There’s something about August that just brings out the travel bug in everyone. The weather’s brighter, the evenings last a bit longer, and suddenly everyone’s talking about where they’re heading next. Whether it’s a family trip to Spain, a backpacking adventure across Asia, or a long-awaited honeymoon somewhere tropical, August always feels like the month to escape.

But before you start mentally checking off your packing list and setting your out-of-office email, it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about your health. Travel is all about freedom and fun, but being prepared before you go can save you a lot of hassle later. That’s where your local pharmacy in Hayshine can help.

Why travel health matters

When you’re planning a trip abroad, it’s easy to get caught up in flights, hotels, and itineraries, and forget about the basics of staying well. The truth is that different parts of the world have different health risks. Some countries have illnesses that simply don’t exist in the UK, or where water quality and sanitation can make travellers more vulnerable.

It’s not about scaremongering, it’s just about being smart. A quick visit to your pharmacy for a travel health consultation can help you figure out exactly what you need for where you’re going. Sometimes it might just be a booster for a jab you had years ago, or a reminder to pack a few essentials for your trip.

A short conversation can make a huge difference to how your holiday goes, and it can all be done quickly and easily without waiting weeks for a GP appointment.

Common destinations that need travel vaccines

Different destinations have different requirements, and it’s easy to overlook this when you’re focused on getting your tickets booked. Here are a few of the most common travel spots that often require vaccinations or extra care before you visit:

• Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia: Popular for backpacking and adventure holidays, but travellers should check if they’re protected against illnesses like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which can spread through contaminated food or water.
  
  
• India: A stunning country full of culture and colour, but parts of India have higher risks of illnesses such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and in some areas, malaria.
  
  
• Kenya and Tanzania: Perfect for safaris and beaches, but travel health advice usually includes Yellow Fever vaccination, and malaria protection depending on your itinerary.
  
  
• Turkey and Egypt: Both are popular summer holiday spots, especially with families, but still worth checking for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, particularly if you’ll be eating street food or exploring rural areas.
  
  
• South America (Peru, Brazil, etc.): Travellers heading to the Amazon or rural areas often need Yellow Fever vaccination, and should be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses.
  
  
• Indonesia and Bali: Another hot spot for British travellers, but it’s worth getting checked for Hepatitis A and Typhoid before you go.
  
  

The list doesn’t end there. Even some European countries can have regional risks depending on your plans. For example, hiking through forests in parts of Eastern Europe might carry a risk of tick-borne illnesses.

The best time to sort your travel vaccines

Ideally, you should book your travel health consultation at least six to eight weeks before your trip. Some vaccines need time to take full effect, while others might require more than one dose. However, life gets busy, and if you’ve left things a bit late, it’s still worth popping into the pharmacy for advice.

Your pharmacist can help you prioritise what’s most important for your trip and get you protected as best as possible, even if you’re flying soon.

It’s quick, convenient, and often far less stressful than trying to arrange things through your GP. Pharmacies are built for this kind of service — simple, accessible, and designed around your schedule.

What to expect at a travel health consultation

When you visit the pharmacy for travel advice, you’ll have a short chat with a trained professional who’ll ask about your destination, how long you’ll be away, and the kind of activities you’ll be doing. They’ll also ask about your medical history and any previous vaccinations.

From there, they’ll advise which vaccines or precautions are recommended for your trip. You’ll have the chance to ask any questions, discuss possible side effects, and understand how long each vaccine lasts.

If you decide to go ahead, most vaccinations can be given there and then in a private consultation room. It’s simple, quick, and you can be on your way in less than half an hour.

It’s not just about vaccines

A lot of people think travel health is only about jabs, but there’s more to it. Pharmacists can also help with travel essentials that make life easier while you’re away.

Here are a few examples:

• Sun protection: Choosing the right SPF for your skin, especially in hotter climates, is essential. Pharmacists can help you find one that suits your skin type and doesn’t cause irritation.
  
