Going abroad with children is an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful planning to ensure everyone stays healthy and safe. From vaccinations and allergy precautions to medication packing and sun protection, there are several steps to take to make sure your family is genuinely fit for travel.

At Midnight Pharmacy in Bradford, we help families prepare for holidays with tailored advice and essential services. Here’s our comprehensive guide to getting travel-ready with children, so you can relax and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Book Travel Vaccinations in Advance

Vaccinations are one of the most important steps in preparing your child for overseas travel. The diseases you need to protect against depend on your destination, but common vaccines for children travelling abroad may include:

• –> Hepatitis A

• –> Typhoid

• –> Yellow fever

• –> Rabies (in some cases)

• –> Japanese encephalitis

Some of these vaccines are not part of the routine NHS childhood schedule, which means they’ll need to be arranged privately. At Midnight Pharmacy, we offer a full range of travel vaccinations and can advise on the right ones based on your destination, your child’s age, and the nature of your trip.

Ideally, you should aim to have vaccines administered at least 4–6 weeks before departure, giving your child’s immune system time to build up protection. However, even last-minute travellers can benefit from accelerated vaccine schedules, so don’t delay booking an appointment.

Pack Medication Carefully

If your child takes any regular medication, be sure to pack enough to last the duration of your trip — plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Always carry medication in its original packaging, with the prescription label visible.

Bring a copy of your child’s prescription and, if necessary, a doctor’s letter explaining why the medication is needed. This is especially important if you’re carrying liquids over 100ml or travelling with medical devices like inhalers or epinephrine pens.

In your hand luggage, include basic medicines such as:

• –> Paracetamol or ibuprofen (child-friendly formulations)

• –> Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites

• –> Oral rehydration salts

• –> Travel sickness remedies

• –> A digital thermometer

Our pharmacists can help you create a travel medicine kit tailored to your child’s age and medical needs.

Be Allergy Aware

Travelling with a child who has food allergies, asthma, or insect bite sensitivities adds another layer of preparation. Make sure you’re fit for travel by:

• –> Carrying antihistamines and emergency medication such as an EpiPen

• –> Having allergy action plans printed in both English and the local language

• –> Bringing safe snacks and allergen-free options from home

• –> Informing airlines, hotels, and tour providers in advance of your child’s allergies

If your child has asthma, ensure their inhalers are in-date, and consider packing a spacer device and backup inhaler.

We’re happy to provide letters confirming your child’s medical condition and the need to carry emergency medication — just ask during your travel health consultation.

Protect Against the Sun

Children’s skin is more sensitive to sun damage, so sun protection is essential no matter the destination. Make sure to:

• –> Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sun cream and reapply every two hours

• –> Dress children in UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats

• –> Keep babies and toddlers in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm

• –> Encourage regular hydration with water or diluted juice

For added protection, pack after-sun lotion and aloe vera gel to soothe any sunburns or skin irritation.

Insect Bite Prevention

Insect bites aren’t just annoying — in some regions, they can carry diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. Protect your children by:

• –> Using child-safe insect repellent containing DEET (20–30%) or alternative options

• –> Dressing them in long sleeves and trousers during dawn and dusk

• –> Using mosquito nets for sleeping

• –> Considering antimalarial tablets if required

Our pharmacists can recommend age-appropriate repellents and guide you on malaria risk based on your travel plans. Reach out today for personalised advice and guidance.

Get Expert Advice at Midnight Pharmacy in Bradford

Preparing to travel with children might seem overwhelming, but with the right support, you can ensure your family is genuinely fit for travel.

At Midnight Pharmacy, we offer:

• –> Personalised travel health consultations

• –> Full vaccination services for children and adults

• –> Medication and travel health kits

• –> Medical letters and documentation

• –> Practical advice from experienced pharmacists

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the countryside, or somewhere exotic, we’ll help you plan with confidence.

Book your travel consultation today and let our travel clinic team help you make this family holiday safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

This blog was written on behalf of Midnight Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.