basic medical kit for travel

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Traveler's First-Aid Kit

What should a traveler's first aid kit include.

The American College of Emergency Physicians and the CDC encourage travelers to pack a first aid kit or a travel health kit for common medical emergencies. Pack the following items in your carry-on bag and keep it with you at all times:

Medicines you take on a regular basis at home. Take enough medicine for the planned trip plus extra in case your return home is delayed. Carry all medicine in their original containers with clear labels that identify your name and dosing schedule. If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, seizures, or allergies, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains

Antihistamines to relieve allergies 

Antacid medicine for upset stomach

Anti-nausea or motion sickness medicine. You may also want to include medicine for altitude sickness if traveling to high altitudes.

Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (should contain 60% alcohol or more) 

Masks, disposable or cloth

Bandages of assorted sizes to cover minor cuts and scrapes

Bandage closures, such as butterfly bandages, to tape edges of minor cuts together

Triangular bandage to wrap injuries and make an arm sling

Elastic wraps to wrap wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries

Gauze in rolls, as well as 2-inch and 4-inch pads, to dress larger cuts and scrapes

Adhesive tape to keep gauze in place

Scissors with rounded tips to cut tape, gauze, or clothes, if necessary. Note that this may not be allowed in your carry-on bag if traveling by air.

Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages

Antiseptic wipes to disinfect wounds or clean hands and tweezers, scissors, or other utensils. Some of these items may not be allowed in your carry-on bag if traveling by air.

Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, and burns

Hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds

Disposable, instant-activating cold packs to cool injuries and burns, as well as for use in strains and sprains

Tweezers to remove small splinters, foreign objects, bee stingers, and ticks from the skin. Note that this may not be allowed in your carry-on bag if traveling by air.

Disposable rubber gloves to protect hands and reduce the risk for infection when treating wounds

Thermometer (no mercury and no glass) to take temperatures in case of illness

Calamine lotion to relieve itching and irritation from insect bites and poison ivy

Hydrocortisone cream to relieve irritation from rashes

Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher

Aloe gel for sunburns

Insect repellent. Those appropriate for use on children should contain 10% to 30% DEET. Those for adults should contain 30% to 50% DEET or up to 20% of picaridin. The chemical can cause harm when absorbed through the skin. Don't use insect repellant on infants 2 months of age or younger. Don't use products that combine DEET with sunscreen.

Medicine to prevent malaria, if needed where you are traveling

Over-the-counter medicine for diarrhea. Talk with your healthcare provider about a prescription for an antibiotic you can take in case of diarrhea.

Cough and cold medicines

Epinephrine auto-injector for people with severe allergies

List of prescription medicines and generic names

Latex condoms

Water purification tablets

Extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses

Follow the same safety measures with the medicines in your first aid kit as you do with all medicines, and use only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Make sure children can't get into the first aid bag. Use child safety caps whenever possible. Also be aware of volume limits in carry-on bags. Some of these items may need to be packed in your checked luggage while flying. Check expiration dates and discard medicine that is out-of-date. If someone has a life-threatening allergy, carry the appropriate medicine with you at all times.

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Travel Size First-Aid Kit: What to Pack & Downloadable Checklist

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

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When you pack for a trip, especially a trip overseas, it’s easy to forget about medications and first-aid. That’s why you should always bring a basic first-aid kit with you on your travels.

I always keep a pre-packed first-aid kit ready to go so I don’t have to think twice about it when I’m packing. Of course, you may need additional items depending on where you’re going and what activities you have planned. But this first-aid kit packing list covers the basics.

15 Tiny Travel Products to Help You Stay Healthy on Vacation

What Do I Need in My Travel First-Aid Kit?

These everyday medications will take care of most common aches and pains that come with a long day of travel.

• Antihistamine
• Antacid tablets
• Hydration pills or electrolyte replenishers
• Cold relief medicine
• Motion sickness relief
• Muscle relaxer

For minor bumps and bruises, make sure you have these emergency first aid supplies in your medical kit.

• Various sized bandages
• Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes
• First aid balm or sting relief, anti-itch cream , & antibiotic cream

From treating splinters to sunburns, these miscellaneous items are must-haves in your travel first aid kit.

• Thermometer
• Hand sanitizer

First-Aid Kit Tips

• Look in the school supply section of your local drugstore for a small container, or order a small tackle box from Amazon .
• Only separate medication from its labeled bottle if you know you’ll be able to differentiate pills.
• Keep prescription medications separate from your first-aid kit.
• Include over-the-counter (OTC) medication based on your needs; i.e., if you’re traveling on a cruise and need motion sickness pills, make sure to include those.
• Pack a natural balm like GREEN GOO First Aid , which can relieve symptoms for dry skin, insect bites, scrapes, rashes, chafing, cuts, sunburns, blisters, and poison ivy.
• Include various-sized bandages ; they double for blister protection if you plan on doing a lot of walking.
• Hand sanitizer , a small tissue pack , lip balm , and sunscreen are also must-haves.
• Be sure to fill out the Medical ID on your iPhone and list any allergies, emergency contacts, and your doctor’s information.
• Keep a laminated copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card accessible during your travels as well as a photo of your card available on your phone.
• Remember to pack extra face masks if you plan on visiting a destination or attending an event where masking is required

Download and print this checklist to make your own travel first-aid kit.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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How To Pack A Professional Travel First Aid Kit

I get a lot of questions about health care on the road. Since I’m not a doctor, I don’t like giving medical advice beyond a few general tips so I’ve asked Mike Huxley, a registered nurse, to share his expert tips and advice when it comes to packing a first aid kit for your travels.

I have been traveling the world for over fifteen years now, and in that time I have patched up more travelers’ scrapes and sprains than I can remember.

Thankfully, pretty much all of the incidents I have dealt with so far have been minor. Even during my time spent volunteering as an expedition medic in the Sahara, the jungles of Kalimantan and Borneo, and many other amazing places, I have been able to deal with most accidents and injuries that have crossed my path.

I have only been able to do all of this, however, because I have always packed my trusty first aid kit. It has evolved and been refined over the years, but I have always carried one.

As any experienced traveler or health professional will tell you, things can and occasionally do go wrong on any trip , and taking a well-stocked kit with you is always advised.

When I first started traveling, I did what most sensible people do and carried a commercially available emergency first aid kit .

However, over the years, and with a lot of experience and my nursing qualification behind me, I have refined my own kit to reflect what I will use out on the road and what I know will make for a much better first aid kit for the average traveler too.

The best first aid kits are simple but varied and have a variety of dressings and equipment to deal with the basics. More importantly, they can be used with little or no training. So, what items should you include? Here are my picks for the essentials:

1. Band-Aids/Plasters It goes without saying that these are absolutely essential in any first aid kit. The most common form of minor injury is a cut or a graze, so it is always a good idea to carry a handful of Band-Aids in a variety of sizes .

If you think you will be doing a lot of trekking on your travels and you aren’t used to that form of exercise, then some blister plasters are a good idea.

It isn’t necessary to go overboard and carry so many you could start your own tiny field hospital; just a few of each type will do, as you can always restock when you pass a pharmacy.

2. Gauze Gauze is the medical jack-of-all-trades. I never carry a first aid kit without a supply of gauze in it, and I can’t tell you how many times it has come in useful over the years. It can be used to apply pressure to a wound, clean an injury, soak up blood, help stop bleeding, and even form part of a basic dressing for small-to-medium wounds.

A clean wound and a layer of gauze kept down with either tape or an adhesive bandage is often enough to allow time for you to go and get it looked at by a professional.

The best type of gauze to carry in a first aid kit is individually wrapped sterile squares. This eliminates the need to cut them to size when you need them quickly and obviously makes it easier to keep the wound clean and sterile.

3. Crepe bandages (ACE or elastic bandages) For when you have something a bit bigger than a cut, basic crepe bandages are useful for keeping small dressings clean and in place until you can get some medical attention.

Remember, you’re only going to use them in an emergency, until you can get some professional medical care (ideally covered through the travel insurance that you got in advance of your trip). You don’t need too many of these, just one or two at most.

4. Surgical tape Surgical tape is one of those essential emergency items for when you need to apply and secure gauze or a bandage to a wound, although Band-Aids can do the same job if need be.

5. Small scissors These come standard in any commercially available first aid kit (although you can buy them separately too) and are obviously useful for trimming gauze or bandages to size. Just be careful if you do carry scissors to ensure that your first aid kit goes in your checked bag when you are in transit or else airline security will take them off you.

