Surviving the Aussie Summer - Your Essential Summer Survival Kit
Australia's summer is a spectacular time of the year filled with sunshine, outdoors and beach adventures. However, with the scorching sun, pesky insects and potential stomach upsets, being prepared with the right essentials becomes crucial. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-have items for your summer survival kit:
Hydralyte is incredibly versatile, tackling dehydration in various scenarios like heat, hangovers, illness, travel, pregnancy or simple water inadequacy. It works quickly to rehydrate and restore your well-being. Suitable for all ages, from newborns to the elderly, Hydralyte is a reliable choice for the entire family.
Protecting your skin from the harsh Australian sun is your number one priority when outside. For optimal results choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF to shield against harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is one of the most powerful skincare products you can use to enhance your complexion and prevent premature signs of ageing. Incorporating sunscreen such as La Roche-Posay into a daily skincare routine is a great way to start your day. Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day for enhanced UV protection.
Aloe Vera is a great skin hydrator – effective, easy to apply and readily absorbed for those moments when the sun wins. Aloe Vera is best stored in the fridge to improve the cooling effect. We recommend the Australian made and owned, Plunkett's 99% Pure Aloe Vera gel which is perfect for use after exposure to sun, wind and sea as it is renowned for its cooling, soothing and hydrating properties which restores dry and damaged skin. Aloe Vera is beneficial to help relieve sunburn and windburn, plus helps minimise skin peeling. It is also suitable for dry, itchy irritated or damaged skin. When out in the sun remember to wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently and avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.
Consuming contaminated food or water leading to bacterial infections, stands as the prevailing trigger for diarrhoea. International travel amplifies the risk, exposing individuals to unfamiliar bacteria. Consuming rich, spicy cuisines or excessive alcohol can also contribute to the occurrence of diarrhoea. Imodium can be a lifesaver for unexpected digestive issues, allowing you to keep enjoying your summer adventures.
Preventing Travellers’ Diarrhoea
Tips to avoid drinking contaminated water:
- Use bottled water Instead of using tap water to drink or brush your teeth.
- Avoid ice cubes made from tap water.
- Drinking bottled or canned beverages.
- When showering or swimming, try not to swallow any water.
Tips to avoid eating contaminated food:
- Ensure your food has been cooked properly.
- Don’t leave food lying around on tables or sideboards.
- Wash your hands with soap before eating.
- Try to avoid raw foods washed in tap water.
- Try to avoid uncooked or raw meats or seafood.
- Try to avoid food from street vendors and markets.
Maintaining good gut health is essential. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep a healthy balance in your gut ecosystem. Taking probiotics (especially probiotics designed for travel) can equip your body to fight off the harmful bacteria should it come into contact with Traveller’s diarrhoea-causing bacteria. Life-Space Triple Strength Probiotic contains 15 strains of beneficial bacteria and supports a healthy digestive system. The good news about the Life-Space probiotic range is that they shelf stable and do not have to be stored in the fridge. Much more Traveller friendly.
It's recommended to begin taking probiotics at least two weeks before your planned trip. This allows time for the beneficial bacteria to establish in your gut, supporting immune function and promoting overall health during travel. It's also important to continue taking probiotics throughout your journey to maintain their full benefits.
Ralph Vomit Bags are handy for motion sickness or unexpected nausea, keeping a few disposable sick bags in your kit can save the day. Motion sickness can affect anyone, anywhere, regardless of age or experience.
If you are prone to motion sickness avoiding situations that cause motion sickness is the best way to prevent it, but that is not always possible while travelling. Here are some tips to managing it:
- Over-the-counter remedies like Travacalm tablets can be very effective. Speak to one of friendly Pharmacists in store to find out which is the best option suitable for you.
- Travel motion bands such as Travacalm Travel Sickness Bands provide drug-free relief of nausea due to motion sickness and pregnancy. They use the science of acupressure over the Nei-Kuan point to block nausea messages travelling to the brain. The bands are washable and reusable. Suitable for adults, pregnant women & children over 3 years of age.
