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5 Ways to Feel Like You’re Having a Real Break This Spring Break

Spring may have arrived yesterday, but spring break has been in full swing all month.

The idea behind spring break is to have fun and chill out. The logistics, however, are often more complex than that. Just because the calendar says it’s a break, doesn’t mean you actually get one.

So, we’ve curated 5 ideas to help you feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, regardless of whether you get one afternoon off, or a full week. After all, you deserve it.

1. Carve out time to do nothing. Even if nothing is something

When someone asks us “how are you?” our first response is often “oh, I’m so busy!” We often pride ourselves on how packed our schedules are, but that business can take a real toll on our mental and physical health. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, stop being busy! Carve time out that is just for you.

This can look like a lot of things, depending on what you need most. Book a spa day and let someone else pamper you. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read and cozy into the couch for as long as it takes to finish it. Hop on your bike and explore the local trails. If you’re more of a Netflix kind of person, allow yourself a full day or two to binge your favourite shows — guilt-free! Or, simply sleep-in or nap until your heart’s content.

Giving yourself space to do nothing at all — or something you really enjoy — helps you refill your cup and recharge, and be truly present for those around you. So, you do you; treat yourself!

2. Visit with a good friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while

How many times have you checked your phone, texting back and forth with someone, only to realize it’s been weeks — or months — since you last saw that person? With so many obligations it’s easy to let time slip away. It happens to the best of us. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, visit with a good friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and really catch up!

While texting and social platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for viewing the highlights of someone’s life, they are not quality time spent with a loved one. Face-to-face contact is important to maintain relationships and battle social isolation. The energy exchange, physical contact, and real life support of someone you love can’t be replicated through a screen.

Pro tip: instead of simply saying “let’s meet up,” actually schedule a date and time — and then show up!

3. Move your body

We’ve heard it before and all know the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and balanced mind. But it’s still difficult to fit fitness into our daily routines. Long work days, family demands, and social appointments often take precedence over physical activity. Sadly, taking care of everything — and everyone — else often holds priority. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, move your body!

While doing nothing at all can feel really good, doing something active can feel even better, and tracking it helps you reach your goals. As something that often gets shelved thanks to other obligations, giving yourself permission to exercise is a good way to take a break and take care of you.

Whatever your thing is — yoga, biking, hiking, running, brisk walking, or even dancing — do it! Get the gear you need to get those muscles moving and get that blood pumping. Your brain and body will feel recharged and rejuvenated.

4. Adventure somewhere close to home (or abroad)

As the days get longer, the opportunity to adventure after work or on weekends grows. It’s light well until 7 pm now and that means new opportunities to explore. The regular routine can begin to feel monotonous or tiring, and that’s okay. We all need a little change, now and then — it’s in our nature. To feel like you’re having a real break this spring break, get out of your daily routine and adventure somewhere close to home (or abroad!)

Not everyone gets a lot of time off over spring break, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little wanderlust. If you’re staying close to home, there are lots of places you can create great memories right in your own backyard. If you’re travelling abroad, pack light for ease of movement and less stress, and make sure your passport photos are up to date. Either way, taking part in an activity you haven’t done before or embarking on a trip to a place you’ve never visited expands your heart, mind, and restarts the soul.

Whether you’re adventuring close to home or abroad, keep an open mind, make sure your travel emergency kit is packed, and you fill your cup with brave new stories!

5. Unplug

Along with “taxes and death,” social media is perhaps another certain thing in this life. Benjamin Franklin didn’t see that one coming, but it really is unavoidable. Facebook alone has 2.27 billion monthly active users and many social networks like Instagram, You Tube, and Pinterest are growing every day. Social media is great for getting the latest updates from friends and family or to pass the time when you’re bored, but all that screen time often leaves us feeling like we’re scrambling to keep up. To feel like you’re getting a real break this spring break, unplug.

You do not have to keep up. You do not have to compare yourself to others. You do not have to plug-in. There — we gave you permission. So turn off the notifications, put the phone down, and go do any of the four points above! You have a right to live life in real time, rather than online time. That’s what having a break is all about.

