Cure for nausea...

Place a coin over the veins on the inside of your wrist (about two finger widths from the base of your palm) and secure it in place with a rubber band or ponytail holder. It works like the motion-sickness bands sold at drug-stores: The gentle pressure of the coin stimulates nerves that contol nausea.

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Motion Sickness

If you suffer from motion sickness or just want to be prepared, consider the advice provided here by Tracy, one of our travelers who is also a pharmacist.

The most common treatments are Meclizine 12.5 or 25 mg or Dramamine, which can be bought over-the-counter or by prescription. These meds are really inexpensive (Meclizine is the cheapest). They both have to be taken every 4 to 6 hours.

I would recommend taking it about 1/2 to 1 hour before the planned excursion. The biggest problem with these medications are the side effects, which are drowsiness and dry mouth and eyes.

Depending on the person, the drowsiness could be a real problem for someone trying to enjoy a vacation. However, for the plane ride over, it might be a good thing if you're looking to catch some zzzz's!

The other option is a patch worn behind the ear called Trans-Derm Scop. It is available by prescription only. Most insurance companies do cover the medication but it does not come in a generic, so depending on your insurance it will be considerably more than the above treatments.

The patch is very small and skin colored so it's not noticable. It should be put on about an hour before the planned excursion. It works for 72 hours, which is the big plus! Also, it can cause drowsiness but I have found from personal experience that if you put it on the night before your trip, the drowsiness wears off before the next morning.

I am a fan of this medication because of personal experience. I used it on a deep sea fishing trip. About 85% of the people on the boat were hanging over the side and I was perfectly fine!

First Aid for Travelers

Every traveler should pack a simple first aid kit that includes items that might be needed immediately when a pharmacy is not available. Avoid packing a first aid kit that takes up too much space in your luggage. Be on the lookout for travel sizes. Consider these items to include:

1. Neosporin - helps prevent infection.
2. Dramamine - helps prevent motion sickness if taken at least 30 minutes before traveling.
3. Advil - ibuprofen in Advil helps reduce pain and fever as well as relieves inflammation in muscles after a full day of walking. Tylenol does not do this.
4. Pepcid Complete - relieves heartburn by combining a stomach-acid reducer with an antacid.
5. Cortaid - soothes rashes and bug bites
6. Benadryl - for relief of hay fever symptoms as well as treatment of hives and itchy nose and throat from food allergies.
7. Insect repellent - higher concentrations of deet last longer.
8. Imodium A-D - stops symptoms of diarrhea in 30 minutes. Pepto-Bismol could take up to six hours.
9. Sunscreen - preferably SPF 15 or greater
10. Aloe gel - for sunburns
11. Antihistamine or decongestant - to relieve allergies and inflammation
12. Cough suppressant and throat lozenges
13. Mild laxative
14. Basic first-aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, ace wrap, tweezers, round tip scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, safety pins, antiseptic wipes)

For pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or allergies, consider wearing an alert bracelet/neck tag and make sure this information is on a card in your wallet with your other documents.

Personal prescription medications need to travel in their original container and bring a copy of the prescription from your doctor in case the medication is lost. Also bring at least 50 percent more than you need. And always put prescription medication in your carry-on.

A final reminder: a first aid kit is useful only if it is available. It should be carried with the traveler at all times...in carry-on baggage when allowable and on excursions. With heightened airline security, sharp objects and some liquids and gels will have to remain in checked luggage.