How-to

Staying healthy on a trip: medicines, water and sleep

What to take, what to drink and how to recover faster after a long flight.

First-aid kit

Regular medicines: Take enough for the whole trip, in the original packaging and in your hand luggage.
The basics: A painkiller and fever reducer, something for the stomach, an antihistamine, plasters and antiseptic.
Prescriptions: Some medicines are restricted in certain countries. If you carry a strong one, check the rules first and bring the prescription.

Water and food

Drinking water: If you are not sure the tap water is safe, drink bottled water.
Street food: Choose busy places where the food is cooked in front of you.
Hot climates: Drink more water, use sunscreen and stay in the shade at midday.

Flights and adjusting

Long flights: Get up and walk every hour or two, drink water and avoid tight clothing.
Time difference: On arrival, try to sleep on local time and spend more of the day in daylight.
Motion sickness: Sit towards the front, look at the horizon and avoid a heavy meal before travelling.

If you need help

Your insurer's helpline: Call the number on your policy first: they will tell you which clinic to go to.
Emergency number: Save the destination's emergency number in your phone beforehand.

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