Bags packed, passports found, sun cream in the case — but what about the health essentials? Every summer we help Liverpool families who've been caught out abroad by an upset stomach, a blister on day one, or a forgotten medicine. Ten minutes of planning saves a holiday. Here's the checklist our pharmacists actually use.
1. Your holiday first aid kit
Start with a ready-made Travel First Aid Kit — plasters, wipes and dressings in one compact pack — then add the extras your family tends to need:
- Compeed Blister Plasters — new sandals plus long airport walks equals blisters. These are a holiday-saver.
- Calamine Lotion — calms sunburn, prickly heat and insect bites.
- Pain relief — for headaches after a long flight or one too many late nights.
2. Tummy trouble kit (the one everyone forgets)
Change of water, richer food, more ice in drinks — holiday tummies are common. Pack:
- Imodium Classic for diarrhoea relief when you need to be near a pool, not a bathroom (ask our pharmacist if it's suitable for you).
- Electrolyte Hydration Sachets to replace lost fluids and salts — also brilliant after a hot day or a long flight.
- Gaviscon Double Action for heartburn after generous holiday dinners.
3. Sun and heat essentials
- High-factor sunscreen — Bioré UV SPF50 for faces, a family-size SPF for everyone else.
- After-sun moisturiser such as Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion.
- Insect bite relief — antihistamine tablets like Piriteze double up for bites and stings as well as holiday hay fever.
4. Travelling with prescription medicines?
- Take more than you need (delays happen) and keep medicines in hand luggage, in original packaging.
- Carry a copy of your prescription or a repeat slip — some countries ask at customs.
- Check rules for your destination: some everyday UK medicines are restricted abroad.
- Need NHS prescriptions sorted before you fly? Visit us at 140 Oakfield Road or get in touch — we'll help you get organised in good time.
5. Little extras that prove their worth
- Ear drops if swimming pools tend to bother your ears.
- Lubricating eye drops for dry aeroplane air and air-conditioned rooms.
- Hand sanitiser and antiseptic wipes for journeys.
- Kids' essentials: children's paracetamol sachets, a digital thermometer, and their usual favourites — familiar brands are hard to find abroad.
Order today, packed for the weekend
Everything above is available from Anfield Pharmacy online with fast UK delivery — or free Click & Collect from our Liverpool pharmacy if you're passing. Not sure what suits your family or destination? Ask our pharmacist team; travel health questions are what we're here for.
Always read the label. Some medicines aren't suitable for everyone — check with our pharmacist if unsure.
