Whether you are heading to the Costa del Sol or trekking through Southeast Asia, a bit of preparation can make the difference between a memorable trip and a memorably bad one. Here is a straightforward checklist to run through before you fly.
6 to 8 weeks before you go
Book a travel consultation. This is when we work through your itinerary, medical history and any vaccinations you may need. Some vaccines need multiple doses spaced weeks apart, so this window matters.
- Book a travel health consultation
- Check passport expiry (many countries need 6 months)
- Sort travel insurance including medical cover
3 to 4 weeks before you go
Start any antimalarial course that needs a run-in period. Order enough of your usual prescription medicines to cover the trip plus a week of buffer. If you use a controlled medication, check the destination country's rules first.
The week before
Pack a small travel first-aid kit. Ours cost less than a takeaway and include the things you would probably forget: rehydration sachets, antihistamines, paracetamol, plasters and something for an upset stomach.
The five items to always pack
- Rehydration sachets
- Broad-spectrum sun cream
- Insect repellent with DEET
- A short course of paracetamol
- Any prescription medication in its original packaging
When you get back
If you develop a fever, persistent diarrhoea or an unusual rash within a few weeks of returning, mention where you have been when you see us or your GP. Some travel-related conditions have a delayed onset.
The best travel health advice we give is boring but it works: prepare early, pack sensibly, and drink more water than you think you need.
