© Nubikini
Chronically ill people who regularly take medication should bring a generously calculated supply of medicines.
June 28, 2025
Birgitta Dunckel
When traveling, especially abroad, it can be difficult to obtain urgently needed medications. Therefore, it is worthwhile to put together a travel pharmacy with essential medications and take it with you. A checklist
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Whether a beach holiday, city or adventure trip – during vacations one wants to relax, discover new things and escape from everyday life. But just as one looks forward to the best time of the year, a small incident can quickly dampen the holiday mood: a sprained ankle, an upset stomach, or sunburn after a day at the beach. This is exactly where the travel pharmacy comes into play – an often underestimated but extremely important part of any travel preparation.
With a travel pharmacy, you have taken precautions for yourself and your family for the most common illnesses and minor injuries. In an emergency, it saves time, money and nerves, provides first aid on trips, and enables quick self-treatment for
Chronically ill people who take medication regularly should take a generously calculated supply of medicines: Since it can always happen that the luggage arrives at the holiday destination late or gets lost, all medicines that need to be taken regularly should be stowed in the hand luggage.
Anyone who has to take a liquid medication on the plane should get a medical certificate that they can show during checks at the airport.
This range of active ingredients is sufficient for a healthy normal traveler. In addition, the scope of the travel pharmacy should be tailored to your individual needs and pre-existing conditions. Be sure to consult with your treating physician in advance.
Tip: Many pharmacies already offer pre-packed travel pharmacies with a selection of useful remedies.
© Karolina grabowska
Pain relievers and fever reducers definitely belong in the travel first-aid kit.
Depending on your travel destination, travel type and travel duration, it may be useful to supplement or downsize your holiday pharmacy, because a short trip to Paris or Milan is certainly also sufficient with only a small travel pharmacy.
© Oliver Sjöström
When traveling to tropical areas, be sure to discuss your vaccination status with a doctor beforehand.
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