  
• Bite and sting protection: Insects love warm weather as much as we do, so repellents, bite creams, and antihistamines are worth packing.
  
  
• Tummy troubles: Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most common holiday issues. Simple things like rehydration salts and hand sanitiser can make a big difference.
  
  
• First aid kits: If you’re heading somewhere remote or travelling with kids, having a basic kit for cuts, scrapes, or headaches is a smart move.
  
  
• Jet lag and sleep: A few over-the-counter products or tips from your pharmacist can help you adjust more smoothly when you arrive.
  
  

All these little things add up to make your trip more comfortable and stress-free.

What happens if you don’t get vaccinated?

Skipping travel vaccines doesn’t always lead to problems, but it’s a risk that’s easy to avoid. Some illnesses that are mild in the UK can be far more serious abroad due to lack of immunity or medical facilities. Even a minor infection can ruin a holiday, and in the worst-case scenario, it could lead to complications that linger long after you’re home.

Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. They work by helping your body build defences in advance, so if you’re exposed to an illness while you’re away, your immune system already knows how to deal with it.

The protection they offer is well worth the small effort of getting sorted before you go.

Helping families and groups prepare together

If you’re travelling as a family or in a group, it’s even more important to plan ahead. Children, older adults, and anyone with ongoing health conditions may need slightly different vaccines or advice. The pharmacist can check everyone’s vaccination history and recommend what’s best for each person.

For families heading to popular summer spots like Turkey, Cyprus, or Egypt, a quick group consultation can get everyone protected and ready in one go. It’s an easy way to tick it off your to-do list.

Keeping things simple for frequent travellers

If you travel often for work or leisure, it’s worth keeping a record of your vaccinations. Some last for years, and others may need a booster after a certain time. Your pharmacist can help you keep your records up to date, so you always know what’s valid before your next trip.

Many regular travellers pop into their pharmacy once a year for a quick check-in. It only takes a few minutes, but it keeps you safe, organised, and ready for wherever life takes you next.

Travelling with regular medication

Another thing that’s easy to overlook is your regular medication. If you take tablets daily or rely on inhalers, insulin, or other routine prescriptions, make sure you have enough for the whole trip. It’s also smart to keep them in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription, just in case airport security asks.

If you’re away for longer than a few weeks, your pharmacist can help you plan ahead and make sure you don’t run short. Some medications are restricted in certain countries too, so it’s always worth checking before you travel.

Staying healthy while abroad

Once you’re away, a few small habits can make a big difference to staying well:

• Drink bottled or filtered water in areas with uncertain water quality.
  
  
• Use hand sanitiser before eating or after handling cash.
  
  
• Keep your sunscreen topped up, even on cloudy days.
  
  
• Try to stick to familiar foods for the first day or two while your stomach adjusts.
  
  
• Rest if you start feeling run down — your body will thank you for it.
  
  

Good health while travelling isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about giving yourself the best chance to enjoy your trip fully without unexpected interruptions.

Quick checklist before you fly

Before you zip up your case and head for the airport, run through this short list:

• Have you checked if your destination needs vaccines?
  
  
• Have you got enough medication for the full trip?
  
  
• Have you packed basic first-aid items?
  
  
• Have you got insect repellent, sunscreen, and travel insurance details?
  
  
• Have you spoken to your pharmacist if you’re unsure about anything?
  
  

If you can tick all of that off, you’re good to go.

Ready to get sorted?

If you’re flying off soon and haven’t checked your travel vaccines yet, don’t panic. It’s not too late. Pop into the pharmacy and have a chat with one of the team. You’ll get clear, friendly advice and can often have your vaccines done right there during your visit.

Whether you’re heading somewhere tropical, taking a city break, or visiting family abroad, a little bit of preparation now means a lot less worry later.

You can find a full list of available vaccines and travel services on our website, along with details on how to book your appointment online or in person.

Safe travels, enjoy your trip, and remember, a quick visit before you fly can make all the difference.