If you’re flying carry-on only, small scissors (max 4 inches/10 centimeters) are permitted according to the TSA. If you want to be on the safe side, get ones with rounded tips. Also, remember that you don’t need to bring them from home — most grocery stores or stationery shops have them as well.

6. Tweezers Tweezers are another item that often comes standard in most first aid kits and can be useful for pulling out splinters, getting out little bits of stone or dirt when cleaning a wound, or any number of other practical uses.

7. Antiseptic wipes For some reason this tends to be the one thing most people overlook when thinking of first aid, but antiseptic wipes are an absolute essential in any good pack. No one wants a cut or wound to get infected, and antiseptic wipes are perfect for cleaning it before applying a dressing.

Just a small handful will suffice for most packs. Like most basic items, they are easy to replace at any pharmacy when you run low.

8. Condoms Apart from the obvious benefits (staying sexually safe), these handy little items can be used as emergency water carriers or even filled with ice as an emergency ice pack. I’ve personally never had any call to use them in that manner, but it is a handy bit of information to keep in mind.

9. Pain relief medication A small pack of basic acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) or any of the associated brand names ( like Tylenol ) is usually sufficient, but ibuprofen or other similar medications are fine too. It doesn’t have to be fancy — basically whatever you normally take for pain relief when you have a headache or minor pain.

10. Loperamide tablets Also known under a variety of brand names such as Imodium , this is useful for stopping diarrhea for short periods when you need to catch a bus or train. Remember, these are for those emergency moments only when you are actually in transit, as they do not cure diarrhea and shouldn’t be used when you can rest up for a couple of days. (Normally the best way to treat diarrhea is to let everything pass through your system normally and drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.)

If you use them sparingly, properly, and as directed on the pack, loperamide tablets can be useful additions to any travel first aid kit.

11. Antihistamine cream It happens to all of us on our travels: we get bitten by some form of insect and end up with a painfully itchy bump or rash. Don’t worry, the absolute majority of the time the bumps and stings aren’t anything to worry about at all, but they are damned annoying! This is why a good antihistamine cream is a useful addition to help control itching and swelling.

12. Antibacterial creams It’s also a good idea to carry antibacterial creams like Neosporin for any cuts and scrapes you get. This will help heal them faster as well as prevent any possible infections.

Obviously, this list can be tailored or added to depending on your trip needs (a tropical jungle trek will require different planning than a city break in Europe ). Any good first aid kit should also include any specific, individually prescribed medication or antimalarial prophylaxis.

For the majority of travelers, however, the items and kit listed above will cover the majority of basic incidents and accidents. You’ll also want to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance as well to protect you against unexpected costs that you might incur should an emergency happen.

For any injury, illness, bang, or scrape that requires more than the basics and cannot be covered by the kit above, you should seek professional medical attention. Unless you are extremely far off the beaten track, you should be able to seek out professional assistance to deal with medical emergencies pretty easily if something happens you can’t handle yourself.

So go pack up your own little first aid kit and keep it stashed in your pack for emergencies. Odds are you will probably never use it — and I hope you never need to — but if you have one, at least you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and be safe in the knowledge that you are prepared.

Important Note: When carrying any generic medication, it is essential that it is kept in its original packaging when you are traveling in case customs officials need to check it. The information provided here is for general travel health advice and information only. It is provided by a qualified nurse, but it is not a replacement for a personal consultation with a travel nurse specialist, your GP, or a doctor specializing in travel medicine who can tailor advice to your individual medical history and needs.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The 6 Best Travel First Aid Kits of 2024

Be prepared for any situation with a travel first aid kit that provides plenty of supplies stored in a case that won't squish in your luggage.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

In my early travel years, I took more physical risks: I hiked Yosemite’s Half Dome and the Grand Canyon rim to river to rim. (I’d lost both big toenails by the end of it.) Once, I dislocated my thumb whitewater rafting in Bali in the rain — it was all in great fun.

Now that I’m a parent of twins (and, let’s be honest — now that I’m older and just plain soft), I’m more likely to avail myself of the amenities at a five-star resort than I am to engage in risky physical activities. But small accidents can and do happen all the time. And that’s why —  as the daughter of a doctor and a biologist , and a parent to school-aged kids who always get into something — I always travel with some form of first aid kit. For me, it's just a no-brainer. 

For expert insight on what to look for in a travel first aid kit and how to pack and maintain them, I spoke with Dr. LouAnn Giangreco, chief medical officer at American Family Care. Based on my research and experience as well as the doctor’s expert advice, I compared various top-selling travel first aid kits, making sure to consider the overall size, number and variety of items, and specific features like waterproofing. These are my favorite travel first aid kits I'll be packing for my upcoming adventures.

Best Overall

Band-aid johnson & johnson all-purpose portable compact first-aid kit.

This kit has a protective hard case and includes a solid range of brand-name products, so you know the quality you can expect.

The plastic case is bulky, making this a better kit for a car trip than a backpacking adventure.

This compact, comprehensive, and ruggedly packaged first aid kit checks all the boxes. I like that it includes brand-name products brands including Band-aid, Neosporin, and Benadryl, so you know what you’re getting (and can assure your bandage will actually stick to your skin). Plus, the streamlined and refillable hard-plastic case is durable so it stands up well to rattling around on road trips or shoved in amid camping gear . (The red packaging also makes it easy to spot in a hurry.) While I wouldn’t travel with this on a plane — I’m a carry-on only type — I’d bring it on road trips or camping trips.

The 160-piece kit includes all the essentials to tend to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites — all the usual suspects. It has cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch cream, acetaminophen, an instant cold pack, gloves, and more. There’s also a first aid guide included.

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 3.25 inches | 1 pound | Plastic

Best Waterproof

Adventure medical kits ultralight/watertight .9 first-aid kit.

This kit is super light and watertight, so it’s ideal for performance in extreme conditions.

While this kit is watertight, it should not be fully submerged in water.

This lightweight kit is built for performance; it’s ideal for wet, rugged conditions with a zippered ripstop outer bag and two watertight pouches to protect the contents. This kit contains everything you need for basic wound care, a range of OTC meds (for pain, fever, swelling, and allergies), and a solid collection of additional equipment: gloves, splinter picker forceps, irrigation syringe, safety pins, and a roll of duct tape. 

While I’m not a serious hiker or camper anymore, I have plenty of travel uses for a water-tight first aid kit even in the city — like rainy conditions, and even protecting my first aid supplies from from other product spills. ​​I also like that it’s bright yellow, so it’s easy to identify when you need it.

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 2.5 inches | 10.4 ounces | Silnylon | Waterproof

Best Mini Kit

Coleman all purpose first aid kit.

Although small, this case is mighty: it’s ultralight, but well stocked.

This sleek kit is a must-have for all-purpose travel first aid solutions, but it’s not adequate for more serious hazards.

You can’t expect a full first aid inventory in an itty-bitty kit, but this one does a nice job of balancing a super-streamlined profile with the most key essentials for everyday travel mishaps like small cuts or scrapes. It includes latex-free bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and even safety pins. 

The kit is housed in a tin case — picture the size of a tin of mints— which is sturdy and crush-resistant. I’d stash this kit not just in my purse, but in each backpack for the whole family. (Redundancy is the key to preparedness, in my experience as both a mom and as a frequent traveler.) It's also the perfect size to tuck into a bike bag for any potential road mishaps. And the small kit comes with a reasonably small price point, too.

The Details: 0.88 x 2.5 x 3.88 inches | 1 ounce | Tin

Best for Families

American red cross red cross first aid kit.

Courtesy of Amazon

For its compact size and light weight, this well-stocked kit is nicely equipped for family travel.

Given its soft and lightweight construction, this soft case is not waterproof or rugged.

This 73-piece kit is robust enough for daily first aid, but compact and lightweight enough to travel with when space is at a minimum. It even fits in a bike bag , or in a backpack for day hikes , and slides right into the door compartment of a car.

All of the contents are latex free, so it’s fine to use for people with latex allergies. The soft-pack kit weighs just over 13 ounces and the longest side is just over 9 inches. It includes a range of bandages, ointments, hand sanitizer, aspirin, a CPR mask, a thermometer (for one-time use), gloves, scissors, and tweezers. 

The Details: 7.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches | 13.1 ounces | Nylon

Best for Outdoor Use

Hart outdoor weekend first-aid kit.

This well-organized kit has clear compartments for quick access.

This kit has a substantial bulk to it.

This well-stocked kit has enough stuff for three people on a weekend trip. And it’s especially well organized, with clear, labeled pockets and elastic loops. Spacious pockets with hook-and-loop closures make it easy to get everything in and out, and to customize the kit for your use. I also like that the list of the kit’s contents is printed right on the back so you can see what you have (and replace anything you’ve used). 

