We are planning a trip to Scotland and France for next summer. One of our party has prescription medication that requires refrigeration. Here in the USA, most hotels have a small refrigerator in the room so we are ok. But I can't seem to find a hotel with one in Scotland (haven't looked in France yet). Has anyone else been in this situation and what did you do about it?
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6507 posts
I can't imagine a lodging option that didn't have a refrigerator somewhere. For a couple of trips I used an ice pack for my knees at the end of the day. When our room did not have a refrigerator/freezer, I asked that the icepack be put in their freezer. Also, we've had quite a few times that we've asked our lodging to refrigerate our picnic supplies, like meat/cheese/ wine, etc.
Another option that I used in the U.S. when I traveled with my kids was putting the medication in an icebucket. Ice is harder to find in Europe, but the lodging may be willing to help when medication is needed to be kept cool.
I would try to come up with some kind of hack to make sure the medication is not forgotten. At home, I'll put my car keys with the medication or make myself a sign.
Posted by
240 posts
Premier inns are popular but do not have fridges in rooms.
Posted by
Freedonia
16320 posts
Scotland is a big place. Could you be more specific? There are plenty of hotels with fridges. (Mostly mini ones.)
Some Premier inns have Premier Plus rooms. They have refrigerators.
Posted by
Washington DC
28155 posts
I don't have any details, but I believe there are containers/devices that can be used to keep critical medications at a safe temperature. I suggest asking your pharmacist and/or doing some Googling.
The increase in the number of hotels that provide virtually no in-person service ("private check-in" means there is no front desk) and/or provide no food service at all suggests it may become more difficult to get ice or place medication in a hotel refrigerator.
Posted by
Lynnwood
287 posts
I had that situation last year on a monthlong trip to Italy and France. I did a lot of pre-travel emailing and it worked fine. In France we were able to arrange in advance for a loaner small refrig in one hotel, and upgrading to the deluxe room at another included a small refrig. I brought refreezable ice packs for the flights/bus/car rides. One Italy hotel was willing to put my meds into their refrigerator, showing me exactly where they put them. Others were willing to freeze my icepacks overnight to put back into my insulated bag each morning. Also, my particular med can be out of refrigeration for up to 14 days, which I didn't know until I read the fine print before travel. Finally - I labeled the packages with my name in big print in both English and French, and brought extra ziplocks.