If you’re planning a sunny getaway this March break you’re likely not alone. Families across the country are gearing up for two weeks of school-free fun, and if that includes you, you may want to update your checklists with these essentials to ensure a happy, healthy holiday.

First Aid Kit

A fully-stocked first aid kit is a vacation must have, especially if you are planning to travel outside of North America where supplies and medications may not be available.

Your first aid travel kit should include:

• Aloe vera gel and/or calendula cream to treat minor skin infections such as bites and burns
• Bandaids of various types and sizes
• Hand sanitizer
• Antibacterial spray or ointment, such as Polysporin
• Antiseptic wipes
• Gauze
• Thermometer
• Gravol
• Immodium
• Polysporin eye drops
• Tweezers

Probiotics: The Good for Your Gut Bacteria

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel illness, affecting 20%-50% of all international travellers each year. A good probiotic supplement may help prevent travel tummy so if you’re not taking one already, it’s time to stock up. Look for one that contains live and active cultures that are viable through until the product expiry versus “at time of manufacture”. The most effective probiotics for diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome typically provide a daily dosage of 10 billion or more live organisms.

Medications

If you are currently taking any medications, check with your health care provider prior to your trip and be sure to pack more than enough medication for the number of days you are away.

Many countries require clear hospital or pharmacy labels on the original drug container that includes your legal name as it appears on your passport along with the name of the medication and dosage information. If possible, be sure to bring a copy of your prescription as well as the name of the medication in the event it becomes lost or stolen.

Vitamins

While lying on the beach may be fun, getting there can take a lot out of you, leaving your body stressed and run down. When you suffer, your immune system suffers, and the likelihood of getting sick increases. Boosting your immune system before you leave can reduce the effects of travel-related exhaustion. Intravenous vitamin therapy is a combination of vitamins and trace minerals that is infused directly into your bloodstream to give your body exactly what it needs, where it needs it. The cocktail includes Magnesium, Calcium, B Vitamins, Vitamin C and trace materials – a combination of which has been known to improve such conditions as migraines, muscle spasms, asthma and chronic fatigue, in addition to boosting your immune system. One treatment one week prior to departure is recommended.

Prevention is always the best alternative to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Look after your body and it will look after you.

Bon voyage!