Be prepared for a healthier, safer trip; no matter where you’re headed.
Whether you’re traveling across the country or halfway around the world, preparing for your health needs is just as important as packing your suitcase. From managing jet lag and avoiding stomach issues to meeting vaccine requirements, a little planning can save you stress, and keep you safe, while you’re away.
At Olympia Plaza Pharmacy, we help travelers stay ahead with personalized recommendations, travel meds, and timely vaccinations. Here’s what you need to know before you take off.
Even if you’re in great health, travel brings new environments, unfamiliar foods, and shifting sleep schedules. Here are the essential meds to bring with you:
Long drives, boat rides, or turbulent flights? Bring motion sickness tablets like meclizine or non-drowsy alternatives. Natural options like ginger capsules may help too.
Traveler’s diarrhea is common in some regions due to bacteria your body isn’t used to. Pack:
Anti-diarrheal medication (like loperamide)
Electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts
Light digestive aids (like simethicone or antacids)
A non-drowsy antihistamine like loratadine or cetirizine can help with unexpected environmental or food-related allergies.
Always carry basic pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches, aches, or minor fevers.
Melatonin is a popular supplement to help your body adjust to a new time zone. Ask a pharmacist if it’s right for you.
Bring enough of your regular medications for the entire trip, plus a few extra days’ worth just in case. Keep them in original, labeled containers, and carry them in your carry-on, not your checked bag.
Depending on your destination, you might need to begin certain medications in advance—sometimes days or even weeks before your departure.
If you’re heading to areas where malaria is a risk (parts of Africa, South America, or Asia), you may need to begin antimalarial medication before your trip. The exact drug and timing depend on the region.
For high-risk regions, some travelers may be prescribed an antibiotic to take with them—either for use if symptoms begin or in rare cases, as a preventative.
Visiting high elevations (like Cusco, Peru or the Rockies)? Your provider might recommend acetazolamide to start before or upon arrival.
If time zone changes will affect your regular dosing (such as insulin or thyroid meds), a pharmacist can help you create a new medication schedule that keeps you safe.
Vaccinations are one of the most important pre-travel steps—and many require advance planning to give your body time to build protection.
Make sure you’re up to date on:
Flu shot
COVID-19 booster
Tetanus/Tdap
MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)
Depending on where you’re going, you may need:
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Yellow fever
Japanese encephalitis
Rabies (for long-term travelers or high-risk regions)
Visit the CDC’s travel site, or stop by Olympia Plaza Pharmacy, for help determining which vaccines are right for your trip.
Some travelers need custom formulations—especially those with allergies, children who can’t swallow pills, or anyone needing precise doses.
We offer:
Liquid or topical alternatives to tablets
Flavoring for pediatric meds
Custom-dosed medications for easier travel compliance
Just give us a few days’ notice before your trip and we’ll have everything ready.
Keep all medications in their original containers with prescription labels.
Pack them in your carry-on, in case checked baggage is delayed or lost.
Bring a copy of your prescription, especially for controlled substances or injectables.
Check medication rules for your destination, some countries ban meds that are legal in the U.S. (like codeine or Adderall).
Before you go, ask yourself:
Do I have enough of my daily prescriptions?
Am I up to date on any required or recommended vaccines?
Have I packed emergency meds for sleep, nausea, or stomach issues?
Do I need to adjust any medication timing for time zones?
Have I reviewed my list with a pharmacist?
Planning a trip? Let us make it easier. Olympia Plaza Pharmacy offers:
Medication consultations for travelers
Travel vaccines (or referrals if needed)
Custom medication compounding
Expert advice on what to pack, how to dose, and how to stay healthy abroad
Stop by or give us a call, we’ll make sure you’re covered from takeoff to touchdown.
Have a safe and healthy trip!
