Prepare and pack a simple first-aid kit in your suitcase.

This kit should contain the following items:

• Your prescription medicines, in their original containers.
• Medicines for diarrhea and an upset stomach. Obtain from your doctor a prescription for an antibiotic you can take in case you are struck by diarrhea. Ensure that you have packed medicines such as loperamide and antacids.
• Cough and cold medicines, such as pseudoephedrine tablets and cough syrups.
• Pain-relieving medicines, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Decongestants and antihistamines for treating allergies. Go in for the varieties that don't cause sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Antibiotic ointments, adhesive bandages and hydrocortisone cream.
• Medicines for preventing motion sickness, such as dimenhydrinate and an anti-nausea drug such as promethazine.
• Scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, pocket knife, thermometer, torch and mirror.

If you are travelling abroad, remember that medicines can be very expensive in the West! Also, many medicines are available only on prescription, which means you will need to spend additional money on a doctor's consultation. Therefore, it's far more prudent and much less expensive to carry all your medicines with you! If you are travelling with children or elders, you will need to take extra supplies to be able to meet their needs as well.