In the middle of cold and flu season, it is a struggle to stay healthy, especially when you are far from home.  Time is so precious when you are on the road.  You may be on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica, but you won’t fully enjoy your trip if you are sick.  When illness strikes, having a medication “pharmacy” bag can make all the difference.

This is a true story.  I was on a beautiful Mediterranean cruise.  The ports were amazing.  The ship was magical (actually, the Disney Magic).

One day, I was on a ‘beach day’ excursion.  Walking along the sand in only knee-high water, an excruciating pain shot through my foot.  Something venomous had stung me.  I never saw what it was, but it caused extreme pain and swelling.

I saw the ship’s doctor.  He gave me crutches and recommended applying heat to break down the toxin.  With severe pain and swelling, I could not walk on the foot.

The next day’s port was Rome.  My tour was not wheelchair accessible, but I wasn’t about to miss my first visit to Rome!  I hobbled along on crutches.

While it was not ideal (I can’t remember most of what I saw that day in the Vatican Museum), I was glad for good friends, and the medications I had brought along with me…my personal “pharmacy.”

There’s a lot to be said for packing light, but I come prepared with my medications bag.  I tell people that I travel with a pharmacy.  It is compact, but effective.  And it is much easier than finding medications while on the road. (Believe me, I’ve been there!)

Your medication ‘pharmacy’ bag should be with you, in your carry-on bag, at all times when traveling.

Your medications should never be in your checked luggage.  You never know when you might need a medication, and meds may be very difficult to replace if lost.

On what I call ‘moving days’ — days of flying, train rides, switching hotels — have this bag with you, and not checked in.

Gather your prescription medications.

All your essential prescription medications are your first priority.  Whether you’re going away for a weekend, or a month-long adventure — bring your medications!

It is a good idea to bring a written copy of your prescriptions, or at least a medication list.  This is helpful in case meds need to be replaced, or in case of an emergency.

Savvy Traveler’s Tip:  How to pack your medication pharmacy 

I have found that packing medications into individual Snack-size zip-top bags really saves space!

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