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Packing for International Travel

Traveling outside the United States can expose you to environmental and disease factors you may not be familiar with. If you are planning a trip, here is a list of items you might want in your luggage:

Your prescription medications.

Be sure to carry these on - do not check them in your luggage.
  • Pack a list of all your prescription medications - including generic names, if available. Leave a copy of this list with someone at home as well.
  • Your physician can give your a letter on their stationery regarding your use of controlled substances and injectable medications.
  • Check with the American Embassy, or a travel physician to ensure you are allowed to bring all of your medications into the country you are visiting.

Prescriptions for the area you are visiting.

A travel medicine physician will be able to recommend and prescribe medication specific to the diseases of the area. We have eradicated some diseases here in the United States that are still prevalent in other areas - so be aware that you may be exposed to diseases for which you have no natural immunity.  One example is Tuberculosis, which is wide-spread in parts of Asia.

Over-the-counter medications. (common brand names shown)

When traveling outside the United States, you may be eating unfamiliar food, visiting an altitude higher than you are accustomed to and countries with fewer air pollution guidelines can cause stress on your body and ruin a vacation. Prepare for potential illness with some of these readily-available medications before you leave. 
  • Antidiarrheal medication (Pepto Bismol®, Kaopectate®)
  • Antihistamine (Sudafed®)
  • Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine (Mucinex®)
  • Anti-motion sickness medication (Dramamine®)
  • Medicine for pain or fever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
  • Mild laxative (Milk of Magnesia)
  • Cough suppressant/expectorant (Robitussin®, Vicks®)
  • Cough drops
  • Antacid
  • Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams (Neosporin®)
  • 1% hydrocortisone cream

First aid and preventative supplies

Warmer climates bring disease-bearing insects, as well as other organisms.  For example, traveling in Asia you are likely to encounter malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis.
 
Here is a list of good first aid supplies to bring for most destinations:
  • Insect repellent containing DEET (30%-50%) or picaridin (up to 15%)
  • Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater) that has both UVA and UVB protection
  • Aloe gel for sunburns
  • Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
  • Lubricating eye drops
  • Basic first-aid items (bandages, gauze, ace bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators)
  • Digital thermometer
  • Oral rehydration solution packets.

 

We can help.

Call us at: (402) 354-1530, or request an appointment online.

postcard to Methodist Travel Clinic Omaha

Our Methodist Travel Clinic uses a special medical program to give our clients a custom-generated package of information about the travel destination. The report is tailored to your specific itinerary and is updated with constantly-changing health and security information from sources like:

Learn more about us.