Preparing for a holiday often involves being slightly more sensible when it comes to spending money, especially in the weeks leading up to it. Booking accommodation ahead of time, and making a list of what to pack, can help avoid any unexpected costs, but there are some products you might be spending money on that simply aren’t worth it.
Many of us dread the thought of being attacked by mosquitoes on holiday, or falling sick and losing precious time lounging by the pool. While stocking up on certain products at your local Boots or pharmacy ahead of time might feel like you’re prepared for the worst case scenario, the travel experts at Which? have revealed the travel health products that are in fact a “waste of money”.
In a video posted on Instagram, the travel experts shared the popular products many of us purchase and pack ahead of a holiday, which aren’t totally necessary and could be costing you more than it’s worth.
Travel sickness bands
If you’ve got a long car ride from the airport to your hotel, or have to get on a ferry, you might invest in an anti-travel sickness band.
It’s a form of acupressure that’s said to alleviate nausea and sickness, but Which? warned consumers that there’s little evidence these work.
The experts said: “The NHS says there’s little scientific evidence that these work and when we put them to the test at a fairground, they didn’t work either.”
Instead, they advised purchasing tablets like Kwells which contain hyoscine, a medicine that blocks nausea signals.
Mosquito wristbands
Staying safe from itchy mosquito bites and remembering to top up on repellent can be a real challenge on holiday, which is why many travellers choose wristbands instead. Releasing a mix of ingredients that repel the insects, Which? cautioned that they’re not the most effective way to stay protected.
While it might protect your wrist or at least the top half of your body, the experts said: “You’re better off using a spray or lotion with 20% to 50% DEET on all exposed skin.”
Branded medicines
Many branded medicines are often more expensive than generic versions sold in supermarkets, despite them containing the same ingredients.
Which? advised consumers that while brands like Piriteze and Clarityn could set you back £11, supermarket versions of the allergy medicine usually cost less than half the price, and the same applies to Immodium. Look out for the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride, and save some money by swapping to a non-branded product.
Once-a-day sunscreen
While once-a-day sunscreen might sound like an ideal solution if you forget to reapply sunscreen, Which? revealed that they found a 74% decrease in SPF protection throughout the day when testing these products.
Instead, it’s safer for your skin to use sunscreen that you can reapply throughout the day, and you should aim to top it up every two hours.