And hey — if it feels good, maybe consider trying a social media diet. You never know how much time you might be able to open up once spring break is over, and ride that break-like-feeling well into summer.

If you need help or supplies for your #RealSpringBreak this spring break, we can help! Whether it’s snacks for the road, travel insurance, or a few self-pampering supplies, we got you. Stop by your local London Drugs and pick up your essentials — we’d love to see you!

Beautiful Canada: 9 Beautiful Interiors

There are few places better in the world than home. It’s where we unwind, where we sleep, where we eat, and laugh, and watch all the Netflix. Home is where the heart is.

While we love the great outdoors of our beautiful Canada, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts.

So, we’ve curated 9 beautiful interiors to inspire your home decor and level up your #HouseGoals.

Are you loving the space you call home? Follow us on Instagram and share your home inspo photos using the hashtag #LondonDrugs!

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oh hay monday – just letting you know I'm not really feeling you today and would like the weekend back. #interiorinspo #howyouhome #finditstyleit #mydomaine #pocketofmyhome #currentdesignsituation #theeverygirlathome #showemyourstyled #currenthomeview #kubacloth #thriftscorethursday #howwedwell #structubecontest @structube
A post shared by Jo Wearing (@jmwearing) on Aug 21, 2017 at 6:48am PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BullAAdFvLZ/

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There was some nice light hitting on this day. Fab kitchen design by @joseelalondedesign. . . . #photography #photoshoot #interiordesign #interiorphotography #architecturephotography #architecturalphotography #photoshoot #interiorstyling #style #yyj #picoftheday #photoofday #photographer #interior_and_living #interior4you1 #interior4inspo #kitchendesign #kitcheninspo #yyjdesigner #yyjdesign
A post shared by Jody Beck Photography (@jodybeckphotography) on May 8, 2018 at 10:46pm PDT

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A post shared by Tracey Ayton Photography (@tracey_ayton)

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We love the unique entry area at our #MDkitshouse project that is kid-friendly & has ample storage and natural light. Photo: @ishot.ca
A post shared by Moor Design▪️Sarah Desaulniers (@moordesign) on Aug 19, 2018 at 8:30pm PDT

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A post shared by LeAnne Bunnell Interior Design (@leannebunnell)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuH1QiVFTUq/

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A post shared by Jane | Jane at Home (@jane_athome)

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A post shared by Vanessa Voth (@vanessavothphotography)

Share your Beautiful Canada + home inspiration and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

Real Expert Interview: Pack Like a Pro with Travel Expert Claire Newell

If you’ve ever struggled with packing for a getaway, raise your hand. Yup – we’re with you.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, deciding what to take and what to leave behind can be a challenge. You want to be prepared, but you want to avoid the burden of a heavy suitcase, never mind getting caught at the airport with extra luggage fees or looking like you just crawled out of the suitcase itself during your trip because all your clothes are a wrinkled mess.

We asked Claire Newell, a North American travel expert with over 26 years’ experience and 65+ countries under her money belt, for her advice on packing like a pro. Her expert tips will get you packed up in no time!

1. How do you decide what to pack and what not to pack?

I have three main criteria:

The first thing I look at is the weather at the destination I am visiting.
The next thing I look at is the reason I am travelling – business or pleasure – which determines the type of items I include.
And lastly, I look at my itinerary to see what activities I am doing each day.

Beyond that, most of my travel clothes are neutral mix-and-match pieces that I can wear multiple times with jewellery or accessories that are small and easy to pack. I wear a super comfy travelling outfit on the flight there and back, typically with runners, which I like to have for walking around and exploring a destination. And I never forget to have some warmer pieces for layering in case it gets chilly, even when going to a beach destination.

2. What are 3 things you can’t – or won’t – travel without?

That’s easy.

