Travel tips for meds, pharmacies and staying healthy on the road
Miss one dose of a critical medicine while traveling and the whole trip feels off — or worse. These travel tips focus on real-world steps you can use right now: how to pack medications, what paperwork matters, where to find safe pharmacies, and how to avoid common problems abroad.
Packing and paperwork
Put all essential meds in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Keep them in original labeled bottles so airport security and customs can read them easily. Bring an extra week’s supply in case flights or border crossings take longer than planned.
Ask your doctor for a short note listing diagnoses, medicine names (brand and generic), doses, and administration times. Translate the medicine names into the local language or save the generic name — brand names vary by country. Scan and email yourself copies of prescriptions and that doctor’s note. If your meds need refrigeration, use a small travel cooler or insulated bag approved for air travel.
Controlled substances need special attention: check the destination country’s rules before you go. Some countries ban common medicines. Visit embassy websites or official health pages for up-to-date lists.
Finding meds and staying safe abroad
Research reliable pharmacy chains in your destination city before you leave. Big chains usually follow proper storage and sell authentic products. If you must buy medicine locally, avoid street vendors and open markets — fake or expired meds are common in tourist areas.
Use online pharmacy reviews and national registrar sites to verify a pharmacy. For non-urgent refills, consider using an international delivery service or a telemedicine consult connected to a licensed pharmacy. If you use telehealth, confirm the service can legally prescribe for your destination.
Check dosage units — some countries list strength differently (mg vs. international units). Watch for look-alike pills. If a new medicine is prescribed, ask the pharmacist to write the name and dose in the local language so you can verify later.
Keep a small first-aid kit with basics: adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, oral rehydration salts, and over-the-counter pain relievers you normally tolerate. Add any travel-specific items like insect repellent, altitude medication, or motion-sickness tablets if your trip needs them.
Carry travel insurance that covers medication loss or medical evacuation. Note emergency numbers and the location of the nearest hospital or clinic when you land. If something goes wrong, a local clinic will get you back on track faster than trying to source an obscure drug yourself.
One last tip: don’t improvise with unfamiliar supplements or local remedies before you know interactions with your prescriptions. A short check with a pharmacist or doctor can prevent a bad reaction and keep your trip enjoyable.