This kit includes medications, wound cleansers, and topical relief products packaged in single-dose packages, plus an array of bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, forceps, and an elastic bandage. And it also includes a plainspoken manual written by a wilderness medicine physician.

The Details: 6.5 x 5.5 x 2 inches | 9.5 ounces | Polyester

Best for Road Trips

Surviveware waterproof premium first aid kit.

This kit is thoroughly stocked in a durable and waterproof case, plus the clear labeling system makes it easy to identify what you need in a crunch-time situation.

The watertight zipper is snug and may require extra effort to open.

Road trips require less streamlined packing than air travels, so this larger 200-piece kit is plenty feasible for the car or RV and comes stocked with all the essentials. Labeled and organized inner compartments make it easy to find what you need at a glance. It includes high-quality versions of the basics of wound and burn care, plus shears, tweezers, splinter probes, and safety pins. It even includes a CPR mask and extra internal sleeves to customize your kit.

Plus, this kit is durable and fully waterproof, with watertight zippers to keep the contents dry; the waterproof feature makes this kit a good match for boaters and severe weather conditions, too).

The Details: 7.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches | 2.25 pound | TPU fabric | Waterproof

Tips for Buying a Travel First Aid Kit

Pack the essentials.

The number one thing to include in a first aid kit is bleeding control supplies, according to Dr. Giangreco. Depending on the size of your kit, this would include bandages, compression dressings, tape, and ointment. She also recommends carrying hand sanitizer and gloves whenever you might be in a situation to care for others.

Obviously, smaller travel kits don’t accommodate a comprehensive inventory of supplies. But this is the full list of tools the American Red Cross suggests for a first aid kit for a family of four:

• A first aid guide
• Absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• Adhesive bandages (of assorted sizes)
• Adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• Antibiotic ointment packets
• Antiseptic wipe packets
• Emergency blanket
• Breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• Instant cold compress
• Non-latex gloves
• Hydrocortisone ointment packets
• Gauze roll (roller) bandage
• Roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• Sterile gauze pads
• A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• Triangular bandages

Don’t forget to refill before every trip

If you’ve used any items from your first aid kit, don’t forget to replace them before your next trip. You should also check expiration dates periodically and replace any expired items. Dr. Giangreco recommends noting the printed expiration dates on supplies such as medications and setting a calendar alert to replace them about a month before they expire. She also suggests opening your kit and checking your supplies before each trip in case any of the contents have been water damaged or affected by temperature variations.

Customize your first aid kit

You should customize your kit with any personal medicines for your group’s specific needs. For instance, if you are allergic to bees, include an EpiPen. If you’re diabetic, include a source of quick sugar. “Think about chronic conditions,” Giangreco says. 

Further, she says, customize your kit to your particular activities and potential hazards. “If there’s a risk of extremity injury, think about things like Ace wraps or splints,” she says. “My daughter is a ski racer — and skis have sharp edges, so they carry tourniquets . Or if you're diving, you may want to think about things like hot packs to denature stings or forceps tweezers to be able to remove spines.”

Make sure you have the training to use your supplies

The items in your kit are only valuable in an emergency if you know how to use them, so make sure you’re first aid trained, Giangreco says. "Take a Stop the Bleed course, learn CPR, learn how to use an AED, and then you'll be better prepared," she added.

Yes, TSA allows first aid kits and supplies. However, some specific rules apply. For instance, TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to the officers at the checkpoint to be inspected. Be sure to take a look at TSA's list of authorized medical supplies before heading to the airport.

You should carry a first aid kit just about everywhere you go, even if you’re just exploring around an urban environment with plenty of resources. “[Then] you’re not trying to chase down a gift shop or pharmacy,” Giangreco says — or overpay enormously for convenience.

You should always carry any necessary medications in your carry-on or personal item bag, in case your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed. Keep medicines in their original containers labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and dosage, according to the CDC’s guidelines .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure?

Alesandra Dubin used her experience as a travel and lifestyle writer and professional product reviewer, as well as research, to highlight the best first aid kits for travel. As a frequent traveler and mom to 9-year-old twins, she regularly encounters minor injuries and discomforts on the road, and always travels with first aid supplies to cover her family’s needs. She also spoke with Dr. LouAnn Giangreco, chief medical officer at American Family Care , to gather the best tips for keeping safe and healthy while traveling.

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A travel medicine kit is an essential part of packing.   Getting sick on vacation is miserable , but sooner or later, it happens to everyone.  I seem to get hit with a bad cold every year while traveling (those darn airplane germs!) and my husband is so sensitive to stomach issues we call him “the canary in the coal mine”. 

The good news is that it’s remarkably easy to find just about any medication anywhere in the world — but it often takes a big chunk of time, especially if you’re staying in small towns or rural areas where you have to drive a long distance to the nearest pharmacy.  And take my word that you don’t want to get food poisoning at 1am and have to wait until morning for a store to open to get supplies.

The faster you can solve your problem, the better.  But unlike Mary Poppins, I can’t carry everything all the time — there has to be a balance between having enough to be useful without weighing you down.

After tons of travel, I’ve created a comprehensive, mini first aid kit.  This DIY first aid kit is quick and cheap to make plus has all the essentials.  When you’re not traveling, throw it in your day bag for local adventures or keep it in your car so it’s always handy.

Travel Medicine Kit Basics

Although you can buy a pre-packaged travel emergency kit, I recommend tailoring it to your specific needs.  That way you’re 100% familiar with what’s in it ahead of time and have products you trust.

Generally speaking, there are three sets of items that should be on your travel first aid kit list:

• Medications You Definitely Need (prescriptions you use at home on a regular basis + special medications for your destination, such as something to help with altitude sickness)
• First Aid Items You Commonly Use  (in my case, that’s band-aids for a myriad of adventure activities + ibuprofen as the “all-purpose drug” for fevers, muscle soreness, and headaches)
• Items You Can’t Get Easily at Your Destination  (I include items I’ll want immediately in this category; i.e. anti-diarrheals, so you can solve the problem at 3am instead of running to a store)

Your first aid packing list might change a little for every trip.  You can take just the necessities for a weekend in New York City but will need a more comprehensive first aid kit for remote destinations.  

Organizing Non-Prescription Medications

No one wants to pack a dozen pill bottles in their carry-on!  Besides, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need all 200 aspirin!  Better to condense a 2-3 day supply into a more compact case.  That’s likely all you’ll need — if that! — but in any case, it’s at least enough to buy you time into you can restock during your trip.

That’s why I use a standard 7-day pill case to organize my over-the-counter medication.  Instead of using each compartment for one day’s worth of pills, I use each space for a single type of medicine.  So, for example, Monday will hold ibuprofen and Tuesday will hold allergy meds.

Just be sure to label, either by writing with a Sharpie marker right on the case or taping a legend to the back.

I’m sure you can find these pill organizers at your local pharmacy, or you can order a basic pill case on Amazon .

These are the 7 medications I divide in my organizer, although you can tweak it for your own travels:

• Ibuprofen (I prefer it for pain relief but you could easily substitute Tylenol or aspirin)
• Decongestants (after ibuprofen, this is the most reached-for drug I pack; airplanes are a hotbed for germs!)
• Antihistamines
• Anti-diarrheal
• Antacids or indigestion meds
• Motion sickness meds
• For me, it’s lactaid, but this is also a great spot for vitamins or probiotics

Pick the Perfect Bag

My first aid kit is about the size of a paperback book, giving me enough space to work with without weighing me down.  I keep it stocked with essentials so I can “grab and go” for most trips without having to worry about a last-minute supply run.

First Aid Kit Supplies:

• My over-the-counter pill box
• Bandages (I prefer ones with built-in antibiotic cream for convenience)
• Antiseptic wipes for minor cuts
• Throat lozenges
• All-purpose first aid balm (hint: Green Goo works great for bites and stings, is all-natural, and the TSA considers it a solid for packing purposes)
• Moleskins for blisters
• Oral rehydration salts – for cases of food poisoning, over-exhertion, or one too many late nights
• Ginger chews (for nausea)

For those of you thinking this is overkill, yes, you can buy premade kits.  Here’s the problem: the cheap ones are worthless: you’ll get bandages that don’t stick and so few pills that you’ll be replenishing them after one trip anyway.  And you’ll likely get a few medications you’ve never tried before, which would make me  really  nervous if I was far from a hospital.

