The one thing you really can’t plan for your vacation, is whether you will get sick or not. Unfortunately it happens to even the most prepared traveler. You can make sure you are current on all your vaccinations to help reduce your chances of getting the flu or covid while traveling. It is recommended to get these types of shots several weeks before you travel to give them time to reach peak efficacy. However there are plenty of other germs out there that can make you miserable on your trip.
As Americans, we are used to being able to go into a grocery store and pick up over the counter drugs to medicate ourselves when feeling sick. However this is not an option when traveling overseas. Europe for example, requires that all drugs be sold in pharmacies. Even something as simple as medicine for a headache must be purchased at a pharmacy. Depending on what country you are in, they can go by different names. Chemist, farmacia, pharmacie, apotheka, apteka are examples of what they could be called in different countries. Almost all of the time they will be accompanied by a cross symbol, which is often green, to help identify what kind of store it is.
The people working at these pharmacies are very knowledgeable with training to help you find the medicines that will help you best. Be aware that alot of the medicines we use in the US are not available in other places. Pepto Bismol, for example, has an ingredient that is banned in several countries in Europe and so you will not be able to find that. The pharmacist will show you options for what will help you based on what you tell them your symptoms are.
We have had to avail ourselves of the pharmacies’ services on several trips. In Italy, a few years ago, Ceci had a bad cold and needed medication for a fever and runny nose. In Austria, Steve needed some sleep aids and Ceci needed some wound care items for burst blisters after hiking. Hungary had us stopping at a pharmacy again to help Steve with a fever and upset stomach. Each time the pharmacist was very helpful and directed us to items that were different than we are used to but provided the same relief.
We try to bring the simple medications with us like Tylenol or Aleve. Having those already with you will help with minor issues like headaches or body aches and pains. You can’t expect to bring your whole medicine cabinet with you on your vacation though. It would take up a lot of room in your bag and really isn’t needed. A few simple medications, besides your prescriptions, is really all you need. Then if you do get sick, whether it be a cold or traveler’s diarrhea or anything else, go to the pharmacy and let them help you.