Travelling? Consider packing a travel health kit

What’s on your regular packing list? What you would pack for a short domestic trip compared to a long international trip may be different – but taking a travel health kit wherever you go may be a good idea. For example, a medication that you usually use may not be available in another city or you may not be able to read the packaging while travelling abroad. In this blog, we will share what to take in your travel kit so you can be prepared for your next adventure.

Before we begin, we would like to credit the Government of Canada website, particularly their travel health kit information for some of the tips in this blog post.

List of items you may want to include in the kit:

• Basic first aid items
  Bandages and hand sanitizers always come in handy whether you are sightseeing or enjoying outdoor activities. For a complete suggested list, visit here.
• Medications
  Bring any prescription or over-the-counter medication you normally use and make sure you bring more than enough to last your entire trip. Allergy medication, upset stomach remedies and anti-motion sickness medication are some of the common items on the list.
• Other “good to have” items
  Sunscreen, aloe gel for sunburns, earplugs, an extra pair of glasses or contacts, and insect repellent are also suggested by the Government of Canada.
• Contact card
  Think about carrying a card containing important information about you in case of a medical emergency. As an added safety net, did you know that you can register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service? This free service will allow you to stay connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or at home.
• Medical insurance and immunization record
  Make sure to carry proof of your health insurance coverage when travelling. In your kit, you may also want to carry a copy of your immunization record.

The Government of Canada also has some additional information about travelling with medications and what you can bring on a plane.

If you have any questions about your travel destination or the details of your travel plans, consult your BC licensed travel agent. Consumer Protection BC licenses and regulates travel agents and wholesalers in the province. To learn more or to find a licensed travel agent or wholesaler, explore our website.

We hope this information was helpful!

ADDITIONAL READING:
Travel insurance – the basics
Travelling? Top 3 things you need to know before you book
Has bad weather delayed or cancelled your flight?