Going on holiday is an exciting time, but are you prepared to travel? We have created some top tips and a travel health checklist, so that you can be sure that you are ready for your getaway.
Travel Preparation Checklist:
Make sure you are prepared for travel, the easiest way to do this is to create a checklist. For example, you will need to:
- Check your passports are valid – most destinations will require at least 6 months.
- If you can check in online to save you queueing unnecessarily, this will make it a lot smoother.
- Check your airline requirements, which can include inputting additional passenger information ahead of travel.
- Take all travel documents with you and make sure that you have print-outs and images/documents saved on your phone.
- Charge all appliances ready for travel, and make sure to download music, films and games to keep everyone entertained.
- Check that your driving licence is current and valid, and that it allows you to drive in the country you’re visiting (if you need to drive).
- Buy travel insurance for all parties travelling.
Travel Health Preparation:
Our top tips for travel health preparation include:
- Making sure that you have your GHIC/EHIC card (Global Health Insurance Card) if you are travelling to an EU country.
- Ensure that you have packed enough sun cream, taking into account the amount of vacation days, and the amount of people that will need it. SPF 30 and above is recommended.
- Take antihistamine tablets in case you get bitten, as well as insect repellent.
- Pack a first aid kit, which includes all the essentials, such as paracetamol, antihistamines, antiseptic cream, plasters/bandages, eye drops/solution.
Perhaps most importantly, depending on where you are travelling to, you may need to get malaria prevention medication prior to travel. This can be a requirement, so make sure to do your research.
What is malaria?
Malaria is a parasite infection, caused by the bite of an infected female mosquito. The parasites are found in the blood of infected people.
Symptoms of malaria are:
- High temperature/fever
- Flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, headache, and vomiting
Symptoms can become severe if treatment isn’t started quickly. You will need to seek urgent medical attention as the infection can become fatal if untreated.
If you are travelling to a country where malaria is widespread, it is advised that you follow the A B C D approach, which is:
- Awareness of risk – find out if the country you are intending to travel to is high risk, or low to no risk. Malaria zones include large areas of central and South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
- Bite prevention – protecting yourself against bites is essential, you can do this by using a mosquito net, using good quality insect repellents, and wearing the right clothing to protect your skin.
- Chemoprophylaxis – preventing malaria by taking malaria prevention tablets
- Diagnosis and prompt treatment – quick diagnosis is essential for saving lives if someone gets malaria
How should you take antimalarial tablets:
Some antimalarial tablets should be taken before travel, as well as during the holiday.
It’s essential that you complete the course of tablets, even if you have left the area. If you require antimalarial tablets, you can complete a short consultation form here, select medication, and place your order.
Other essential travel health tips include:
Checking that you have access to enough money or funds for any emergencies. Having a credit card on standby can be a good idea. However, you shouldn’t carry all your cards and money with you, leave some in a secure location, just to be on the safe side.
Another thing to do, if applicable, is check that your medication can be taken abroad. You can talk about this with your GP or nurse. Similarly, despite most travel re-opening, it’s still a good idea to entry requirements in relation to COVID-19.
Quick List of Travel Health Essentials:
- Travel vaccinations
- Malaria medication
- First aid kit
- Diarrhoea relief
- Pain relief
- Sun lotion
- Sun cream and after sun
- Indigestion and heartburn relief
- Insect repellent
- Bite and sting relief
- Flight socks
- Travel wipes
- Travel insurance
- Rehydration sachets
- Travel documents
- Passports
- Driving licence
- GHIC/EHIC card