The best travel first aid kit is made by Adventure Medical.   It’s crazy comprehensive and probably bulkier than need be, but I trust all the medical supplies in it.  (Making your own will be cheaper, but obviously not as easy).

Don’t Overstuff Your First Aid Kit Contents

I don’t bother packing items that I don’t use at home, but if these are more common in your household medicine cabinet, you might want to bring them with you while traveling:

• Medical equipment you may need (i.e. syringes, inhalers, epi-pens)
• Aloe wipes or other sun relief items (I may not bring aloe, but I do pack sunscreen!)
• Multi-vitamins and other nutritional supplements
• Antifungal gels or creams
• Separate antibacterial ointment
• Disposable gloves
• Elastic bandage wrap
• Thermometer
• Medical Tape

Remember you don’t need a lifetime supply of everything, so count out what you’ll most likely need and leave the rest at home.  I find small GoTubbs  to be a good size for packing specialty items.

Be Smart About Your Travel Health Your first aid packing list is just one piece of the travel health puzzle. Particularly when traveling abroad, you should start by researching if there are any diseases that are common in that area.  The CDC has an official  traveler health resource to get you started on things like zika virus, malaria zones, etc. (although I find the UK version  easier to navigate). For many destinations, especially in tropical countries and/or developing nations, you may also need to ask your doctor about travel vaccines.  Read my complete guide to budgeting for travel immunizations . Lastly, it’s always a smart idea to purchase travel insurance which will help cover health care costs if you seek medical treatment abroad or if you need emergency help.  I always purchase through RoamRight , but no matter who you choose, you should educate yourself about policy options .

The Most Important Tips for Your Travel Medical Kit

If you’ve got safe drinking water and health insurance and wash your hands often, that’ll get you most of the way there.

My last piece of advice when it comes to a travel first aid kit is to make sure it’s accessible!  If you get a headache onboard an overnight flight but your first aid kit is in your checked suitcase, it does you no good.

Make sure what you need is easy to get to when you need it.  That’s a mistake I’ll only make once!

*     *     *

DIY Travel First Aid Kit List

A first aid kit prepares you for illness, common injuries, and minor accidents. Homemade first aid kits can pack small to fit in suitcases, purses, or cars.

Instructions

Divide over-the-counter medications into small dosages to save on space.

I recommend restocking when you get home from a trip so you're ready to "grab and go" when you pack for the next one!

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What’s in your travel medicine kit?

Is there something different in your carry-on first aid kit? Do you have other travel tips?

22 thoughts on “DIY: A Travel Medicine Kit Checklist That Fits in Your Carry On”

On every leg of air travel I wear a new paper mask covering nose and mouth. I put it on as soon as the plane doors close, removing it just long enough to eat and drink. Two reasons: 1- So I don’t catch the cold other travelers have; 2- Because the air is so dry on planes, I appreciate being my own humidifier.

Sounds like the perfect size kit. I travel with very little because I tend to purchase meds if I need them at my destination, but anti-diarrhea meds and nausea medications are two that I ALWAYS have with me. Since I lead tours, I can’t be feeling too ill to go out with the group! Those two things usually get me through the day, no matter how sick I am and then I can spend the night in the bathroom if need be, lol.

Before traveling, we prepare our bag with some essential things which we think can be used in journey and first aid bag with proper medication tools is one of those essential things, Make a list of all tools and check before leaving whether all tools present on the list are in the first aid bag or not, I think all tools mentioned in the above post cover everything, but I like the idea of bringing new paper mask, thanks céline bouchard for mentioning this idea in your comment.

Hi can I buy your bag?

@Sabina, What bag do you want to buy? You can make your own easily!

I also bring small scissors to cut the moleskin. One thing about first aid packing that is such a pain is the common recommendation to bring all prescription medications in their original containers, particularly for international travel. On the one hand, that is the safest in case you were to be detained or questioned, but on the other, it adds a lot of bulk to packing that otherwise could be reduced in size. What are your thoughts on that?

@LeRainDrop, Almost everyone I know packs their prescription meds in a pill box rather than original containers. I’d bring a paper detailing meds/dosages + physician’s name and phone number, just in case. (I’d be MORE conservative if you have highly controlled substances, like pain meds)

Thank you so much! I have a handful of prescriptions but no controlled substances, and I got the comprehensive letter from my doctor detailing all my medicines. I wish I found your site earlier, as I’m packing right now for an extended trip to Guatemala in two days, and your site provides a great wealth of info!

Thsis is great info. I’m packing for a trip right now, and will be including these items in my bag for sure.

This is a great list! I never leave home without a fully stocked first aid kit. You never know when the kids are going to hurt themselves.

@Audrey, Or the adults 😉

My wife is responsible for the kit in our family. I’m glad she is, I would have forgotten half of these things!

@Scott, I’d forget too without a list…

Great idea. I never seem to have the right things when I pack. Now I can just use your list and be prepared when we travel. .

Hi Becky, It was great to meet you at WITS17 this year. I always make sure that we have a first aid kit in our car, since we have four children and an accident prone dad of the house!

@Natasha, Pleasure to meet you also…great conference! Funny how sometimes it’s the parents who are more accident prone than the kids.

This is not exactly gear but: Don’t forget to call your wireless carrier to find out what options it offers for traveling wherever you are going. Accidental roaming can be very expensive, and most carriers offer options that are much more economical.

@Paula, Totally true! It’s best to have a set plan that works in your budget or buy a local sim card on arrival.

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I totally agree with you in that the things you need to pack in your first aid kit will depend on the place where you are going. It is important to understand what type of dangers you might be exposed to in order to have the best supplies on hand to avoid any serious accidents. We are planning on taking a camping trip in a few days and wanted to make sure we had the best first aid kit for the job, so I’m glad I found your page.

@Marcus, Hope your adventure was a success!

Excellent and honest post. I found this much useful information, as to what I was exactly searching for packing tips. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.

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16 Tips on how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit

by Anne Betts | Dec 31, 2022 | Health, Safety and Comfort | 5 comments

Updated December 31, 2022

How do you assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit , yet still manage to pack light? I don’t claim to have a universal solution, but the following works for me.

Table of Contents

1. Identify your needs in travel first-aid kit

2. never packing ‘what-if’ items doesn’t apply to a first-aid kit, 3. build your kit from scratch, 4. get sound advice, 5. help out other travellers if possible, 6. adopt packing light strategies, 7. get prescriptions filled before departure, 8. verify the legality of your medication in your destination country , 9. label everything, 10. have access to medicinal information and first-aid advice, 11. review your kit before each trip, 12. list kit contents, 13. identify factors affecting kit contents, 14. individualize your kit, 15. and to complement my first-aid kit…, 16. back home, reach into the travel first-aid kit, in summary…, how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit.

Use these 15 tips to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit considering your destination, activities, and health needs while still packing light.  

Each kit is different. A first step is figuring out what you expect of yours. Here are some ideas:

• It has what’s needed to respond to illness and injuries given the destination, season, activities, and health needs of those who depend on the kit.
• It contains enough supplies to deal with minor injuries and illnesses until it’s possible to get to the nearest clinic or pharmacy. Besides, no one wants to spend valuable travel time navigating a new destination, especially when feeling unwell. 
• It takes existing health issues into consideration, and travel related injuries and illnesses given past experience.
• It contains trusted supplies written in a familiar language and acquired at a cost that may be cheaper at home than at your destination.
• It’s small enough, and light enough, to carry at all times (or have key items always accessible).

Packing light travellers advocate never packing ‘what-if’ items.

A first-aid kit is an exception. It’s like that emergency medical insurance you hope to never have to use. Returning home with a kit that was never opened, or tossing expired medication that was never used, are indications of healthy, injury-free travels.

Assemble your own first-aid kit. It gives you more control over the contents and the container. By all means, look for clues from pre-assembled kits, but there’s a good chance an off-the-shelf kit won’t meet your needs. Cobble together your own, considering your destination, activities, and health needs. Chances are it will be cheaper, lighter, smaller, and more useful than a generic version.

Bloggers, especially those with a healthcare background, are helpful sources of ideas. For specific advice, consult a professional health care provider. Your family doctor and pharmacist are aware of your health issues, and can suggest compatible OTC (Over-The-Counter) medication. Your pharmacist can also provide suggestions on generic (and cheaper) alternatives to brand-name products. A travellers’ clinic specializes in preparing people for worldwide travel.

Unhealthy or injured travelling companions impact on all members of a group. My first-aid kit has responded to the occasional health issues of others, and I’ve been the grateful beneficiary of supplies from another person’s kit.

