Elizabeth Berrett
With February half-term looming and the great British urge to travel kicking in, millions of UK families are about to swap school runs for ski runs and grey drizzle for winter sun. But while everyone’s busy arguing over who lost the passports and whether five hoodies is really “packing light”, one GP is warning that this much-needed escape could come with health pitfalls many people never see coming.
Dr Asimah, a licensed GP and medical expert working with travel insurance specialist Staysure, has been eyeing up the half-term getaway rush the way a caddie eyes a triple-tiered green in a crosswind: plenty can still go wrong if you don’t think ahead.
1. Liquid rules turmoil: when airport security and medication collide
Just when you’d finally memorised the 100ml liquid rule, Heathrow went and changed the script. The airport’s relaxed its security restrictions, allowing more liquids through – and understandably, families are cheering. But in classic British bureaucracy fashion, the rest of the world hasn’t necessarily got the memo.
Heathrow might be the golden ticket, but many other UK and international airports still cling to the old liquid limits. That’s especially risky for people carrying liquid medication – from parents travelling with children’s medicines to older relatives managing long-term conditions.
As Dr Asimah puts it: “For families where anyone relies on liquid medication, the change at Heathrow reduces the likelihood of essential medicines being questioned at security,” says Dr Asimah, a licensed GP and medical expert working with travel insurance specialist Staysure.
“However, this rule may not apply at other airports, which could catch people out – especially if someone’s already used some of their supply while away. I’d still advise carrying medicines in original packaging and keeping a copy of prescriptions.”
In other words: Heathrow might be relaxed, but your departure or return airport elsewhere may still be playing by the old rulebook. If your half-term travel involves connections, different airlines, or returning via a different country, you don’t want your essential meds becoming an unplanned donation to the security bin.
2. Ski resorts, altitude and medication: not all pills are created equal at 2,500 metres
This half term, ski resorts are reportedly experiencing unprecedented demand for last-minute bookings, as families chase snow instead of queues at the local soft play. But heading high into the mountains isn’t just a question of whether you remembered your thermals – altitude can quietly mess with how your medication works.
Blood pressure tablets, diabetes medication and treatments for respiratory conditions can all behave differently when the air gets thinner and colder. It’s not the sort of surprise you want halfway up a mountain when the only thing between you and the chalet is a red run and some questionable decision-making.
Dr Asimah doesn’t mince her words: “Altitude can affect how some medicines work, particularly those for blood pressure, diabetes, or respiratory conditions,” Dr Asimah explains. “I’d recommend speaking to your GP before travelling if anyone in the family has a pre-existing condition, especially above 2,500 metres.
Standard policies typically exclude winter sports or have limited cover for pre-existing conditions, which is why medical travel insurance and winter sports cover are designed specifically to protect those heading to altitude with health conditions.”
So before you book that charming little resort “nestled high in the peaks”, it’s worth:
- Checking your destination’s altitude (2,500 metres is a key threshold).
- Talking to your GP about existing conditions.
- Making sure your travel insurance specifically covers winter sports and any pre-existing medical issues – don’t assume it does.
Standard travel policies often treat winter sports like an optional extra, which is a bit like buying a golf bag and expecting the clubs to be included. If someone in the family has a heart or lung condition, or takes regular medication, the small print matters more than the ski hire brochure.
3. Long flights, delays and DVT: the hidden half-term hazard
Half-term travel is famous for two things: “Are we nearly there yet?” and queues that appear to start somewhere near the long-stay car park. Long flights, extra waiting around and hours of sitting still might feel like part of the deal – but for some travellers, they also bring a very real risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Dr Asimah warns that long periods of inactivity can raise the risk of DVT, particularly for older travellers and those with pre-existing heart conditions. That’s not just during the flight itself, but also during those epic, soul-sapping airport delays.
Her advice is refreshingly practical: “Remember to exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly by rotating them while sitting in your seat. Try to walk up and down the aisle every hour when it’s safe to do so, and ensure you have enough space to stretch your legs. If you feel comfortable doing so, it may be helpful to inform relevant flight staff of your condition and needs.”
In other words, this is not the time to wedge yourself into a window seat and pretend you’re glued there for four hours. Movement matters.
There’s also growing evidence behind a familiar piece of kit: compression stockings.
Dr Asimah explains that there is some evidence to suggest compression stockings can help prevent travel-related DVT in people at moderate risk — including those over 60, with extensive varicose veins, recent minor surgery, or pregnancy. They’re available from pharmacies, where staff can advise on the correct type.
And yes, even here there’s a rookie error to avoid: “One surprising tip I’d recommend is packing a spare pair of compression socks if clinically indicated before going on holiday. Compression socks can help protect your health when travelling – a common mistake is travellers losing their only pair and going without for the return journey.”
If you’ve got a pre-existing heart condition, there’s one more crucial step: don’t assume your insurance covers it. Many standard policies don’t automatically include heart conditions, so always declare your medical history. Failing to do so could leave you with a very nasty surprise if you ever need to claim.
Three key GP checks before half-term travel
Dr Asimah’s message to families is simple: before you jet off, take ten minutes to run through three essential checks:
- Airport rules vs. your medication
- Don’t rely solely on Heathrow’s relaxed rules – your outbound, connecting or return airports may still enforce strict liquid limits.
- Keep medicines in the original packaging and carry a copy of prescriptions.
- Ski trip plus altitude equals extra planning
- If anyone has blood pressure, diabetes or respiratory conditions, speak to your GP before heading above 2,500 metres.
- Make sure your medical travel insurance and winter sports cover explicitly protect pre-existing conditions.
- DVT and heart health on long journeys
- Move regularly during flights and long delays: ankle circles, short walks, stretches.
- Ask a pharmacist about compression stockings if you’re over 60, pregnant, have varicose veins or recent minor surgery.
- If you have a heart condition, double-check your travel insurance covers it – and declare everything honestly.
The bottom line: plan like a pessimist, enjoy like an optimist
February half-term travel is supposed to be a break – not a medical drama with a snow-capped backdrop and a supporting cast of lost luggage and confiscated inhalers. A little preparation now can stop small issues turning into big problems later.
From understanding which airports actually allow what, to respecting what altitude does to medication, to keeping your legs moving on those long-haul marathons to the sun, Dr Asimah’s advice is all about making sure families get what they’re really after: a safe, relaxing break where the most stressful decision is “spa or slopes first?”
If you treat your health prep with the same seriousness you give to finding a bargain lift pass or a hotel with decent Wi-Fi, your half-term travel stands a much better chance of going exactly where it should – smoothly, safely, and straight into the memory bank for all the right reasons.
