Bags booked, cases out — but the health kit is always the last-minute scramble. Sorted properly, it fits in a washbag and saves you from paying tourist prices for paracetamol on a Spanish seafront. Here’s the checklist our pharmacists use themselves.
The essentials (every trip)
- Sun protection — SPF 30–50 for adults, 50 for kids, plus aftersun. Irish skin burns fast abroad; see our suncare range and our SPF guide
- Pain relief — paracetamol and ibuprofen (adult and child versions if travelling with kids)
- Tummy kit — rehydration sachets, an anti-diarrhoeal for adults, and antacids
- Antihistamines — for bites, prickly heat and holiday hay fever
- First aid basics — plasters, blister plasters, antiseptic cream, tweezers
- Insect repellent — and bite-soothing cream for when you forget to use it
- Travel sickness tablets — take before the journey, not after it starts
Prescription medicines: the golden rules
- Bring more than you need, split between bags, in original boxes
- Keep them in hand luggage — holds get lost and get hot
- Order repeats at least a week before you fly — WhatsApp us your prescription and we’ll have it ready
- Travelling with injectables or controlled medicines? Ask us about documentation
Two weeks before you fly
Check if your destination needs vaccinations or malaria protection (allow time — some need weeks). Renew your EHIC card for EU travel, and screenshot your travel insurance details. Flying with young kids? Pack a digital thermometer and saline drops — cabin air is drying.
One stop, all sorted
Bring your packing list into us at 1 Dunamaise House — we’ll go through it in five minutes and make sure nothing’s missing for your destination. Safe travels!
This article is general information, not a substitute for personal medical advice. Talk to our pharmacists at Laois Pharmacy, 1 Dunamaise House, Portlaoise (057 86 61999) or message us on WhatsApp (085 840 7548) — we are always happy to help.
