Backpacking tourists have been advised to pack their own first aid kit to take abroad by NHS Direct.
Preparation is particularly important for those tourists travelling to a country where they do not speak the language.
Jacqui Jedrezewski, NHS Direct National Mental Health Children's Services and Caldicott Lead, remarked that taking a first aid kit is better than relying on a countries pharmacy or health services.
She said: "It is always sensible to pack a basic first aid kit and this should include: plasters, scissors, and a thermometer; antihistamines for bites, stings or prickly heat; laxatives for constipation; re-hydration solutions and Imodium for diarrhoea.
"Also take water purification tablets, syringes and needles if you need to take any medicines by injection such as Insulin."
Meanwhile, tourists may also be well-advised to find out which medicines are legal in the country they intend to visit.
Among the substances banned in Dubai, for example, are foods containing poppy seeds, jetlag drug melatonin and the pain killer codeine.
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