The right supplies in the right quantities add very little weight, and are invaluable if they allow everyone to get on with their travels.

• While cycling beside the canals of the Netherlands , a blister pack containing two Tylenol tablets treated a companion’s splitting headache.
• A couple of Loperamide tablets enabled us to continue exploring Singapore when my nephew was suddenly struck with an attack of Travellers’ Diarrhea .
• When hiking the trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, a piece of anti-blister tape protected a friend’s heel from further chafing.
• When hiking the Banks Track in New Zealand, another hiker gave me some hiking wool to help prevent chafing of sensitive areas. 

If your kit is large and heavy, you’ll be tempted to leave it at home, or back at your accommodation. A first-aid kit should be small enough, light enough, and functional enough to have a permanent place in your day bag.

• Look for travel-friendly sizes. Check out truck stops, drug stores, dollar stores, and hiking and outdoor stores for products packaged in small sizes. Google “OTC medication travel sizes” and you may discover online suppliers in your country of residence. This is how I stumbled across minimus.biz  with their range of single-dose blister packs of OTC medication and first-aid supplies.

• Dollar-store purchases tend to be much cheaper than those available elsewhere. I find it hurts less to discard expired medication or have folding scissors confiscated by an overzealous security agent if I paid dollar-store prices for the item. 
• Where feasible, choose blister packs of tablets over bottles and liquids, and single-dose blister packs over tubes and bottles.

• Where feasible, transfer or decant to smaller containers.
• Use see-through zip-top pill pouch bags to separate various products.

• Choose a container for your kit that slips easily into a day bag. It will need to be waterproof if you’re involved in activities around water. Otherwise, carry a spare zip-top bag, dry bag , or a rain cover for your daypack.
• Pack a pocket pill container  for storing medication and supplements for use while in transit or on the move.

Your prescriptions are valid only in your home country. Get them filled before leaving home. Pack quantities needed for the duration of the trip, and extra to cover possible travel delays. Ask your pharmacist for the smallest possible labelled container, and ask for the expiry date to be listed.

Scan the information sheets received with the medication, and take the electronic copies with you. For this purpose, I use the app Scanner Pro  and cloud-based app, Dropbox .

Medication that may be legal at home might be illegal in another country. Many countries have their own rules regarding travelling with medication.

Start with an online search for ‘travelling with mediation to ___’ and review the information on authority sites such as the pharmaceutical agency of the country in question. If in doubt, contact the embassy or diplomatic mission for additional information.

If you need to administer any medication with a syringe, it would be wise to obtain a letter from your doctor indicating it’s for personal use.

Don’t separate medication from the manufacturer’s packaging. Keep medication in its sealed package or blister pack to protect its integrity, stability, and effectiveness.

The manufacturer’s packaging helps promote safe use by providing information on medicinal ingredients, dosage instructions, and expiry dates. It’s also useful information to help respond to possible inquiries of border services agents.

Having the medicinal ingredients at your fingertips is handy when trying to purchase additional supplies across a language barrier. If you separate medication from its box, cut up the box and slip the pieces containing relevant information into a small zip-top bag with the blister tabs.

For supplements and probiotics, I find the containers take up too much space. Zip-top bags and reusable prescription containers offer downsizing options.

Before packing or taking any medication, consult an authority site for information and advice.

• How should it be safely stored?
• What temperatures affect its effectiveness?
• Will it cause drowsiness?
• What can or can’t be taken with it?
• Can it be taken on an empty stomach?
• What’s the suggested maximum dosage within a 24-hour period?

Drugs.com is an excellent resource, as is the Traveler Advice Page of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Red Cross First-Aid app is a useful resource for emergency first-aid advice.

Remaining committed to carry-on travel requires packing with time to spare. I tend to start at least a week before departure, and definitely earlier if I know my first-aid kit needs refreshing. It helps to break packing into manageable chunks, usually by category such as ‘toiletries,’ ‘first-aid kit,’ or ‘clothing.’ For the first-aid kit, this means time to: 

• discard expired medication
• replenish low supplies or missing items
• remove or include destination- or season-specific items
• communicate with others, if not travelling solo, to lighten the load by sharing supplies across first-aid kits.

A detailed list of the contents of your first-aid kit, and those items that complement what’s in the kit, can be helpful. Brand names (and their generic equivalents) aren’t available in all countries, so it’s important to include the medicinal ingredients of each. Store it in a cloud storage app, or where it’s readily accessible on your device.

• keeps you organized when it comes to replenishing or removing supplies;
• is helpful when seeking advice from health care professionals;
• is useful when consulting with travelling companions on sharing first-aid supplies;
• is a reference to avoid overdosing when taking combinations of different medications (e.g., “Tylenol Poisoning” is a real problem; some cold-and-flu medication also contains Acetaminophen/Paracetamol);
• enables you to purchase depleted items with the same or similar medicinal ingredients at your destination; and
• can be easily updated for future travels.

Take into account your own health needs and previous experience in managing them. For example, here are some of the things I considered for recent trips.

Blister prevention and treatment. It’s not uncommon to walk 20 km / 12.5 mi each day, more than at home. Also, feet change. Shoes that fit perfectly when they were purchased might not remain so.

Allergic reactions to insect bites.  Biting insects are my nemesis. The New Zealand sandflies sent me scurrying for antihistamine, and bites from some unknown insect in Australia landed me in the emergency department of a hospital (at a considerable cost) to get a prescription for an antibiotic (that cost $5 to fill). I now ask my doctor for a prescription for both an antibiotic ointment and tablets that can be filled before leaving home.

Digestive ailments. I take medication for acid reflux. This means that Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (e.g., Tylenol) is a safer pain reliever than Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). Also, with reduced acid in my stomach, I always expect Travellers’ Diarrhea. I also need to plan to deal with occasional and very uncomfortable heartburn.

Minor scrapes.  Most trips involve time on a bike or scooter, increasing the chance of minor scrapes and abrasions.

Respiratory issues. I have a propensity for a bad case of the ‘flu to morph into pneumonia. After remaining insanely healthy during the pandemic, I expected to fall prey to Covid or influenza on my first post-pandemic international trip. This pointed to the need to pack Covid test kits, and my doctor gave me prescriptions for an antibiotic and a puffer, both filled before leaving home.

Staying healthy on long-haul flights. Planes harbour harmful bacteria, and long flights increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. The dry environment contributes to dehydration, dry skin, and sore nasal passages.

In the event it’s helpful, here’s a list of the contents of my kit, based on the considerations described above, and the advice of my family doctor and pharmacist. I favour generic alternatives to brand-name products as they can be considerably cheaper.  

• Anti-diarrhea (e.g., Imodium): Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg when a blocker is required (e.g., on transit days)
• Antihistamine allergy relief (e.g., Claritin): Loratadine 10mg
• Topical antibiotic for skin infections: Sodium Fusidate 2% (prescription)
• Oral antibiotic for skin infections: Amoxycillin/clavulanic 875/125 mg (prescription)
• Antibiotic for respiratory/bronchial bacterial infections and severe Travellers Diarrhea: Azithromycin dehydrate 250 mg (prescription)
• Anti-nauseant (e.g., Gravol): Dimenhydrinate 50 mg
• Blister prevention and treatment: Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus ; Moleskin pre-cut and shaped by Adventure Medical Kits ; Polysporin Blister Treatment Cushions; Spenco 2nd Skin Adhesive Knit ; blister prevention wool ; BAND-AID ® Blister Cushion
• Cough, cold and ‘flu relief: Sambucol Black Elderberry Pastilles
• Heartburn relief: Tums Extra Strength  (Calcium carbonate 750 mg)
• Antiseptic: tea tree oil
• Miscellaneous aids: cotton wool buds ( Organyc ); cotton balls; tweezers (remove splinters, thorns, ticks, debris); safety pins (remove splinters, thorns, fashion a sling, miscellaneous uses); folding scissors ( Fiskars )
• Pain relief, fever reducer: Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen 500 mg)
• Wound care: MooreBrand Gauze Pads (2” x 2”); Webcol Alcohol Prep Pads (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%); 3M Steri-Strips ; waterproof bandages ; variety of sizes and shapes of plasters

All these supplies fit in a soft-sided zippered packing organizer measuring 17 x 10 cm / 7 x 4 in and weighing 218 g / 7.7 oz.