- Ginger is a natural remedy known to alleviate nausea. Ginger candies, tea or supplements can be helpful. Blackmores Travel Ginger is a non-drowsy formula that relieves motion sickness, and the digestive discomfort associated with travelling.
A first aid kit is essential for handling unexpected injuries or health issues while traveling, ensuring quick access to basic medical care when needed. Include essentials like Elastoplast bandages, gauze and band-aids for minor cuts, scrapes or blisters. Elastoplast is the number one brand for injury management, first aid, wound care and sports injuries in Australia and New Zealand. Be sure to add Betadine to your kit as it’s known for its antiseptic properties being great for wound care.
A travel-sized hand sanitiser ensures cleanliness, especially when water and soap aren’t readily available during outdoor activities. Dettol Instant Hand Sanitisers offer quick, efficient protection against 99.99% of germs, without requiring soap or water. Its non-sticky, rinse-free formula makes it an ideal hygiene solution for busy mums and families seeking convenient on-the-go germ protection. Hand sanitiser is suitable for various situations such as outdoor activities, while travelling, pre-food preparation, after nappy changes and bathroom use.
For allergy relief, having antihistamines on hand can alleviate symptoms caused by insect bites or allergic reactions. A product such as Telfast 180mg tablets are Fast acting, non-drowsy 24-hour relief of the symptoms of Hayfever allergies, itchy skin rash or hives. It works by blocking the action of histamine. Telfast is a non-sedating antihistamine which means it does not make you drowsy or slow down your reactions. Telfast comes in a range suitable for the whole family from 2 years and above, always read the label and use only as directed.
Baby wipes are multitasking magic for any survival kit. They can be used for multiple purposes such as general cleanliness from picnic tables and public toilet seats to dirty hands and baby’s bottoms. You can even use them to personally freshen up or remove makeup. Let’s face it, if all that heat has made your mascara smudge, you don’t have to just grin and bear the raccoon eye look, wipe it off! Curash simply water baby wipes contain 99% water and have a unique irritant free formula specially formulated for the most sensitive skin.
Australia’s warm climate invites insects. A good insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives can keep bugs at bay such as RID.RID effectively controls and repels mosquitoes, flies and other insects by using a superior formula of repellent with the highest quality active ingredients. If you’ve had a bug bite you will know how irritating this can be. You can avoid the whole to-scratch-or-not-to-scratch dilemma by keeping some insect repellent on hand. Your standard insect repellent spray is safe and effective when applied properly. Make sure you check the product label to see if you’re covered for both mosquitoes and ticks, something that’s especially important if you’re going to be out hiking or camping.
For those inevitable insect bites or stings, anti-itch creams like Ego Soov Bite offers relief from irritation and discomfort. SOOV Bite is a fast-acting cooling gel offering temporary relief from the pain and itchiness of insect bites and stinging plants such as nettles. It also helps take away the urge to scratch your skin after an insect bite or plant sting. The Gentle formulation contains antiseptic to help prevent infection. Suitable from children above 2 years of age. Always read the label before use.
Lucas' Papaw Ointment is commonly used to treat minor open wounds and helps heal and sooth inflamed, chapped or broken skin. Paw Paw is great to be used as a lip balm on the run with it also being a versatile contribution to your summer must haves with multiple uses for lips, baby’s bottoms, chaffing, bites, burns, sunburn, splinters, thorns and minor cuts.
A gentle summer breeze is nice. Gusts of wind that constantly whip your hair into your face, not so much. Keep your hair off your face during outdoor activities with a stash of hair ties. These will help prevent your body from overheating along with those “OMG I’m so sweaty” moments too! Lady Jane hair ties are convenient and stored in zip lock bags, so they won’t get lost in your bag.
The Australian summer promises endless adventures, but being prepared with these essentials ensures you stay safe, healthy and comfortable throughout your sun-soaked summer adventures.
Whether you're exploring the outback, lounging at the beach, swimming in your back yard pool or hiking through the wilderness, this survival kit will have you covered for an unforgettable summer experience.
If you liked this blog, read our Summer Healthy You Magazine - Pharmacy 4 Less Discount Chemist