Whether you’re preparing for a summer holiday, a backpacking adventure, or a long-awaited honeymoon, getting fit for travel is about more than just packing your bags. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we help travellers of all ages prepare for safe, healthy trips with practical advice and pharmacy-led support.

Here’s our 5-step checklist to make sure you’re medically prepared—no matter your destination.

Step 1: Check Your Vaccinations

Vaccinations are the foundation of travel health. Some destinations carry a higher risk of infectious diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, or rabies. Travel vaccinations offer protection and peace of mind.

We recommend booking a travel health consultation with our team at least 6–8 weeks before departure, especially if you’re going to:

• –> Africa

• –> South or Central America

• –> Southeast Asia

• –> Rural areas or developing countries

We’ll assess your destination, itinerary, vaccination history, and personal risk factors to determine what’s required. For example, yellow fever vaccines must be given at a registered centre (like ours), and you’ll receive a certificate of proof for entry into some countries.

Even if you’re travelling to Europe or North America, it’s worth checking if your routine immunisations (like tetanus, diphtheria, and MMR) are up to date.

Step 2: Stock Up on Travel Health Essentials

Once your vaccines are sorted, it’s time to think about travel health kit essentials. These will vary depending on your destination and health needs but typically include:

• –> Antibacterial hand gel or wipes

• –> Rehydration salts

• –> Painkillers (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen)

• –> Plasters and antiseptic cream

• –> Antihistamines for bites or hay fever

• –> Antidiarrhoeals (e.g., loperamide)

• –> Insect repellent with DEET

• –> Sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher)

We also stock bite prevention tools such as mosquito nets, anti-mosquito wristbands, and plug-in devices for hotel rooms. If you’re unsure what to take, just ask our pharmacy team—we’ll help tailor your kit to your journey.

Step 3: Be Ready for Sun, Seasickness, and Jet Lag

Sunburn, motion sickness, and jet lag can put a damper on your plans—but they’re easy to prepare for.

For sun protection:

• –> Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours

• –> Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat

• –> Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (11 am–3 pm)

For motion sickness:

• –> Pack motion sickness tablets such as cinnarizine or hyoscine

• –> Consider seabands or travel bands for children or adults sensitive to medication

• –> Avoid reading during travel and try to keep your head still and gaze forward

To minimise jet lag:

• –> Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before travelling

• –> Stay hydrated during flights and avoid caffeine or alcohol

• –> Consider melatonin supplements if you’re crossing several time zones

Everything mentioned above is available from our pharmacy, and we’re happy to help you choose what’s most suitable for your needs.

Step 4: Prepare for Travel Tummy Troubles

Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most common issues people face abroad. Contaminated food and water are usually to blame, particularly in hot climates or countries with limited sanitation infrastructure.

To stay safe:

• –> Drink bottled or filtered water only

• –> Avoid ice in drinks unless you know the source

• –> Steer clear of uncooked street food or salads

• –> Wash your hands frequently

We can supply anti-diarrhoeal medication, rehydration salts, and antibiotics where appropriate—available after a consultation with our pharmacist.

If you have a sensitive stomach or are travelling with children, we’ll guide you through how to pack and use these items properly.

Step 5: Get a Malaria Risk Assessment

If you’re heading to a malaria-endemic area, you’ll need to take antimalarial medication. This is tailored to your destination, travel dates, and personal medical history.

We’ll assess your risk and provide a prescription for tablets like:

• –> Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

• –> Doxycycline

• –> Mefloquine

It’s essential to start your tablets before travel, take them throughout your trip, and continue the full course after returning to ensure full protection.

Remember, even if you’re taking tablets, bite prevention remains crucial. Mosquitoes that spread malaria bite mainly at night, so use nets, repellent, and cover up after dusk.

Final Word: Are You Fit for Travel?

Being fit for travel means more than having a valid passport and plane ticket. It’s about protecting your health so you can enjoy your trip with confidence. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we make it easy to prepare properly—with vaccines, expert advice, antimalarials, and a fully stocked travel health kit. Contact us today for support and advice.

Book your pre-travel consultation today and get everything you need to travel safely and stress-free. Whether it’s a weekend city break or a month-long trek, we’re here to help you arrive healthy and ready to enjoy your journey.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.