• compression socks
• clear duct tape (to keep a bandage in place)
• emergency ID bracelet
• flashlight: FourSevens MiNi X
• immune support: Ener-C drink mix ; NOW Oregano Veg Capsules 450 mg
• insect repellent: Mosquito Shield Piactive (Icaridin 20%)
• electrolyte hydration supplement (exercise, flights, hot climates): NUUN Sport
• Nature’s Aid all-natural skin gel with healing and soothing properties for allergic reactions, minor scrapes, sunburn, and inflamed muscles
• laminated Emergency Contact Card

• nasal soreness: Boroleum (Petrolatum 97.92%; Camphor 1%; Menthol 0.54%)
• pashmina (doubles as a makeshift sling)
• probiotics: Saccharomyces Boulardii
• activated charcoal
• sanitizing wipes: EO Lavender plastic-free bamboo wipes
• Soap Leaves: Sea to Summit
• sunscreen: All good sunscreen butter
• tablet towels
• reusable dry bag to make an ice pack

Rather than keeping separate supplies in a home medicine cabinet and a travel first-aid kit, anything with an expiry date should be utilized when it’s needed. Purging a a travel first-aid kit of expired medication can be costlier than it needs to be, especially if you’ve enjoyed healthy and injury-free travels. 

• Avoid pre-assembled kits. Build your own.
• Be strategic. Base kit contents on your destination, season, activities, and health needs.
• Get advice from health care professionals.
• Look for medication and supplies in travel sizes.
• Don’t separate medication from its packaging.
• Keep a record of the exact medicinal ingredients of what’s in your kit.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER travel without emergency medical insurance. When your kit comes up short, an early visit to a healthcare centre could be the best financial decision you’ll make. 

With thanks to Adrian Comeau, Pharmacist, Saulnierville Pharmacy, for his helpful suggestions and advice.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are for general travel health information only. It’s not a replacement for a personal consultation with your doctor, pharmacist or travel medicine specialist.

Might you be interested in these related posts?

• Useful tips on how to prevent and treat travellers’ diarrhea
• 10 Essentials of packing for a travel medical emergency
• Create a travel comfort pack for easy access to self-care essentials
• 25 Ideas on how to prepare an emergency preparedness toolkit for travellers
• It could save your life. Get an emergency ID bracelet for travellers
• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in 5 easy steps
• A MacGyver kit for travel: 20 simple ideas
• Travel with tablet towels: a multipurpose essential every traveller should pack
• No soap? No problem travelling with soap leaves
• Travelling with duct tape: 30 practical uses
• 10 Useful reasons to travel with dry bags

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What’s in your travel first-aid kit? What additional tips can you offer? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

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Your thinking is so thorough! I will definitely reread this when the time comes to prepare for my next trip. The one I have with me now is twice the size of yours…

Thank you for this! The steps are so on-point! I’ve been thinking of assembling me and family’s first-aid kit, not because we’re travelling soon but because of the natural calamities happening. We do not know when a storm’s gonna hit or when will there be an earthquake that’s why i’m searching on what to put in a first-aid kit. I’m so thankful I came across this post. This is so helpful! Thank you so much!

Great piece of advice on how to carry your first aid kit while travelling.

Great tips! I love making sure my first aid box is full of everything we might need. I’d suggest every parent take a first aid course so they are prepared.

Very informative read! I agree one must be equipped with a proper first aid kit before venturing out to a new place for vacation or a visit. I usually keep medicines for allergy, gold cough, stomach ache, muscle ache and most importantly for any injury.

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• Section 2 - Water Disinfection
• Section 2 - Last-Minute Travelers

Travel Health Kits

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Aisha Rizwan

Traveling With Medications

Supplies for preexisting medical conditions, general travel health kit supplies, travel kits when traveling with children, commercial medical kits.

Regardless of their destination, international travelers should assemble and carry a travel health kit. Travelers should tailor the contents to their specific needs, the type and length of travel, and their destination(s). Kits can be assembled at home or purchased at a local store, pharmacy, or online. Travel health kits can help to ensure travelers have supplies they need to manage preexisting medical conditions and treat any exacerbations of these conditions, prevent illness and injury related to traveling, and take care of minor health problems as they occur.

Instruct international travelers to carry all medications in their original containers with clear labels that easily identify the contents, the patient’s name, and dosing regimen information. Although travelers might prefer packing their medications into small bags, pillboxes, or daily-dose containers, officials at ports of entry might require that medications be in their original prescription containers.

Travelers should carry copies of all prescriptions, including generic names, preferably translated into the local language of the destination. For controlled substances and injectable medications, travelers should carry a note on letterhead stationery from the prescribing clinician or travel clinic. Translating the letter into the local language at the destination and attaching the translation to the original document could prove helpful if the document is needed during the trip. Some countries do not permit certain medications. For questions about medication restrictions, particularly regarding controlled substances, travelers should contact the US embassy or consulate of the destination country.

A travel health kit is useful only when it is easily accessible. Travelers should always carry the kit with them (e.g., in a carry-on bag); sharp objects like scissors and fine splinter tweezers must remain in checked luggage, however. Travelers should make sure that any liquid or gel-based items packed in carry-on bags do not exceed size limits, although exceptions are made for certain medical reasons. For more information, call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at 866-289-9673 (toll-free, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or see the TSA Customer Service webpage. The US embassy or consulate at the destination country can also provide details.

Travelers with preexisting medical conditions should carry enough medication for the duration of their trip and an extra supply in case the trip extends for any reason. If additional supplies (e.g., glucose monitoring items) or medications are needed to manage exacerbations of existing medical conditions, these should be carried as well (see Sec. 3, Ch. 3, Travelers with Chronic Illnesses ). People with preexisting conditions (e.g., allergies, diabetes), should consider wearing an alert bracelet. Needles and syringes can be difficult to purchase in some locations, so travelers should take more than needed for the length of the trip. In addition, travelers needing needles and syringes will also be required to carry a letter from the prescribing clinician on letterhead stationery.

Boxes 2-06 , 2-07 , 2-08 , 2-09 , and 2-10 provide sample checklists of items travelers might consider including in their basic travel health kits. Provide travelers with needed details and instructions about any prescribed medications, including antibiotics for self-treatment of diarrhea, medications to treat altitude illness, and malaria chemoprophylaxis. Relevant chapters of this book offer additional suggestions for travel health kit contents depending on underlying health issues, itinerary, and planned activities or intended reasons for travel.

Box 2-06 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: prescription medicines & medical supplies

☐ Antibiotics for self-treatment of moderate to severe travelers’ diarrhea (if prescribed)

☐ Antihistamines, epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., an EpiPen 2-Pak), short course of oral steroid medications (for travelers, including children, with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis)

☐ Antimalarial medication (if prescribed)

☐ Insulin and diabetes testing supplies

☐ Medicine to prevent or treat altitude illness (if prescribed)

☐ Needles or syringes (plus extras) for injectable medicines

☐ Prescription glasses/contact lenses (consider packing an extra pair of each)

☐ Prescription medicines taken regularly at home

☐ Sleep aids (if prescribed)

Pack all prescription medicines (+ a copy of the prescription) and any necessary medical supplies in a carry-on bag. Medicines should be in their original containers with labels that clearly identify contents, patient name, and dosing information. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace if you have chronic illnesses or underlying health conditions.

Box 2-07 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: over-the-counter medications

☐ Over-the-counter medicines taken regularly at home

☐ Medicines for pain or fever, for example:

• Acetaminophen

☐ Medicines (not antibiotics) for stomach upset or diarrhea, for example:

• Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide [Imodium] or bismuth subsalicylate [Pepto-Bismol])
• Packets of oral rehydration salts for dehydration
• Mild laxatives

☐ Medicines for mild upper respiratory conditions, for example:

• Antihistamine
• Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine
• Cough suppressant or expectorant
• Cough drops

☐ Medicines for motion sickness

☐ Sleep aids (non-prescription)

☐ Eye drops

☐ Nose drops or spray

Box 2-08 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: basic first aid

☐ Adhesive bandages and tape, multiple sizes

☐ Antifungal and antibacterial spray or creams

☐ Anti-itch gel or cream for insect bites and stings

☐ Antiseptic wound cleanser

☐ Commercial suture kit (for travel to remote areas)

☐ Cotton swabs

☐ Digital thermometer

☐ Disposable latex-free gloves

☐ Elastic/compression bandage wrap for sprains and strains

☐ First aid quick reference card

☐ Hydrocortisone cream (1%)

☐ Moleskin or molefoam for blister prevention and treatment

☐ Safety pins

☐ Scissors (pack sharp metal objects in checked baggage; small, rounded tip bandage scissors might be available for purchase in certain stores or online)

☐ Triangular bandage to wrap injuries and to make an arm or shoulder sling

☐ Tweezers (pack sharp metal objects in checked baggage)

