Whether your travel plans include flying the friendly skies, driving cross country in an RV or cruising the high seas, a little advance planning can make the trip more pleasant. To help ensure a healthy, enjoyable, stress-free vacation, Donnica L. Moore, M.D., a leading health expert, columnist and television personality, recommends travelers consider the following tips before leaving home:

* Carry all prescription medications in your carry-on bag. This way you’ll have them in the event your checked luggage is lost or delayed. It’s also a good idea to carry a couple of days extra supply in case you’re delayed coming back. Since there are strict laws concerning narcotics throughout the world, it’s wise to bring along copies of your prescriptions, which ideally mention the indication for the drug. This is also helpful in the event that you lose your medicine and need to replace it while away from home.

* Keep important medical information in your wallet, including your insurance company’s name and address, emergency contact person, blood type, list of current medications with their generic names, and a list of any allergies. If you have allergies to certain medications, food, or insect bites, or serious medical problems such as diabetes, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet.

* If you’re traveling abroad, leave plenty of time to obtain a passport and to get any necessary immunizations.

* Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Traveler’s checks are a safer way to pay, and with ATM machines in just about every corner of the globe, you’re never far from your bank account. Check with your bank before you leave regarding using your ATM card in other countries.

* Pack comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, and don’t forget your sunscreen.

* Stay well hydrated. It may be difficult to get enough water, especially on long fights. Remember to pack additional bottled water in your carry-on bag.

* Don’t ditch your diet completely. While it’s O.K. to stray, be sure to get enough fruits and vegetables, choose whole-grain breads and nonfat foods when you can. Drink plenty of water, watch your sodium intake and moderate alcohol intake.

* Be prepared. Changes in diet and routine can aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms. Be sure to pack antacids, antidiarrheal medicines and a gentle stimulant laxative like Dulcolax to treat symptoms that may cramp your style.

* Leave your travel itinerary with a friend, neighbor or family member in case of emergencies. Ask someone to look in on your house or apartment from time to time while you’re gone.

* Most importantly, have fun. Remember to be safe, be healthy and enjoy your trip.

For more information on Dulcolax, visit www.dulcolax.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content