Key takeaways:
- Pack a travel health kit with medications, first-aid supplies, sunscreen, and other essentials before leaving home.
- Stay hydrated and protect your family from heat, sun exposure, and insect bites during summer activities.
- Keep important medical information and insurance details easily accessible while traveling.
- Schedule a checkup before your trip if anyone in your family is feeling unwell or needs medication management.
Are you in the middle of planning your family’s summer vacation? If you answered yes, that means we’ve hit our target market, so stick with us! Summer vacations are supposed to be fun, relaxing, and a chance to make memories you’ll cherish forever, but they also require a decent amount of planning to make sure everything goes smoothly, which is often the toughest part.
Between packing suitcases, planning activities and events, and making sure everyone has what they need, it can be easy to forget about health-related items until you’re in a situation where you need them ASAP. We aren’t saying you have to pack your entire medicine cabinet to feel good to go; you just need a little preparation before your trip begins! No matter where you are headed this summer, these travel health tips can help you feel more prepared before you leave home.
Travel Family Health Kits
A basic travel health kit can save you lots of stress, especially when you’re away from home or traveling with kids. We recommend adding:
- Prescription medications in their original containers
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Allergy medicine
- Motion sickness medicine (for boats or roller coasters)
- Band-Aids
- Antibiotic ointments or creams
- Thermometer
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes
- Sunscreen and aloe vera
- Bug spray
- Pepcid or Tums
- Any inhalers, EpiPens, or other condition-specific items
It’s also a good idea to pack extra medication in case you get caught up in any travel delays. If someone in your family takes daily medication, bring more than you think you’ll need and keep it in your carry-on or personal bag instead of checked luggage so you have easy access to it.
Weather and Planned Activities
Traveling during the summer means you’re more than likely spending more time outside (aka more sun exposure, dehydration, bug bites, etc.), so think about packing:
- Refillable water bottles
- Hats/sunglasses
- Lightweight clothing
- Sunscreen
- Snacks that won’t melt or go bad quickly
- Electrolyte packets
As a reminder, heat-related illness can happen faster than many people realize, especially for young children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.
Summer Wellness Checklist
Before your trip, make sure you have all the important health information for each one of your family members in one place, like the notes app on your phone. This is helpful if you need to go to an urgent care or pharmacy while traveling. Include:
- Current medications and dosages
- Allergies
- Medical conditions
- Insurance information
- Your primary care provider’s phone number
To-do/pack/check:
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen expiration dates
- Water bottles/snacks for travel days
- Get checked out if you are showing any symptoms before your trip
- Be aware of the nearest urgent care or pharmacy close to where you will be staying
Taking care of these details before vacation can help your family feel more organized, prepared, and ready to enjoy the trip with less last-minute stress.
Food and Water Safety
Trying new foods is one of the best parts of vacation (obviously), but stomach issues are never fun to deal with and can quickly throw off your entire day. While traveling, especially during hot summer months, it helps to be mindful of food and water safety. Here are a few simple tips:
- Always wash your hands before eating
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
- Keep cold foods cold
- Avoid leaving snacks or meals in a hot car
- Drink plenty of clean water
- Be cautious with unfamiliar foods if you have a sensitive stomach
Family Doctor in Benbrook, Bedford & Flower Mound, TX
Summer vacations should be about making memories, not scrambling to find medicine, sunscreen, or medical information when something comes up. With a little planning, your family can feel more confident and prepared wherever the season takes you. If you need help preparing for travel, managing medications, or checking in on your family’s health before a trip, schedule a visit with our team at Your Family Medical!
Bedford, TX:1305 Airport Fwy #302A Bedford, TX, 76021. P: 817-283-6995
Benbrook, TX: 9239 Vista Way, Benbrook, TX 76126. P: 682-224-6474
Flower Mound, TX: 4101 Kirkpatrick Ln. Flower Mound, TX 75028. P: 972-436-7531
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a family travel health kit?
A: A family travel health kit should include prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medicine, bandages, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, a thermometer, and any condition-specific items such as inhalers or EpiPens. Packing a few extra days’ worth of medication is also recommended in case of travel delays.
Q: How can I prevent dehydration while traveling during the summer?
A: Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors. Refillable water bottles and electrolyte packets can help maintain hydration during long travel days, outdoor activities, and hot weather.
Q: Should I schedule a doctor’s appointment before traveling?
A: If you or a family member has ongoing health concerns, needs medication refills, or is experiencing symptoms before a trip, scheduling a visit with your primary care provider can help ensure you’re healthy and prepared before traveling.
Q: What medical information should I keep with me while on vacation?
A: Keep a list of current medications, allergies, medical conditions, insurance information, and your primary care provider’s contact information. Storing this information on your phone can make it easier to access if you need medical care while away from home.
Q: How can families avoid getting sick while traveling?
A: Frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, staying hydrated, eating properly stored food, and getting adequate rest can help reduce the risk of illness while traveling. It’s also important to practice food and water safety, especially when visiting new destinations.
Q: Where can I get travel health advice in Benbrook, TX?
A: If you have questions about medications, managing chronic conditions while traveling, or preparing your family for vacation, the team at Your Family Medical can help. Scheduling a visit before your trip can provide peace of mind and help you travel with confidence.
