Family holidays abroad create wonderful memories, but they also throw up new health challenges. Different food, water, insects, and climates can upset even the hardiest traveller. A well-stocked travel health kit, tailored to your destination and your family's needs, means you can handle minor mishaps quickly and get back to enjoying your trip. Here's how to build one.

Before you pack: check the health risks for your destination

Start by researching the specific health risks at your destination. Check official UK government travel health advice for the country you're visiting, as this will tell you about recommended vaccinations, malaria risk, and any current outbreaks. Book an appointment with your GP or a travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before you fly, especially if you need a course of vaccinations or antimalarial tablets. For children, check that their routine UK vaccinations are up to date, and ask about any extra ones they might need. Also, ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment and repatriation for every family member.

• Vaccinations and malaria tablets
• Travel insurance with medical cover
• Prescriptions for regular medicines
• Destination-specific risks, such as altitude or dengue fever

If anyone takes regular prescription medicine, pack enough for the whole trip plus extra. Carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your GP. Keep medicines in their original packaging.

Medicines to pack for every family member

Your medicine kit should cover pain, fever, allergies, tummy upsets, and motion sickness. Pack separate child and adult versions where doses differ. Always check the age limits on the label.

• Pain and fever: Paracetamol and ibuprofen in both adult and child formulations. These also help with headaches, earache, and injuries.
• Allergies: An antihistamine such as cetirizine or chlorphenamine. Check which is suitable for your child's age. A nasal spray or eye drops can help with hay fever.
• Motion sickness: Hyoscine patches or antihistamine tablets for older children and adults. For younger children, try ginger chews or acupressure bands.
• Indigestion and heartburn: Antacid tablets or liquid.
• Child-specific: Teething gel, nappy rash cream, and a mild moisturiser for dry skin.

If you have a child with asthma, eczema, or a severe allergy, pack their specific medicines plus a written care plan. Bring spare inhalers and auto-injectors if prescribed. Keep all medicines in your hand luggage so they stay with you.

First aid kit essentials for holidays

A compact first aid kit handles cuts, grazes, blisters, and minor burns. You don't need a huge medical bag, but you do need the basics.

• Wound care: Plasters, including blister plasters, sterile gauze dressings, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, and antiseptic cream.
• Tools: Small scissors, tweezers, safety pins, and a digital thermometer.
• Protection: Disposable gloves and a resuscitation face shield if you're trained.
• Burns and bites: Instant cold pack, calamine lotion, and insect bite relief cream.
• Eyes: Sterile eye wash or saline pods.

For children, add colourful plasters and a small reward sticker to reduce tears. A small torch and spare batteries are useful for night-time checks. Keep the kit in a waterproof pouch or small bag that's easy to find.

Rehydration and tummy trouble: don't leave home without them

Diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common holiday illnesses, especially in destinations with different hygiene standards. Rehydration sachets are the single most important item to pack. They replace water and electrolytes lost through sickness or diarrhoea. In the UK, you can buy oral rehydration salts from pharmacies. They are suitable for all ages when mixed correctly.

Signs of dehydration in children include a dry mouth, few tears when crying, dark urine, and unusual sleepiness. If your child becomes dehydrated, offer small sips of rehydration solution frequently. If they refuse or symptoms worsen, seek medical help. For adults, rehydration sachets plus rest usually help. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines like loperamide can stop diarrhoea but should not be given to children under 12, and never if there is blood in the stool or a high fever. Instead, focus on rehydration.

Prevent tummy trouble by practising good hand hygiene, drinking bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice in drinks, and eating freshly cooked, hot food. Peel fruit yourself. Carry hand sanitiser and use it before meals.

Destination-specific extras and how to pack your kit

Tailor your kit to where you're going. Hot, tropical climates call for insect repellent containing 50% DEET or picaridin, plus antimalarial tablets if prescribed. Pack high-factor sun cream (SPF 30 or above), after-sun lotion, and a wide-brimmed hat. If you're heading to altitude, ask your GP about altitude sickness prevention. Cold destinations need lip balm, moisturiser, and cold remedies. For destinations where tap water isn't safe, pack water purification tablets or a filter bottle.

When packing, remember airline security rules. Liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less, but prescription medicines can exceed this if you have a letter from your GP. Keep your health kit in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, so you have it if your suitcase is delayed. Check expiry dates before you travel and replace anything that's out of date. Finally, write a simple list of what's in your kit and where to find it, so anyone in the family can grab the right item in a hurry.