My black pashmina scarf
My Pacsafe theft-proof cross-body bag
My carry-on luggage

3. How do you best pack liquids, which can be a challenge for both checked and carry-on luggage?

I only travel with carry-on luggage so I have to follow the ‘3-1-1 rule.” Basically that means 1 x 1-litre clear zip-top bag, with containers no larger than 100ml. This can be tough with all of the products I like to use for my face and hair, so I put all of my favourite products into small (some of which are really tiny!) re-fillable containers that I have bought over the years.

4. What about items people tend to pack but don’t need? What are 1-3 things people should NOT travel with?

More than one pair of jeans.
Too many pairs of shoes.
If they are staying in a hotel, hair dryers.

5. Do you have any tips on how to ease the process of going through security at the airport?

Keep things organized in a carry-on bag with lots of compartments. If you don’t have compartments, use Ziplock bags to create your own compartments to organize your travel documents, liquids, prescriptions, and electronics.

Shoes that easily slip on and off are a must. Some airports make you take them off and others don’t, but it’s best to be prepared!

If you travel more than a couple of times a year, I really recommend getting a Nexus card. It’s $50 for 5 years and worth it.

6. For folks looking to skip the baggage carousel with just a carry-on, what advice or hacks do you have about travelling light?

There are so many. Here are a few key suggestions:

Make a packing list!
Plan your outfits ahead of time so that you pack as efficiently as possible.
Pack versatile items that can go from day to night with a few accessory changes. Don’t forget that you likely won’t use that item you “might” need. And if you end up needing something desperately, you can likely buy it at your destination.
Laundry soap sheets are always a good idea for washing items in your hotel room sink. You can also buy sheets of soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, etc. — think Listerine breath strips. There’s lots of options for these things when you’re on the go!

7. What are a few unconventional, surprising, or quirky suggestions you have to pack like a pro?

I swear by packing items on metal hangers, covering them with a dry cleaning bag, and rolling into my bag. When I arrive I simply unroll it and hang in the closet without needing to iron anything.

Make sure heavy items are packed closest to the wheels so they don’t shift and mess everything up when you put your bag upright.

Don’t forget to use all the space in your suitcase! Fill your shoes with loose items like underwear and socks.

Claire Newell is the official Travel Expert for Global News and CKNW radio, and the bestselling author of Travel Best Bets: An Insider’s Guide to Taking Your Best Trip Ever. She has appeared multiple times on NBC’s TODAY Show, Fox News, and CNN, and has been published in Success, Professional Woman, Reader’s Digest, and Today’s Parent. When she’s not busy trotting the globe, you can find Claire out boating, tucked away with a good book, or spending time with family, friends, and of course, her eight-pound Chihuahua, Joe.

You can find out more about Claire on her website ClaireNewell.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Or, discover more of her great travel tips on TravelBestBets.com, TravelBestBets Facebook page, or TravelBestBets Instagram. For additional tips on how to pack like a pro, or for travel insurance, drop by your local London Drugs and talk to any of our in-store experts.

Spring Photography Tips

Spring officially rings in on March 20^th, but for photography lovers like yourself, we know you just can’t wait till then to head out and capture some beautiful shots of blooming cherry blossoms and chirping birds! With such a wide variety of colors, landscapes and subjects to play with, our LDExperts in the Photolab thought they’d put together a few tips to help you navigate and get the best out of your spring photography. Whether its macro photography or capturing beautiful lush landscapes, here are some things to keep in mind while you’re snapping away.

Using flowers for foreground interest in landscape photography

Wide-angle landscape shots tend to look better with some foreground interest and spring blooms provide a variety of choice to fill the frame. While capturing the shot, it is important to keep everything in the frame sharp, hence a small aperture such as f/11 or f/16 with the focus set about a third of the way into the scene would be the ideal setting.

Visit parks, gardens & spring festivals

Looking to experiment with zoom lenses while capturing blossoms? Visit one of the many parks and gardens across Canada or look for a spring festival near you. From blossoms and early flowers to trees coming into leaf, parks and gardens offer a wide variety in one setting. A good line of sight is also crucial for showing depth, so look for pathways, stone steps or boardwalks to help capture the perfect shot. The versatility of zoom lenses works great in smaller gardens with confined spaces where movement is restricted.

