Recently read by Bev and Chris….an American was in France and wanted to buy some Tylenol. The pharmacist recommended that they get paracetamol. Paracetamol is used as acetaminophen, a brand we know as Tylenol. It can be confusing and time consuming to look for medication away from home. . Take even your occasional medications with you. I may be healthy when I leave, but when I fly home with the head cold, I’m glad I have my decongestant in my Travel Rx bag!
Remember to take your culture with you, and learn about the one your in.
I was in Germany and visited an Apothecary. (pharmacy) I bought Ibuprofen crème and Toprol crème. I can’t find it in the USA; it works great for my arthritis. It was a different experience than going to a pharmacy here. I picked a time when they didn’t seem busy and she had time to talk with me. It can take a couple of times with the translation to get your meaning across.
Europe uses more of the natural plant products for relief of minor symptoms. Americans are catching up with the herbal treatments and spas…I’m old enough to remember when that sounded exotic!
Be prepared to walk! If you can’t get there on your own, you don’t go. Castles are at the top of the hill, and most of the time you walk there. Walkways can be cobblestone and a bit uneven. Wear appropriate shoes! Make sure you are up to the increased exercise. If you haven’t walked in a while, start before you leave, know your endurance. Walk up a hill!
We stayed at Pension Seibel while in Munich. Wonderful place and the location made it easy to get anywhere. If you need an elevator, verify the building has one. I knew that ours did not. We carried our bags to the 3rd floor. A couple of mornings later during breakfast, an American couple was checking in. They were quite upset that there wasn’t an elevator, and they were expected to carry their own bags.
I discovered tank less water heating. David wasn’t at all surprised, I marveled at the idea…….no wonder the hot water was instant on the 3rd floor! I was even more surprised when I found out how much is cost to get one put in here!
If I wanted an iced drink, I found out that McDonald’s was the only place with ice.
With a bit of pre trip planning, you can be ready to have the vacation you expect. If you are using a travel agent, let them know your needs and concerns when they are arranging your trip.
Now, I’m thinking of the Christmas markets and how festive it would be in Europe this week.
Remember to make copies of your passport and email it to yourself in an account you can access all over the world. (yahoo, Gmail, hot mail) I make copies of the credit cards I’m taking and the 1 800 numbers. It will be handy to have if you need it.
If you are flying over the holidays make sure you keep your gifts unwrapped! TSA will need to see them. Bags and tissue paper fit nicely in the outside zipper of my bag.
Here’s to a safe and healthy travel!
Bev and Chris
