We often hear tips on how to travel right, I, myself, am guilty of this as I constantly post new and innovative ways on how to pack for traveling and stay safe while on a vacation. When I do, I always make it a point to mention how and why you should bring just enough medications with you to last you until it’s time to go home. Of course, you have heard how it can be a headache just finding out that your prescription meds are not available in and around the area you’ll be staying. Packing your own medications will help you avoid getting stuck somewhere without the convenience of your own meds.

However, it is not always that easy to bring your medications with you when traveling, especially if you are planning to travel by air. Sometimes, even crossing a country will have your bags and being subjected to inspection. Even over-the-counter drugs can cause you trouble when checking in at airports, so you really have to be very careful when packing them. Here are some tips on how to pack your medications the right way when traveling:

•    Pack them individually and label each one according to their names and uses. Never dump them all in one container as they may cause confusion to the inspector and lead to unnecessary confiscation.
•    Make sure you have proof that these medications are yours. Your strongest proof would be your doctor’s medical prescription. If you are wary of carrying this with you or if you are afraid you might lose the prescription during the trip, then a copy of which will do.
•    For pills and inhalers, it is better if you keep them in their original containers and put your name on it for easy reference. This way, you can easily claim them as yours when asked.
•    You are allowed a quart Ziploc bag to carry your liquids (the original bottle must fit the bag) Usually this is enough for a traveling senior but if it’s absolutely necessary for you to carry more than that amount, you will have to declare it to a travel officer.
•    Be conscious enough to just bring enough amount with you as something other than enough will certainly raise an alarm at security checkpoints.
•    For medications that you won’t need during the travel time itself, you can send them to your destination ahead of time, this way, you won’t have a problem with security when checking in.
•    Some security checkpoints won’t allow even the most “innocent” of things such as gels and aerosols since their inspections are based on categories. Make sure you check them prior to traveling.