Picking the right angle

When shooting tiny spring flowers, sometimes unusual angles make for some great photographs. Take a few shots, try different angles and camera settings. You want to fill your frame with your floral subjects, and the best way to do that is to get down to their level and up close. As an added bonus, getting up close will also give you that beautiful bokeh (“blurring”) effect in the background. Pro-tip: carry along something to lay on the ground to stay clean and dry, like a large garbage bag that can be folded up and kept in your bag or coat pocket.

Using multiple colours in a shot

In spring there’s plenty of options for colourful shots, so why stick to photographing just one colour? Keep an eye out for blocks of color that work well together or colors that clash and would have high impact.

Get closer and pick one subject

While photographing close-up shots of flowers, a common mistake made is trying to put too much into one image. Take a shot and review it carefully. Check the edges for anything that is distracting or not necessary and move in closer to crop it out of your shot. The subject needs to jump out at you, so make sure there isn’t anything taking attention away from your subject.

Picking the right gear for wildlife photos

Spring is the perfect time to capture some great wildlife shots as well. If you’re looking to up your photography game while capturing wildlife, then a telephoto lens might be just what you’re looking for. The length of the lens depends on the size of your subject and how close you’re able to get to it. Small, flighty birds and animals that are shy require a long lens. The key is to find something that’s big enough to get good resolution, but not so large that it’s hard to hike with.

Capturing spring portraits

Snapping portraits this spring? Try a background with blooming spring flowers to create a pretty, out-of-focus background (the bokeh effect) behind your subject. A focal length of 50mm (try these 50mm lenses) with a large aperture of f/1.8 and a shutter speed of 1/640s as used in the image below would give that nice blurry ‘bokeh’ effect behind the subject in their portrait. You can also keep some of the blooms at the same distance from the camera as the subject, so a few of the branches are in focus to frame your subject.

Backlit flowers on a sunny day

If you’re looking to shoot flowers on bright sunny days, you can get some great backlit flower shots. Depending on the time of the day, this would require you to get down very low to the ground. Using a small aperture like f/16 or f/2 creates a great sunburst effect if you’re shooting the sun directly in the background of the flowers. Controlling exposure is also important; your meter will want to underexpose as you’re shooting into very bright light, so use your exposure compensation dial and dial up an extra 1 to 1.5 stops of light, especially if you’re shooting JPEG and not RAW. For close up photos of individual flowers you can use a 200mm lens with a relatively large aperture of f/4 so that you get that nice shallow depth of field (or “blurry” background).

Choosing the right print surface

Once you’ve captured some beautiful shots, the next step is choosing the right print to display them. For macro shots of spring blossoms, we recommend prints or enlargements with a sharp black border frame that highlights the colourful subject.

Textured canvas prints, canvas gallery wraps or bamboo prints offer the best results for landscape photography, while aluminum metal panels are perfect for photos with vibrant colours that pop. If you need help selecting the ideal printing option, you can talk to one of our LDExperts in-store and then order through our Photolab kiosks. Or, you can simply order online, or through our London Drugs Photolab App available for iOS and Android!

We’d love to see your best spring photos – tag them on Instagram with the hashtag #LDPhotolab to be featured on our page!

Best Locations Across Canada for Spring Photography

Spring time is finally just around the corner, and with it comes spectacular views of blooming flowers and lush colorful landscapes – it’s truly a photographer’s paradise! To help you capture spring in all its glory, our LDExperts in the Photolab are here to share some of the most picturesque spots across Canada to snap colourful tulips, cherry blossoms, wildflowers and more! Depending on where you’re located, you’ll be able to find spring photo ops from February all the way through until June.

Need a few pointers before you start shooting? Don’t forget to check out our Spring Photography Tips blog here for expert advice on capturing the beauty of spring blooms. Once you’ve got some favourite floral shots, you’ll want to check out what print options our LDExperts recommend at the end of this post!

