How to have a healthy holiday

Don't let a dicky tummy, sunburn or travel sickness ruin your getaway this year, with nutritional therapist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson's top tips

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There's a lot to think about when it comes to summer holidays - whether you're jetting off to the Mediterranean, road-tripping across the UK, or packing for a long-haul getaway.

But one of the most important things is sometimes the first to be overlooked - your health.

As a pharmacist with more than 30 years' experience, I've helped countless holidaymakers caught off-guard by sunburn, food poisoning or an unexpected allergic reaction.

One in eight holidaymakers get ill abroad, according to statistics. And nearly half of us fear a medical emergency abroad.

But the good news is that by taking just a few smart, proactive steps, you can avoid the most common travel ailments and keep your summer trip on track.

So whether you suffer from travel sickness, struggle with jet lag, or just want to avoid the classic sunburn-blister-sore-feet trifecta, here are 10 essential summer health hacks to help you feel your best, wherever you're heading to.

HOW TO BUILD THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL FIRST-AID KIT

You don't need to carry half a pharmacy with you, just pack the essentials. Make sure you have plasters and antiseptic wipes, as well as antihistamines (for bites, allergies or hay fever), and rehydration salts for heat or stomach bugs. Pop a pack of paracetamol or ibuprofen in your kit, as well as antidiarrhoeal medication like loperamide. Don't forget travel sickness tablets, and hydrocortisone cream for rashes or bites. If you have prescribed medications, keep them in their original boxes with your name clearly labelled. Keeping these in a bag in your hand luggage ensures you're covered if your main suitcase goes missing.

BEAT TRAVEL SICKNESS BEFORE IT STARTS

Motion sickness happens when your inner ear and eyes send conflicting signals to your brain - often triggered in cars, boats or planes.