Preparing for a trip can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you start thinking about everything that needs to be organised before you leave. At Vivo Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we know that good preparation is the key to a smooth, healthy journey. Whether you are travelling for business, adventure, or a relaxing holiday, a structured plan can make all the difference.

That is why we have created a 7-week countdown travel checklist to help you stay organised, healthy, and ready to enjoy your trip with confidence. From booking private travel vaccines to packing your first aid kit, this timeline ensures nothing important is left to the last minute.

6–8 Weeks Before: Book Travel Vaccines and Health Consultations

The first step in any trip abroad should be a travel health consultation. Around six to eight weeks before departure, visit your local travel clinic in Bristol or your healthcare provider to discuss the vaccinations and medications you may need for your destination. Some vaccines require multiple doses or take a few weeks to become fully effective, so it is important not to leave this too late.

During your consultation, a pharmacist or clinician can review your itinerary and medical history to advise on vaccines such as:

• –> Hepatitis A and B
• –> Typhoid
• –> Yellow fever (for certain destinations)
• –> Rabies (recommended for long stays or rural travel)
• –> Tetanus and diphtheria boosters

If you are travelling to areas where malaria is present, you will also receive guidance on prevention and medication options. These treatments can vary depending on your travel plans, duration, and tolerance, so getting tailored advice early gives you time to prepare properly.

This stage of the travel checklist is also the best time to check your travel insurance covers medical care abroad and to make sure any existing prescriptions are up to date.

4 Weeks Before: Organise Prescriptions and Other Medication

About a month before you fly, start reviewing all the practical and health-related items you will need. If you take prescription medication, ensure you have enough for your entire trip and a few extra days in case of delays. Ask your pharmacist for a copy of your prescription or a letter confirming your medication, especially if you are carrying controlled drugs or injectable items like insulin or adrenaline pens.

You can also begin preparing a small, travel-safe medical kit. Include essentials such as:

• –> Pain relief tablets
• –> Antihistamines
• –> Plasters and antiseptic wipes
• –> Rehydration salts
• –> Anti-diarrhoeal medication
• –> Insect repellent and bite cream

At this stage, confirm your itinerary and travel insurance details and keep printed copies of emergency contacts and important documents somewhere secure.

2 Weeks Before: Prepare for the Journey and Your Destination

Two weeks before you travel, focus on the practical items that will keep you healthy and comfortable abroad. Recheck your vaccinations and ensure you have received all recommended doses. If you have been prescribed malaria tablets, find out when to start taking them (some must be started one to two weeks before travel).

This is also the perfect time to start packing your sun protection and personal care items. Include sunscreen with a high SPF, after-sun lotion, and lip balm with UV protection. Consider bringing mosquito nets or plug-in repellents if travelling to tropical destinations.

If you are planning outdoor or adventure activities, pack additional protection such as water purification tablets, blister plasters, and suitable footwear. Travelling to remote areas may also require portable first aid supplies or extra batteries for medical devices.

Finally, familiarise yourself with local customs, safety advice, and health regulations at your destination. Knowing what to expect helps you adapt more comfortably once you arrive.

1 Week Before: Check Everything Twice

With only a week left, go through your travel checklist again and make sure all key items are complete. Reconfirm your travel insurance, ensure your medications are packed securely, and double-check that your vaccinations and malaria tablets are recorded in your travel health documents.

If you have been using weight loss medication, skincare products, or contact lenses, consider packing spares in your hand luggage for easy access during travel. Keep important documents, prescriptions, and any necessary medical certificates together in one folder.

This is also a good time to prepare your home for your absence by arranging pet care, setting timers for lights, and informing someone you trust about your itinerary.

The Day Before: Final Checks and Rest

The day before your trip should be for final preparation and relaxation. Avoid last-minute stress by completing small but essential tasks, such as:

• –> Refilling travel-sized bottles with shampoo, sunscreen, and hand sanitiser
• –> Checking you have your passport, boarding passes, and insurance documents
• –> Recharging devices and packing chargers or adapters
• –> Packing snacks and refillable water bottles for the journey

Try to get a good night’s sleep before travelling. Feeling rested will make flights, transfers, and time zone changes easier to manage.

The Importance of Travel Health

Following a structured travel checklist helps you stay organised, but it also ensures you travel safely. Health issues abroad can disrupt even the best-planned holidays, so taking preventive steps at home is the most effective way to protect yourself.

At Vivo Pharmacy, our team provides expert advice and private travel vaccines to suit every destination and traveller. Whether you need a last-minute consultation or a full vaccine schedule, our travel clinic in Bristol offers flexible appointments and friendly, professional care.

If you are planning your next adventure, book your consultation early and let us help you prepare for a safe, healthy, and memorable trip. Contact us today or visit Vivo Pharmacy to start your travel countdown.

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