Last updated: February 2026
We know that the thought of planning any trips may be stressful, especially with the ever-changing nature of regulations. However, wherever your travels are taking you – we are here to help. We previously created the ultimate travel health kit; we have now compiled this comprehensive travel health checklist, using our Neath-based services, to help you to jet off feeling reassured.
1. Make sure to pack plenty of SPF and sun protection
It is important to protect the exposed parts of your body from the sun’s damaging effects, both abroad and closer to home. This is because prolonged sun exposure often leads to sunburn, which increases your risk of developing skin cancer. In spite of popular misconceptions, it is possible to get burnt both abroad and closer to home; this is even true when the weather is cloudy, and you are in the UK. That is why we recommend daily SPF application.
It is also important to use alternative sun protection methods alongside sunscreen. These include sunglasses with CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E, as well as a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face. You can visit us for suncare advice, as well as all of the SPF and aftersun products you need!
2. Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations
Travelling abroad can expose you to infections that are uncommon in the UK. Depending on your destination, you may need protection against illnesses such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, or Yellow Fever. Some vaccines need to be given several weeks before travel, so it’s important to plan ahead.
You can check recommended vaccines and malaria advice for your destination on the
TravelHealthPro destination pages (NaTHNaC).
For general guidance on travel vaccines and when to book, visit the
NHS travel vaccination advice page.
3. Review Your Regular Medicines
Make sure you:
- Have enough medication for your whole trip (plus a little extra)
- Keep medicines in original packaging
- Carry a copy of your prescription if travelling with prescription‑only medicines
- Check if any medicines are restricted in the country you’re visiting
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise.
4. Prepare a Travel Health Kit
A small, well‑planned kit can prevent minor problems becoming major ones. Consider packing:
- Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Rehydration salts or electrolyte sachets
- Anti‑diarrhoeal treatment
- Antihistamines
- Insect repellent and bite treatment
- Sun protection (SPF and after‑sun)
- Motion sickness remedies
We can help you tailor this to your destination and activities.
5. Make sure you consider any travel health concerns
If you are heading off on your travels, make sure you are aware of any potential travel health concerns. If you are worried about what to pack in your suitcase, why not check out our ultimate travel health kit in our latest blog post?
Find out more about our Ultimate Travel Health Kit
Moreover, if you or someone you are travelling with suffers from allergies, you should ensure to check that your accommodation is free from any potential allergens. You should also inform your airline of your allergy, as well as any restaurants that you plan on visiting. If there is a chance that you may be sexually active whilst you are away, you should ensure that you have plenty of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill and condoms, to avoid getting caught out. Also, any prescriptions should be ordered ahead of time; they can be collected using our 24 hour prescription collection robot. This allows you to get everything you need before you travel, at your convenience.
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If you are looking to travel, why not visit us in store for your travel checklist in Neath today!
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Written by Ali Sparkes, Superintendent Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber,
The Health Dispensary, Neath.
Ali is an award-winning community pharmacist with a special interest in preventative health, innovation, and accessible local healthcare services.
