any bites
- plasters
- bandages
- dressings
- tweezers
- safety pins
- sunscreen and after-sun.
Sometimes doctors advise you to take a sterile kit if you are going somewhere where health services are poor.
Medicine
If you are taking prescribed medication (e.g. inhaler for your asthma) make sure you have enough to last for your holiday. Ask your doctor if you need to take a letter or certificate to prove that they are for your own use.
Vaccinations
If you are going abroad make sure your routine immunisations are up to date. Ask your GP if you are unsure.
Some countries have diseases and illnesses that we do not have in Scotland, and you might need extra immunisation. What medicine and vaccinations you need will depend on where you are going. Check out Fit for Travel for up-to-date information on what medicines and vaccinations you might need. Or check out the leaflet ‘Health Advice For Travellers’ available at your Post Office or health centre. However, the best person to have a chat with before jetting off would be your GP or Practice Nurse, or your nearest travel clinic.
Plan ahead! Most vaccines can be given over a four week period, so ask your doctor in good time. But if you are going on holiday sooner, still visit the clinic to make sure you get as much protection as possible. Some vaccinations will be free and paid for by the NHS, some vaccinations you will need to pay for yourself.
Travel sickness
Anyone who has ever been travel sick can tell you how awful it is, but there are a few things you can do to treat the symptoms. You can buy travel sickness pills at chemists or you can buy bands which you place round your wrists. These work by acupressure and put pressure on certain points of your wrist.
Reading may stop you from being bored but it can also make you sick so it might be a good idea to put your book down if you’re feeling funny. Experts say the best thing to do is keep looking out of the window at a point on the horizon.
Travel insurance
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are going to an European Union country (and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) then you should find out about the European Health Insurance Card. This will entitle you to medical treatment - at a free or reduced cost.
The card is free, but if you are under 16 then you'll need to get your details added to you parent/guardian's card. Visit the NHS Inform - EHIC page to find out how you can get your card.
If you are going outside of Europe then the EHIC card will not give you medical insurance. You will need to get some further travel insurance to make sure you are covered if you are sick or have an accident. Shop around to get the best deal, but make sure you know what your travel insurance covers you for.
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