When you’re getting ready to travel, it’s easy to focus on tickets, passports and packing lists—but what about your health? Being truly fit for travel isn’t just about feeling well on the day you leave. It’s about preparing for the specific challenges you might face in the environment you’re heading to.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we help people travel with confidence by offering tailored advice and practical solutions for common travel health issues—from digestive problems to altitude sickness. So, before you zip up your suitcase, ask yourself these five essential questions.

1. Will you be eating local street food or unfamiliar dishes?

Exploring new cuisines is one of the best parts of travel—but it can also upset your digestive system, especially if you’re not used to the local water, spices, or cooking methods. Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most common issues faced by tourists, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

What to pack:

• –> Oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration

• –> Anti-diarrhoeal medication like loperamide for quick relief

• –> A pharmacy-prepared traveller’s diarrhoea treatment kit with everything you need

At Vivo Pharmacy, we offer ready-to-go kits that include advice on how and when to use the contents—perfect for peace of mind on the move.

2. Are you planning to climb above 3,000 metres?

Whether you’re trekking in the Andes, visiting Machu Picchu, or hiking in Nepal, high altitudes can take a serious toll on your body. Symptoms of altitude sickness (also known as acute mountain sickness) include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness—and they can come on quickly.

What to pack:

• –> Altitude sickness tablets such as acetazolamide

• –> Hydration sachets and pain relief

• –> High-calorie snacks for energy support

We can advise you on how to acclimatise safely and what to take to reduce your risk before you go. Getting altitude sickness can ruin your plans—but with preparation, it’s often preventable.

3. Are you prone to motion sickness or jet lag?

If long journeys by plane, boat, or coach leave you feeling queasy, or if crossing time zones affects your sleep and energy, you’re not alone. Motion sickness and jet lag are incredibly common but rarely planned for.

What to pack:

• –> Motion sickness tablets or patches

• –> Herbal or melatonin-based sleep aids (where suitable)

• –> Electrolyte sachets to support hydration during long flights

Our team at Vivo Pharmacy can help recommend the best options based on your itinerary, including non-drowsy solutions for daytime travel.

4. Will you be exposed to mosquitoes or insect bites?

Mosquito bites can be more than a nuisance—they can lead to serious illness, depending on where you’re travelling. While some destinations carry lower risks, even mild reactions to bites can be enough to spoil your holiday.

What to pack:

• –> High-strength insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives

• –> Bite relief creams or antihistamines

• –> Mosquito nets or wearable repellents (for higher-risk areas)

We stock a range of travel-friendly bite protection and treatment options and can advise on the best choices based on your destination and activities.

5. Do you take regular medication or have a long-term health condition?

Even the healthiest travellers need to consider how changes in time zones, altitude, diet, and daily routine might affect their regular medications. Having the right quantity and documentation can make all the difference—especially if you’re delayed or need a prescription replacement abroad.

What to do before you go:

• –> Ensure you have enough medication for the full trip (plus extra in case of delays)

• –> Bring copies of prescriptions and keep medication in original packaging

• –> Pack a basic first aid kit including pain relief, plasters, and antiseptic wipes

If you need advice on managing your medication abroad, our pharmacy team is happy to help you prepare safely and legally.

Are You Fit for Travel?

Being fit for travel means more than just feeling well today—it’s about preparing for where you’re going and how your body might respond to unfamiliar surroundings.

At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we offer travel health consultations to help you prepare for every step of your journey. Whether you need treatment for altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea support, or practical advice on motion sickness, our expert team is here to help.

Pop in or contact us today to make sure you’re properly packed—not just with clothes and chargers, but with the knowledge and protection to travel confidently and return safely.

Let us help you get truly fit for travel—so you can focus on enjoying the adventure ahead.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.