Most medication problems on holiday come from three things: running out, losing track of time zones, and a routine that only worked at home. This checklist covers all three, starting four weeks before you go.

Four weeks out: supply

  • Count what you have. Work out the date each medication runs out. Our refill date calculator does the sums.
  • Order early. Pharmacies get busy before Christmas and many close on public holidays. Aim to have enough for the whole trip plus a week.
  • Ask about anything special. Some medication needs a letter, a cool pack or a declaration at customs. Your pharmacist or doctor can tell you what applies to yours and your destination.

In Cadence, supply tracking counts down as you log each dose and can send a refill reminder when you have about a week left.

One week out: time zones

Decide how you will handle the time difference before you leave, not at the airport.

  • Short trips or time-critical medication: many people keep their doses on home time. Cadence's Travel setting does this: doses stay on your home time zone wherever your phone is, so the gap between them does not change.
  • Longer stays: shifting to local time often makes more sense. Our time zone dose planner shows what your usual times become at your destination.

Which is right depends on the medication. If it is time-critical, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to handle the trip before you go.

Packing

  • Carry-on, not checked bags. Keep medication with you in case a bag is delayed.
  • Original packaging. Labels help at security and if you need a pharmacy abroad.
  • A list. Names, strengths and when you take them. A one-page list is easier to show than a phone full of boxes. Cadence Pro can export a PDF report you can print or keep in Files.

On the trip

  • Routines move. At home your dose might follow the kettle or brushing your teeth. On holiday, pick a new anchor, like breakfast or putting your phone on charge.
  • Watch the evening dose. It is the one most often missed when the day runs late. A reminder on your wrist helps when your phone is in a bag.
  • Log the real time. If a dose is late, log when you actually took it. Then you can check later instead of guessing.

The short version

Order refills a month ahead, decide on home or local time before you fly, pack medication in your carry-on with a list, and give the routine a new anchor while you are away.