8 Common Mistakes People Make When Packing Medication for International Trips, According to a Doctor

"Packing for an international trip often means triple-checking that you have your passport, wallet, and phone before you leave the house. But one essential item travelers often overlook-or mismanage-is their medication. Forgetting a travel pill case, packing it in checked luggage, or not following TSA rules can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful scramble. Even over-the-counter basics, like children's Tylenol or chewable Pepto-Bismol, can be surprisingly hard to find abroad, especially in countries where pharmacies stock different formulations or ban certain medications altogether."

"You will save yourself worry and money if you don't need to find a doctor in order to obtain prescriptions for chronic medications, said Alisha Goodrum, MD, an internal medicine physician at the virtual care platform PlushCare. To help travelers avoid common pitfalls, Dr. Goodrum shares the top mistakes tourists make when packing medicines internationally, plus the simple strategies (and products) that make all the difference. Shop these Amazon travel essentials before your next vacation to stay healthy and happy abroad."

"It sounds obvious, but in the rush of last-minute packing, even essential prescriptions can be left behind. "Pack medications early to avoid forgetting them," Dr. Goodrum advised. "Keep them with other important things, like your passport." Be sure to pack them in a secure zippered toiletry bag with dedicated compartments, too. This clear toiletry bag from Bagsmart makes it easy to store medications, keep them safe and separated from other toiletries, and see what's inside at a glance."

Travelers often forget or mismanage medications, which can turn trips stressful when prescriptions or common OTCs are unavailable abroad. Packing medications early and keeping them with important items like passports reduces the risk of leaving them behind. Carry medications in a carry-on rather than checked luggage to avoid loss or delay. Use clear zippered toiletry bags with compartments and compact pill organizers to organize doses and allow quick screening. Verify destination regulations and pharmacy availability because formulations and permitted drugs vary by country. Maintain enough supply of chronic prescriptions to avoid needing local doctor visits.

Read at Travel + Leisure