Traveling with Medicine

Traveling can be particularly stressful when you have to remember to take medications on a schedule. But with a little planning, you can decrease the hassle and enjoy your trip. 

Pack more than you will need

The best way to ensure that you don’t run out of medication during your trip is to pack more than is necessary. Consider bringing twice as much medicine as you need; store half in your carry-on, with the other half in a checked bag. This way, if you lose a bag, you will still have all the required doses for the duration of your trip.

Research TSA guidelines

Be aware of your airline’s rules and regulations when it comes to traveling with medication, and pack accordingly. Generally, if you are planning to put liquid medicine in your luggage, make sure it fits with the TSA’s rule: Containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller are allowed in your carry-on if they all fit in a transparent one-quart bag that can be easily removed from your luggage as you go through security. You may also be able to bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams larger than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on.

Consult your doctor about time zones

Traveling with medications becomes considerably more complicated if you are changing time zones. It’s best to research the time difference in each place you’ll visit, then consult your doctor for advice on scheduling your doses throughout the trip. With your doctor’s permission, you may want to shift the time you take your medicine before leaving so you can get used to the change in advance.

Plan and set reminders

Try to envision a variety of different scenarios and have a plan in place if they occur. You’ll want to know exactly what to do if you lose your medications or forget to take them at the indicated time. Set an alarm or make a note on your calendar to help you remember your doses, and consider keeping pills in a container that makes it easy to double-check that you’re up-to-date. When you’re having fun on vacation, it’s easy to forget a dose, so setting a reminder on your phone can make sure you stay on track. Remember: Medication doesn’t have to make traveling a drag, if you come prepared.