NHS England is advising a visit to the pharmacy should be part of everyone's pre-holiday preparations.

Stomach upsets are the most common problem to hit travellers aboard, with between 20-60 per cent affected.

People can can save themselves a trip to the resort’s pharmacy by visiting one at home before they go to make sure they have basic diarrhoea or indigestion tablets at hand if they need them.

If they regularly take certain medication, people should head down to the local pharmacy to make sure they have their repeat prescriptions before setting off.

Some pharmacies abroad don’t have access to the same medication people's own pharmacy does so it’s better to be prepared.

It’s also handy to pack a basic first aid kit which includes things like antiseptic, painkillers, bandages, plasters, antihistamines, insect bite and sunburn treatment.

Dr Paul Twomey, Medical Director, NHS England Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “If you’re on medication for a long term condition, such as asthma, diabetes or a heart problem, take a few minutes to talk to your pharmacist and find out if you need a repeat prescription to take on holiday.

“It’s quick and easy to put together a basic first aid kit to deal with any minor illnesses or injuries whilst you’re away – such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches, sunburn, insect bites, sprains and strains. Your pharmacy can help with that and advise the best things to take. Or if you want advice online, check the interactive first aid kit at www.nhs.uk.

“One last thing to check is the rules about types and quantities of medicines you are allowed to take into the country you’re visiting, as this can vary.”

Holidaymakers travelling in Europe should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - available free at www.ehic.org.uk.

This will give them access to state-provided healthcare in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Switzerland, at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free. It will also cover treatment until they return to the UK.