Abbotsford Tulip Festival (April)

@sabbiechoi

The Abbotsford Tulip Festival takes place in beautiful Abbotsford BC, where the Warmerdam Family has been farming tulips for 4 generations. With thousands of tulips spread over a 10-acre area, the Tulip Festival is a great spot to go for a stroll to photograph the millions of stunning tulips – provided you don’t go before they really start to bloom. Early in the season, the tulips are in low bloom, with most of the flowers still in the green-bud stage. It’s best to be patient and go during high bloom later in the season, when the majority of tulips have bloomed and the fields are full of colour!

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (April)

@rootbeer_popsicle_

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival has something for everybody. From ‘The Big Picnic‘ where you can enjoy the blossoms at Queen Elizabeth Park to Sakura Days Japan Fair where you can explore Japanese cultural arts. With over 2,500 different locations to explore around the city and about 50 different types of cherry trees coming into bloom, Metro Vancouver offers plenty of beautiful photography opportunities!

Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse / Butterfly Conservatory (Feb-April)

@debrabollmanphotography

Just a short walk south from Niagara Falls and Table Rock Centre, the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse has a wide collection of orchids, succulents, and other tropical plants on display throughout the year, along with floral shows that reflect the changing seasons. It’s a great spot to capture all kinds of nature photography under one roof this spring!

The Art of Nature Series that is currently underway until Apr 28, 2019 features specialty programming throughout Niagara Parks. It also features a travelling exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory displaying winning photographs from the Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year contest. A great place to check out the work of some inspiring Canadian photographers.

Canadian Tulip Festival (May)

@nicholasplacephoto

With over 1,000,000 tulips in bloom, 1000+ artists performing and 100+ activities and attractions, the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa is a photographer’s delight! From tulip bouquet displays, to tulip bicycle tours, tulip art exhibitions, tulip markets and even workshops on the art of photographing flowers using creative composition, there’s something for everyone at the Canadian Tulip Festival.

Sakura Watch in High Park (May)

@emilyborhi

Sakura cherry blossoms turn High Park, Toronto into a beautiful pink visual treat! In 1959 the Japanese Ambassador gifted 2,000 Sakura trees to the city of Toronto and thus began the yearly tradition of viewing the cherry blossoms. While there is no fixed date for the blooms, it is usually estimated to arrive around mid-May. If you’re looking to skip the crowds while capturing the spring blooms, you can also visit the weeping cherry blossoms at Kariya Park in Mississauga.

Waterton Wildflower Festival (June)

@gatheringdustphotography

Step into wildflower wonderland in the wildflower capital of Canada. Waterton Lakes National Park is home to more than 1,000 vascular plant species including half of all wildflower species found in Alberta. From beargrass to orchids, pink meadowsweet, and glacier lilies, you’ll get a crash course on the different species of wildflower. You can even view wildflowers from horseback and indulge in an afternoon tea with local experts. They also provide workshops on wildflower photography if you’re interested in honing your skills!

Once you’ve snapped the perfect shot, there are so many great ways to showcase it in print. Our London Drugs Photolab App offers the best convenience and is available for iOS and Android, or you can simply order online. While traditional glossy prints will bring out the vibrant colors of your photos, our pearl prints will give your photos a quality feel and smooth, professional look. Black border prints work great on close up photos of blooms, as they’ll really make the colour pop. If you’re looking to experiment with unique fine art printing options, there are bamboo, canvas and metallic paper prints to choose from. Aluminum metal panels work best with vibrant images, making them a great choice for displaying your most colourful spring photos. If you’re unsure about what prints would work best for your photograph, just visit your nearest London Drugs store and speak to one of our LDExperts!

Bring Out the Creative Side in Your Kids this Spring Break

Spring Break is here and if you’re looking for innovative ways to keep your kids busy, we’ve got just what you need. Our Photolab provides free Take and Create books with templates designed to encourage kids to explore their creative side; they’re a fun family activity! Once they’ve created their works of art in the free book, you can purchase magnets, mugs or even coasters with your kid’s masterpiece on them!

