As travelers head to the airports, rail stations and cruise ships for international travel, many likely will forget to pack their over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Many more will forget to check the international rules and regulations for common medicines easily obtained in their home country – but possibly not allowed overseas.
Trip-takers consistently list “forgetting to pack prescription and over-the-counter medicine” as one of the top 10 travel mistakes, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Nearly one in 10 travelers have forgotten to pack prescription medicines before a trip despite meds being one of the most important items needed on a trip.
Travelers should carry remedies for ailments like colds, pain, swelling, diarrhea, constipation, cuts and dehydration. Simple illnesses that can be treated with over-the-counter medicine at home can ruin a trip or become more severe and require in-hospital care if you’re not prepared to treat uncomplicated maladies while traveling. While packing your medicine is essential, also important is checking to see whether your medicines, prescribed or over-the-counter, are regulated in the countries you plan to visit.
