Pack Light (But Take A Doctor's Bag!) (10 indispensable things to take on holiday with you)

Member Name: Machair1

Product:	10 indispensable things to take on holiday with you
Date:	08/01/09 (119 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You will be prepared for everything!

Disadvantages: Costly to stock up with things before you go.

10 things to take on holiday. I saw this topic and thought I would add my thoughts.

To be honest I think it depends where you are going if its the UK I really would take the minimum because unpacking and packing for a holiday is hard work especially for a family.What I have done ever since the days of having 4 little ones is to compile a list on the computer of what you really need for each type of trip so you can print it off a few days before you go. It means if you think something else may be useful you can add it and it becomes a family or personal list pertaining to your personal circumstances rather than a generic list which you often see in magazines!

So for the purpose of this review I am concentrating on a holiday abroad because here it is more difficult to obtain certain things. I also want to say that going abroad is an adventure and what follows might seem a bag of doom and gloom, but if you have these things you are prepared and can relax! It might seem paranoid but these are the kind of things which can make or break a holiday. The trouble with being a nurse is that you look at things from a medical angle which is good and bad, but I do find many of these items either useful or a comfort!

1. Passport - Make sure it has at least 6 months on it as some countries insist on this. Currency, traveller cheques, tickets, and any other insurance documentation. I also like to make a note of the emergency number to call if my credit card etc is mislaid or stolen.

2. Sun cream - if you are going to anywhere which needs this I would like to suggest Sunsense, it is recommended by Australian skin doctors and you can buy this online and from any pharmacy but you will have to ask as it isn't on the shelves. It is extremely protective. I have a family history of skin cancer as both my parents have it so this really is my most important item. I use factor 50 for at least the first week if I am going to a hot country. Just a thought although countries near to the Equator like The Maldives are 32 degrees year round the days are shorter so by 5pm it is dark. A country like Cyprus can be 40 degrees all day and it is still possible to burn late into the evening as the sun is still strong. A good after sun is helpful.

3. Malaria tablets - if you are going to an area where these are necessary and make sure you have the jabs you need in plenty of time before you go. Insect repellent- if you are going anywhere with biting insects buy Jungle Formula and take hydrocortisone cream from the pharmacy in case these bites get bad, but remember you can't use it on the face. A good antihistamine will also help if you get really itchy with the bites, but check with the pharmacy which is best as some like Piriton don't mix with alcohol.

4. A basic first aid bag which should include, dehydration salts like dioralyte, anti diarrhoea medication, whatever you take for a headache, melonin dressings and micropore tape. Buy at least 3 large dressings because if you cut your foot whist swimming these can be important. Antiseptic wipes and cream. Don't forget all your prescription medicines together with a doctors note if you are going to a country where you may need to prove you are allowed them, and take them in your hand luggage as they could go missing otherwise, and if you are on blood pressure tablets or other long term medications this is vital. I always take a box of Brolene eye drops available from the pharmacy as these are really good for a first line treatment if someone gets a sore eye. It can often nip it in the bud before it develops into conjunctivitis.

5. If you have restorative dentistry take one of those repair kits because there is nothing worse than 2 weeks with a crown displaced or a big filling gone. Clove oil is also good if you are prone to toothache. Don't forget all your prescription glasses, contact lenses, and solutions and sun glasses as there is nothing worse than a holiday where your vision is blurred. Take personal items like tampons and contraceptives as these may not be readily available.

6. For long haul flights pack the softest neck pillow you can find and some Bach flower remedies. I take mimulus, aspen and rock rose, as these are calming and may help you drop off.

7. When it comes to clothes put them on the bed first and think about outfits and colours and don't take your entire wardrobe. It isn't relaxing to be having so much to choose from that the holiday becomes a challenge. If you are going to a tropical place pack some long linen trousers as these double up as protection from sunburn and biting insects which come out at night.

8. Mobile phone and charger depending on where you are going and an adaptor for anything electrical depending on the country.MP3 player/iPod and batteries-I can't live without mine! Camera and all photographic equipment.

9. Take a wide brimmed sunhat even if you don't like wearing them. It might have saved my dad from skin cancer and all the misery that has involved.

10. The final thing I take on my holiday isn't an item it's a thought and respect for the customs and the life/cultural differences you are about to experience in the countries you visit.

Summary: If you are prepared with some basic things you will have a better holiday.