Health, Medications, and a Small Travel Pharmacy

Most international trips go smoothly — but a small amount of pre-trip prep around medications and a basic travel pharmacy goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend for any Getaway abroad.

Prescription medications

• Bring your prescriptions in their original labeled bottles. If you ever need to pass through Customs with a question about what you’re carrying, the labeled bottle is your answer.
• Bring a copy of each prescription (paper or photo on your phone). Useful if a bottle gets lost, or if you need a refill abroad in an emergency.
• Pack a few extra days’ worth in case of delayed return travel.
• Keep meds in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. If a bag is delayed, you don’t want your medication delayed with it.

No vaccines required

For Portugal and Mexico, you don’t need any special travel vaccines. Routine vaccinations (flu, COVID, anything you’d normally keep current at home) are fine. If you have a medical condition or are traveling with one, check with your doctor before you fly — standard advice.

A small travel pharmacy worth packing

You can buy almost any of this abroad if you need to, but having a small kit in your bag means you don’t have to hunt for a pharmacy at 11 PM. The basics:

• Pain reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or whatever you usually reach for).
• Anti-diarrheal (Imodium). New food, new water — sometimes things go sideways.
• Electrolyte tablets or packets (Liquid IV, Nuun, Pedialyte). For travel days, hot pool days, and the morning after.
• Motion sickness meds (Dramamine, Bonine) if you’re prone — especially useful for boat excursions or twisty mountain drives.
• Melatonin for the time-zone adjustment.
• Blister bandages and a few band-aids. New shoes plus cobblestones equals blisters.
• Sunscreen. Reef-safe if you’re snorkeling or diving.
• Aloe or after-sun lotion. Because you will overdo it on day one.

If you need a pharmacy abroad

Portuguese pharmacies are easy to spot — look for a green cross sign. They’re common throughout Albufeira, including a few walkable from the resort. The pharmacist is your best resource: many speak excellent English and can recommend an over-the-counter option for whatever ails you.

In Mexico, pharmacies (farmacias) are equally common and easy to spot. Many are open late or 24 hours.

For anything more serious than an over-the-counter fix, your first call is the hotel front desk. They have relationships with English-speaking doctors and clinics nearby and can arrange a visit fast.