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We all hope that our holidays pass off without a hitch, but sometimes one of you will get ill and it pays to have a good emergency first aid kit to hand.

So you're not caught short this summer, here's our guide to those few extra things you should find room for in your suitcase...

Bites and rashes

Insects and midges are everywhere in hot countries, and can easily cause an allergic reaction, which shows itself as a nasty rash, itching or bumps.

Make sure you pack some antihistamine tablets and/or anthistamine cream to take down the swelling or bites as soon as possible. Watch out for the ones that can cause drowsiness - if you hire a car, falling asleep at the wheel isn't a good idea.
- Piriton can make you tired but still works well
- Clarityn won't make you drowsy

The runs

No matter how careful you are, diarrhoea is often a problem, especially if you eat food that's unfamiliar.

There's a two-pronged attack if you get the diarrhoea:
- Take something to stop you up, like Imodium
- Rehydrate and get missing vitamins and minerals by drinking something like Dioralyte. These are really good for children, as they're fruit-flavoured.

Painkillers

Headaches, toothache, muscle pain, menstrual pain - they can all strike on holiday, so having a supply of painkillers is important.

Take tablets that contain ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin - remember that you should never give aspirin to kids under the age of 16.

Travel sickness

You don't even have to reach your destination to start feeling ill. Travel sickness is a common holiday problem, so make sure you've got some tablets or anti-nausea wrist bands to ease the symptoms.

Sun protection

No-one travels without suncream now, but make sure it's got a high enough SPF - you need at least 15 if you're travelling with kids.

Also make sure you pack some aftersun lotion - this will ease any prickly heat or heat rashes and stop your skin flaking.

Water purification

Buying bottles of water is common now in many Mediterranean resorts, but that may not always be possible. Take a pack of water purifying tablets to make sure what you're drinking is free of any nasties.

Safe sex

A bit of sun and sangria puts most people in the mood, so make sure you take enough condoms to get you through your trip.

Not only will they reduce the chance of an unwanted pregnancy, but they also protect against STIs in case you have a holiday fling with a local waiter.

Sores and blisters

How many of you have taken a new pair of shoes on holiday, only to regret it after you've walked a mile to the beach and already have a blister forming?

Be prepared with a selection of plasters, bandages and antiseptic creams to stop a tiny blister or scrape ruining your holiday.

Your own medications

If you take medication for a condition, then make sure you've got a large enough supply to last you through the holiday.

This also means making an appointment at the doctors in time to get the prescription in the first place.

Check dates

And before you go, make sure you check the 'use before' dates on all items. The effectiveness of medications and products disappears the older they are, so if you try to use them, they just won't work very well.

More help and advice

- What you need in your medicine cabinet
- Sun care tips for protecting children
- More facts and advice on travel sickness

By Rob Mansfield

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