Packing to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Packing to stay healthy while traveling is for anyone who travels. It doesn't matter if you're traveling for business or pleasure, the main objective is to remain healthy.

If your trip is for business, the last thing you want is to be sick and not able to attend those important meetings you've scheduled.

If your trip is a vacation you've been planning for months, you don't want to end up sick, and having to spend your vacation in the hotel bed.

Below are some items that should be on everyone's packing list. It's better to take them with you in case you either can't find them, or don't have the time to look for them.

These items could be the difference between enjoying your trip or not enjoying your trip.

Your Prescription Medication - Don't forget this. Not all prescriptions can be filled for emergency use, and if they can, it will probably take you longer than you want to spend, so don't leave home without all of your medication.

Antihistamine - These are good for congestion, allergies and a host of other problems that could arrive from your sinuses and allergies. Use whichever brand is good for you, and can be tolerated by any medical conditions you might have.

Antacid - This is important because sometimes a change of location and foods can bring on the worst heartburn, especially if it's food you don't normally eat. So be prepared.

Diarrhea Medicine - This is good to have at all times. You never know when you'll need it, so this is something you should have on your person just in case.

Sun screen - If you plan on being in the sun a lot, then you should definitely have this. You should also have your sunglasses and a hat. Sunburn is painful and you don't want to spoil your vacation.

Make sure the sun screen is at least SPF 15, and will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

Motion Sickness Medicine - I can tell you a few stories about needing this, and believe me when I say having motion sickness can and will spoil your vacation. Always have this with you. At all times, but a word of warning. Certain motion sickness medication will make you drowsy, and shouldn't be mixed with alcohol.

Insect Repellent - This sounds strange, but trust me. Biting insects can be found almost anywhere, and you want to protect yourself, especially against mosquito bites in tropical locations.

The ones that contain at least 20 to 30 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is preferable. This will protect you from chiggers, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and flies that bite.

Ibuprofen - You could pack this, or aspirin, or any tablets containing acetaminophen. They should all work equally well. Just make sure they don't interfere with any medical conditions you might have.

Laxative - I know, but constipation happens to the best of us, and when you're traveling, and not drinking water and eating as you should, this will be the result. So be prepared with whatever type works for you.

Contact Solution - If you wear contacts, don't forget the cleaning solution and the containers. If you have a spare pair of contacts, bring those too. As well as a pair of glasses. You can't be too careful with your vision, so be prepared.

Prescription Glasses - It's the same with your prescription glasses. If you have a spare pair, bring them with you.

Swimmer's Ear Medication - Going swimming? Then purchase an over-the-counter medication for swimmer's ear.

First Aid Kit - Never leave home without it. Your kit should contain bandages, gauze, antibacterial cream, scissors, a thermometer, tweezers, a pocketknife, cotton swabs, alcohol wipes, adhesive tape, safety pins, flashlight and the first aid book.

If there is enough room in your first aid kit, you can store extra inspect repellent, antacid, diarrhea medicine and decongestant tablets.

The most important items have been listed, but I'm sure there are more that can join these, so when you're packing to stay healthy while traveling, please add them to your list.