Great for kids of all ages, the books provide simple templates for kids to draw on – like the mug template pictured above. The templates are sized according to product, so we can easily scan and print onto your chosen surface. Just pick up your free Take and Create book from your local London Drugs Photolab, bring it home and let the kids have fun drawing and colouring their own designs. Want to get in on the action too? Colour a few of the templates yourself along with the kids! Once you’re done, bring the book with the templates back to the London Drugs Photolab, where we’ll scan the artwork and print it on the photolab products you choose to purchase.

Or, if the kids are getting a little stir crazy in the house, and you’ve got shopping to do…just drop by our Photolab and let the kids colour in their Take and Create book in the store while you shop!

Did you know you can also bring in any paper copy of your kid’s artwork and we can scan it and put it on any of our Photolab products? Or simply use your at-home scanner, and upload the digital copy directly to our Photolab website! Choose from bookmarks, coin banks, blankets, mouse pads and gamer pads, key chains, ornaments and more to print on. There are also all kinds of cool products like beach blankets and beach bags available, if you’re planning on jet-setting somewhere warm for Spring Break.

So, get started on your kid’s spring break project by visiting your local London Drugs Photolab and pick up your free Take and Create book today!

How to Put Together a Travel Emergency Kit

We all want our travel plans to unfold smoothly, but the reality is that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared can bring peace of mind, especially when you’re away from the comforts of home. Whether you’re exploring beautiful Canada, or travelling further afield, here’s how to put together a travel emergency kit you can tuck in your luggage.

What to Put in Your Travel Emergency Kit

When packing your kit, consider such factors as your destination, planned activities, your health, and those of the people with whom you’ll be travelling.

Here are some basic and extra items that will help you handle travel emergencies. You can also purchase a pre-assembled first aid kit to get you started, then customize its contents according to your needs.

Travel Emergency Kit Essentials

For health

Prescription medication in the original containers and a list of your prescriptions (in case you lose them)
Basic first aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, elastic bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors)
Antibacterial hand wipes, gel, or liquid
Pain and fever medication, such as Advil or Tylenol
Hydrocortisone cream for rashes and bug bites
Insect repellent
Antihistamines for allergies
Packets of oral rehydration salts
Condoms and emergency contraception
Antibacterial and antifungal spray/cream
Anti-diarrheal medication
Cold and flu medication
Thermometer

Tip: It’s not a good idea to try medications you haven’t used before while on a trip. Consult with your doctor or stick to tested favourites that work for you.

For safety

Legible photocopies of important documents: a government-issued ID, passport, visa, prescriptions, etc.
A list of emergency numbers including your travel insurance company, family members or friends, the nearest embassy, and your accommodations at your destination
Travel insurance policy documents

Tip: Keep your documents and money in a fanny pack or money belt you can hide under your clothes.

For kids

Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Diaper rash ointment
Kids’ sunscreen
Pedialyte (or other child-friendly rehydration solution)
Saline drops for stuffy noses

Extras

Melatonin (to help with sleep and jet lag)
Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Earplugs
Extra pair of glasses or contacts
Backup power source
Aloe gel for sunburns
Mosquito net
Water purification tablets

For any illness, injury, or emergency situation that cannot be solved with the kit, seek professional medical help. Consider purchasing travel insurance that will cover your unexpected medical expenses and provide assistance in case of an emergency both in Canada and abroad.

Consult Your Healthcare Providers

It’s also important to consult with your physician or a London Drugs Travel Clinic Pharmacist before your trip. A healthcare professional will help you to customize a travel emergency kit and will recommend the precautions you should take. Some vaccines and a certificate of proof may be needed to enter specific countries. Also, be sure to take a supply of prescribed medications — enough for a few extra days of your trip — and copies of your prescriptions.

To stay on top of emergency situations around the world, register with Registration of Canadians Abroad, a free service that will notify you in case of an emergency abroad or at home.

No matter where you are in the world, a travel emergency kit will be crucial if and when things go wrong. Having one tucked away in your suitcase will help to ensure that emergencies don’t catch you off guard while you’re busy enjoying your trip.

London Drugs carries a wide variety of travel items, including First Aid kits, travel security kits, and travel insurance, that can help ease the strain of an emergency away from home. Safe travels!