What I Bring Home From a Trip to America

Whenever I go to America or have someone visiting me from America, I have a list of things you can only get there that I need a refill of. I figured I should share this list because they might be things you want to bring if you are moving to the Uk or coming here to study. Most of these will be personal care/medical items, though there will also be a few other random things.

1) DayQuil/NyQuil

No offence to Night Nurse or Limsip, but neither’s pills are nearly as effective as the quils. It’s not just me saying this. All of my American and Canadian friends and those who studied or spent significant time agree. Since the quils are unavailable in the Uk, I bring them from America. Usually, I bring enough for two weeks which works out to about two colds.

2) Neoporen

This isn’t a thing in Europe or the Uk. I have no idea why. For those of you from not North America, allow me to explain. Neosporin is an anti-bac that is suspended in petroleum jelly. This means it kills germs and bacteria while creating a seal that prevents anything from getting into your wound. A tube can last you ages (unless you are very accident-prone), and it’s worth its weight to bring over. So much so that this time I’m bringing three tubes, and none of them are for me. Friends I have made here have all asked me to get them some.

3) Tylenol/Advil

This is not strictly speaking necessary. You can buy paracetamol at almost any shop in the Uk. But it’s cheaper to buy in bulk which you can’t do here. It’s also less packaging to buy a bottle full than the little 8-count blister packs.

4) Melatonin

You need a prescription to get this in the Uk; they don’t have the gummies. It’s perfectly legal to bring them with you, but you can’t have them shipped here. It’s an odd thing. But if you like to have melatonin on hand and/or if you prefer the gummies, I would recommend bringing them with you from America.

6) Blue Sponges

I can’t remember the brand, but they have a little swoosh shape and are safe for nonstick. They are the best. I have tried several other types of sponges and dishcloths, but nothing cleans nonstick quite as easily without causing damage. Fortunately, they’re lightweight, so I can bring them whenever I return from the States.

7) Candy

Specifically Hot Tamales. They are one of my favourite candies of all time, and they aren’t a thing in the UK. But others are on the list as well. I try not to bring too much because I will likely scarf it all down within a couple of weeks. But it’s nice to have a taste of my childhood sometimes.

8) Benadryl

This is available in the Uk, but it’s hard to get your hands on. Most of the antihistamines available over the counter here are the once-a-day variety for seasonal allergies. You must see a doctor if you want something for a rash or a bad allergy day causing congestion. So I like to bring a box or two worth to have on hand.

9) Tide Pens

Much like Neosporin, Tide Pens aren’t a thing in the Uk. I actually haven’t been able to find any stain remover pen or equivalent. The only thing I’ve found that comes close are some stain remover wipes sold at a huge markup because they also come from America. They are so handy to have either in your purse or on your desk. They make pre-treating your laundry so much easier! I really wish that another company would make one here, but until then, it’s one of the things I make sure to bring any time I go stateside.