Box 2-09 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: supplies to prevent illness & injury

☐ Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol

☐ Ear plugs

☐ Face masks

☐ Insect repellents for skin and clothing

☐ Latex condoms

☐ Mosquito net (for protection against insect bites while sleeping; can be pretreated with insect repellent)

☐ Personal safety equipment (for example, child safety seats, bicycle or motorcycle helmets)

☐ Sun protection (for example, protective clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen)

☐ Water purification method(s) if visiting remote areas, camping, or staying in areas where access to clean water is limited

Box 2-10 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: documents

☐ Contact information card (carry at all times) that includes the street addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of:

• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) at your destination(s)
• Insurance policy information
• Lodging at the destination(s)
• US embassy or consulate address and telephone number in your destination country or countries

☐ Copies of all prescriptions for medications, eyeglasses/contacts, and other medical supplies, including generic names; preferably translated into the local language of the destination

☐ Documentation of preexisting conditions (for example, diabetes or allergies) in English and preferably translated into the local language of the destination

☐ Electrocardiogram (EKG) if you have existing heart disease, including any known abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

☐ Health insurance, supplemental travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, and travel insurance policy numbers, carrier contact information, and copies of claim forms

☐ International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card showing proof of vaccination, or an appropriate medical waiver, for travel to destinations where vaccinations are required by the country for entry

In addition to bringing the medical documents on this list, be sure to leave copies with a family member or close contact who will remain in the United States (in case of an emergency). Consider having electronic copies of documents, as well.

Box 2-11 provides a checklist of items travelers might consider bringing if they are traveling with children.

Travelers can obtain commercial medical kits for a wide range of circumstances, from basic first aid to advanced emergency life support. Companies also manufacture advanced medical kits for adventure travelers, customizing them based on specific travel needs. In addition, specialty kits are available for travelers managing diabetes, dealing with dental emergencies, and participating in aquatic activities. Many pharmacy, grocery, retail, and outdoor sporting goods stores, as well as online retailers, sell their own basic first aid kits. Travelers who choose to purchase a preassembled kit should review the contents of the kit carefully to ensure that it has everything needed; any necessary additional items should be added.

Box 2-11 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: supplies for children

☐ Baby wipes

☐ Change mat

☐ Children’s medicine for pain or fever

☐ Insect repellent (avoid using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus [OLE] or para-menthane-3,8-diol [PMD] on children <3 years old)

☐ Medicines taken regularly at home

☐ Motor vehicle restraints (for example, stroller, seatbelts, or car seat)

☐ Rash cream

☐ Sterilizing equipment for baby bottles

☐ Sun protection

☐ Thermometer

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Calvin Patimeteeporn

Bibliography

Goodyer L and Gibbs J. Travel medical kits. In: Keystone JS, Kozarsky PE, Connor BA, Nothdurft HD, Mendelson M, Leder K, editors. Travel medicine, 4th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2019. pp. 61–4.

Harper LA, Bettinger J, Dismukes R, Kozarsky PE. Evaluation of the Coca-Cola company travel health kit. J Travel Med. 2002;9(5):244–6.

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How to Pack a First Aid Kit for Extended International Travel

We talked to travel health experts and our own 52 Places Travelers to learn what products and medicines should go in your first-aid kit.

By Talya Minsberg

It’s a question that the two 52 Places Travelers have fielded from readers and colleagues alike: How do you stay healthy when crisscrossing the world for nearly 365 days? And what do you pack in case you get sick? Each location has its own set of challenges, recommended vaccines and access to pharmacies.

There’s a thin line between being over- and underprepared, said Rebecca Acosta, the co-founder and executive director of Traveler’s Medical Service . The average globe-trotting traveler does not need I.V. bags and syringes, she said, though the items are suggested for those trekking in rural areas.

Jada Yuan began her year as the inaugural 52 Places Traveler in 2018 with a first aid kit that was built with the help of foreign correspondents. Ms. Yuan’s kit was so extensive that a Moroccan customs officer accused her of being a drug dealer.

Twelve months and some 74,900 miles later, Ms. Yuan returned to New York City with “basically the same amount of medicine,” she said.

This year’s 52 Places Traveler, Sebastian Modak , is having a similar experience. Five months in, his first aid kit has been almost untouched. But it offers enough peace of mind that it’s worth all the space it takes up, he says.

(His top recommendation for staying healthy? Drink clean, filtered water. Lots of it. )

Here’s how to pack a first aid kit, whether you are going around the world for a year or a remote adventure for a week.

Start With a Vaccine Checklist

The Centers for Disease Control has a list of vaccines, health notices and packing lists for those traveling around the world. That means accounting for location: Ms. Yuan and Mr. Modak had to plan for places as diverse as Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia and Japan’s Setouchi Islands.

Make sure to look up vaccine requirements far in advance of your travels, as some vaccines may require treatments or doses. Additionally, some nations may require proof of vaccination upon entering customs. The World Health Organization keeps an updated list of nations requiring yellow fever vaccines here .

Don’t forget travel insurance

If you are traveling with a group or on business, you may already have traveler’s insurance that covers medical evacuation. If not, consider buying insurance that includes medevac services, which are recommended when traveling to more rural destinations.

In addition to health coverage, travel insurance covers things like lost baggage and flight cancellations. So even if you stay healthy, it can come in handy when you're on road.

A good travel insurance package will also include a support number to call if you need help identifying the severity of your illness, and where to turn for help.

If your health care provider in the United States offers virtual doctor visits, you may be able to turn to your regular doctor’s office while abroad, too.

Management vs. prevention

If you have prescriptions, make sure they are filled for the entirety of your travels. That may take some coordinating between a primary care physician and insurance companies if medicines need to be resupplied on the road. Ms. Acosta recommends working with a doctor to compile a list of all prescribed medications, in generic form, in case prescriptions are misplaced.

When it comes to prevention, Ms. Acosta said, travelers should think of their medicine cabinet. “What are the type of things that you may grab from your medical kit at home? If it’s one in the morning and you have an upset stomach or a headache, what do you go for?”

Pack those items first.

For Mr. Modak that included vitamins. “I don’t know if you can overdose on vitamins but if so, I’m doing it,” he said from Bulgaria. “I take a multivitamin every morning and chew an Airborne vitamin C tablet, too, on top of that.”

Build your kit

“The worst time to go looking for a pharmacy is after you already need one — and that’s especially true when you’re traveling in an unfamiliar place,” said Ria Misra, the travel editor with Wirecutter , a New York Times Company that reviews and recommends products. That’s why she recommends building your own kit or carefully choosing a prepackaged one.

Traveler’s Medical Service offers recommendations for your kit, listed below; choose the brands that you’ve used in the past. (Traveling internationally is not a great time to test new medication.) Wirecutter recommends packaging a kit in the Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer ; the bag’s roll-up design allows it to pack down significantly.

For travelers short on time, some pre-packed first-aid kits cover the basics. Wirecutter recommends to First Aid Only’s Essentials Kit , which contains the basics needed to clean up minor cuts and relieve pain.

Keep those kits in a carry-on.

Make a checklist

Travelers should create a first aid kit for simple wounds and basic medications to treat stomach issues, colds and allergies. Some products that Traveler’s Medical Service recommends include:

First aid items

Alcohol swabs and liquid disinfectant solution

Bandages: Adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, blister pads and bandage rolls

Topical creams: Antibiotic ointment, antifungal ointments, hydrocortisone cream

Oral rehydration solution for diarrhea or dehydration

Digital thermometer

Lubricating eye drops

Insect repellent

Medications

Antihistamines for allergic reactions and seasonal allergies

Bismuth subsalicylate for nausea, gas and bloating

Laxative/stool softener

Anti-motility medication for severe diarrhea

Cough and cold remedies and lozenges

Pain relievers/fever reducers

Motion sickness medication

Similarly, note any preventive medicines in generic form should you need to restock while traveling.

INSPIRED? Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world , and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter : Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• First-aid kits: Stock supplies that can save lives

A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. Keep at least one first-aid kit in your home and one in your car. Store your kits someplace easy to get to and out of the reach of young children. Make sure children old enough to understand the purpose of the kits know where they're stored.

