Summer is officially here and millions of people and families will be traveling on vacations, visiting family, friends or just seeing the sights.

Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money, so we drove everywhere, which usually limited our travels to within several nearby states. My brothers and I always laughed and made fun of mom and dad as they made sure to pack an up-to-date first aid kit. The kit was composed of Band-Aids, gauze, tape, aspirin, scissors and clean handkerchief which could be used as a bandage or tourniquet and a few other items they felt were necessary.

When I got married, our vacations were limited, but I, like my parents, made sure to pack a first aid kit.

However, when my daughters were in junior and senior high school, we flew from Arizona to Florida to visit my wife’s sister and to spend a week at Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Traveling on an airplane, means you don’t have near the luggage space as you would driving, especially when you travel with a wife and 2 daughters. Face it, females always pack twice as much as the guys do. With luggage restrictions on many airlines, suitcase space is a premium and the last thing many want to do is take up any of that space with items they hopefully will never need or use.

Whether you are flying or driving, you do need to make room for a few key items and you need to make preparations in advance of your travel.

To begin with, if you or anyone traveling with you take any prescription medication, make sure you have enough for your trip AND for several days extra. You never know when you will be delayed by weather or other reasons. If need be, explain to your doctor that you are traveling and ask him or her to write a prescription renewal for enough to cover your trip and extra. If any of your prescriptions are considered a restricted medication, make sure you get a statement in writing from your doctor authorizing you to have the medication in your possession. This especially holds true for insulin users. Make a copy of your prescriptions and carry that copy with you.

Yes, suitcase space is limited, but it is highly recommended that you do allow enough room for some Ibuprofen or naproxen. Not only do they help with fevers, headaches and other aches, but they are also a good anti-inflammatory. Pack some laxatives and anti-diarrhea meds. You never know what you are going to eat, drink or catch while traveling. In that mind set, pack some antacids. Grab a hand sanitizer, some antibiotic cream, and box of bandages of different sizes. These items altogether won’t take up that much room in your suitcase and it you never know when or if you will need any of them, but if you do, you will be so glad you have them.

It is also advised that you take time before traveling to go online and locate drugstores, pharmacies, urgent care centers and hospitals near where you will be on your vacation.

Have a safe and wonderful vacation.