From clothing and shoes to toiletries and electronics, the list of things needed to pack for a trip can add up incredibly quickly, but in all of the chaos, there are few items more important to remember than medication. Whether you have regular prescriptions or rely on over-the-counter drugs, forgetting your meds is a surefire way to complicate a trip, and just as essential is packing them properly. Read on for everything you need to know about how to travel with medication.
Legalities of International Travel
Before you embark, it’s a good idea to read up on the medication regulations of your destination. Rules for how medication should be imported will vary by country, and some may require special documentation or even forbid certain drugs altogether. To avoid any issues, make sure your medications are legal wherever you plan to travel, and if they are, keep a copy of your prescription and a note from your doctor in a secure, yet accessible place should you need them.
Proper Packing
Once you’ve confirmed that your meds are allowed in your destination country, it’s important to pack them properly to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Keep everything in its original packaging, including generic and brand name drugs, and put any regular or essential medications in your carry-on so you’ll still have them in the event that your luggage gets delayed.
Getting Medication Abroad
If you forget your medication or run out while abroad, contact your healthcare provider or a local doctor to discuss alternatives or obtain a replacement. Pharmacies in many countries can provide equivalent medications, but they may require confirmation of your prescription and will need to be aware of the details of your condition should the drug they have available not be an exact match.