You can buy first-aid kits at many drugstores or assemble your own. You may want to tailor your kit based on your activities and needs. A first-aid kit might include:

Basic supplies

• Adhesive tape
• Elastic wrap bandages
• Bandage strips and "butterfly" bandages in assorted sizes
• Rubber tourniquet or 16 French catheter
• Nonstick sterile bandages and roller gauze in assorted sizes
• Eye shield or pad
• Large triangular bandage (may be used as a sling)
• Aluminum finger splint
• Instant cold packs
• Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
• Disposable nonlatex examination gloves, several pairs
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Plastic bags, assorted sizes
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
• Scissors and tweezers
• Hand sanitizer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic solution and towelettes
• Eyewash solution
• Thermometer
• Turkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing wounds
• Sterile saline for irrigation, flushing
• Breathing barrier (surgical mask)
• Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
• First-aid manual
• Hydrogen peroxide to disinfect

Medications

• Aloe vera gel
• Calamine lotion
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Cough and cold medications
• Personal medications that don't need refrigeration
• Auto-injector of epinephrine, if prescribed by your doctor
• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)

Consider keeping aspirin in your first-aid kit, as well. Aspirin may be life-saving in an adult with chest pain. If you or someone else has new or unexplained chest pain or may be having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Then chew a regular-strength aspirin. However, don't take aspirin if you are allergic to aspirin, have bleeding problems or take another blood-thinning medication, or if your doctor previously told you not to do so.

Never give aspirin to children.

Emergency items

• Emergency phone numbers, including contact information for your family health care provider and pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers, and the poison help line. There are two ways to get help from Poison Control in the U.S: online at www.poison.org or by calling 1-800-222-1222 . Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
• Medical consent forms for each family member
• Medical history forms for each family member
• Small, waterproof flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
• Waterproof matches
• Small notepad and waterproof writing instrument
• Emergency space blanket
• Cell phone with solar charger
• Insect repellant

Give your kit a checkup

Check your first-aid kits regularly to be sure the flashlight batteries work and to replace supplies that have expired or been used up.

Consider taking a first-aid course through the American Red Cross. Contact your local chapter for information on classes.

Prepare children for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways. The American Red Cross offers a number of helpful resources, including classes designed to help children understand and use first-aid techniques.

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• Stocking a home first aid kit. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/health--safety-tips/home-first-aid-kit. Accessed June 8, 2022.
• Make a first aid kit. American Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html. Accessed June 8, 2022.
• PS, et al., eds. Wilderness preparation, equipment, and medical supplies. In: Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 8, 2022.
• Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 22, 2018.
• Automated external defibrillators: Do you need an AED?
• Emergency essentials: Putting together a survival kit

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The 7 Best Travel First Aid Kits for Unexpected Emergencies [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

790 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3223 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Things to consider in a first aid kit, the 7 best travel first aid kits, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Injuries happen without respect for time or location, and traveling without a first aid kit is asking for trouble.

That’s why it’s important to have a handy and compact first aid kit that includes a wound disinfection component, gauze pads, and adhesive tape to keep the gauze fixed. These elements can help you prevent wound infection if you end up getting a cut while on the move.

To be fully prepared, you need to ensure that your first aid kit is well-equipped, so let’s take a look at what you should look for.

Before buying a first aid travel kit, you should consider a few factors to help you make the right decision. Not every kit is suitable for all types of injuries, so you may have to prioritize.

You should also consider how well the first aid kit fits into your luggage or backpack and whether it has enough space for you to add personal medication .

Finally, the medical pieces included can vary greatly, as some kits mainly consist of gauze pads, while others are filled with items for more serious injuries. Here are some of the main features to consider before buying a first aid kit for traveling.

Compact Size

Every usable travel first aid kit comes with a carrying bag, so consider whether the size of the bag fits into your luggage . It largely depends on the number of items included, as some kits come with 100 medical pieces and others with up to 300.

Bottom Line: To help you decide on your size needs, consider the number of people going on the trip and how long you will be away.

Medical Pieces

There are differences in the contents of each first aid kit, but some items are essential. When buying a first aid kit for traveling, make sure it comes with gauze pads, medical tape, bandages, antiseptics, gloves, trauma dressing, and scissors .

These are just some of the items you can use to disinfect and dress a wound to make sure it’s clean until you get back to your hotel or reach a hospital in the case of more serious wounds.

Number of Pieces

If you are going on a trip for a day or 2, the chances are that basic first aid kits will suffice. However, if you are going on a longer trip, especially with your family or friends, you need to bring a well-equipped kit.

These often include up to 300 pieces in a set and will almost certainly be sufficient for any injury you might suffer. It’s always a good idea to bring a well-equipped kit on trips to faraway destinations — just in case.

If you plan on bringing personal medication in combination with all the medical pieces in a first aid kit, you should put labels on every medication . By doing so, you will prevent confusion if you need to use a certain item in case of an emergency.

Bottom Line: Wherever you’re headed, a first aid kit is part of any list of essentials for camping , hiking , or the beach .

Covering a range of sizes for different lengths of trips, this list includes some of the best medical sets you can use for first aid.

1. Full Travel First Aid Set With 300 Pieces

First aid only all-purpose essentials soft-sided first aid kit.

This set is a complete yet compact travel solution with dimensions suitable for travel at a 9.2-inch length and 7-inch height. The First Aid Only complete first aid kit comes with 300 pieces and only weighs a pound while catering to all sorts of emergencies and smaller injuries .

Because of its size, it’s even a great solution for short trips. It comes with a hygienic medical preservation bag where all the items are stored. The bag also keeps the items inside organized and labeled, so you can easily find whatever you might need.

It fits into a backpack or a travel bag, and some of the most important pieces include adhesive bandages of all sizes, antibiotic ointment, butterfly wound closures, applicators, and gauze pads.

What We Like:

• A compact and complete medical set

What We Don’t Like:

• Doesn’t leave much room for personal medication

2. Complete Medical and Survival Kit for Traveling

Everlit 250 pieces survival first aid kit.

If you are looking for a complete survival set for tackling nature, rather than just a medical first aid kit, the Everlit survival kit is a perfect option. It comes with 250 pieces of medical supplies, including some useful survival kit additions.

It has all the medical essentials like alcohol prep pads, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, safety pins, cotton tips , and cotton balls . You can also find a CPR mask, metal tweezers, scissors, PVC gloves, and other equipment.

As for the survival supplies, there’s a tactical EMT molle bag, disposable poncho, fire starter , tactical flashlight, and a glow stick, in case you plan on spending some time in nature.

• The survival essentials
• The bag might be a bit bulky

3. Small Package First Aid Kit for Short Journeys

Mini first aid kit 110 pieces small first aid kit.

Those in pursuit of a small and compact first aid kit will be surprised at how many essentials can fit into this small package. The mini first aid kit from General Medi has 110 pieces, including some surprising additions like an emergency foil blanket, a CPR respirator, and scissors .

As for the run-of-the-mill medical supplies it contains, there are adhesive plasters, sterile gauze pads, cleaning swabs, a conforming bandage, and a triangular bandage. You can also find alcohol prep pads and antiseptic towelettes among the contents.

The small package made of waterproof nylon with a zip opening ensures that your medical supplies are safe and compact enough for carrying anywhere.

• Small and compact
• No room in the bag for personal medication

4. Mini Kit With 27 Medical Essentials

Coleman all purpose mini first aid kit.

A unique option for those who want only the essentials is the Coleman All Purpose mini first aid kit. This solution comes in a small pack of 0.88 x 3.88 inches, so it can easily fit into any backpack pocket or travel bag storage space.

Despite its tiny size, it provides all the essentials. The kit comes with 27 items, including 2 butterfly bandages, large safety pins, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and 1 razor blade.

This set provides all the basics you might need in case of a small injury, and the embedded cross logo makes it easier to find it in your baggage.

• Its small size
• Limited supplies

5. Mini First Aid Pack With Crush-Resistant Bag

Thriaid mini first aid kit 100 pieces water-resistant hard shell.

If you want a sturdy container for your medical supplies, you can benefit from using the Thriaid mini first aid pack. It comes with a hard-shell carrying bag that’s crush-resistant and water-resistant , so you can feel at ease knowing all your medical essentials are safe.

This pack comes with more than 100 medical necessities for first aid, all inside of a useful bag that can be repurposed. In case of injuries, you can rely on internationally-certified products for wound disinfection and tending.

The contents include disposal gloves, scissors, an antiseptic towelette, different sizes of bandages and gauze pads, and adhesive plasters.

• The crush-resistant shell
• Zipper bag should be sensitively handled

Hot Tip: You may need to check any luggage that contains scissors that are longer than 4 inches from the pivot point. See more details in our guide to the items you can and cannot bring through TSA security .

6. Bandage and Pain Relief Balm Pack

Welly first aid travel kit bravery balm kit.

Welly’s Bravery Balm travel kit includes just enough items for 1 person to use to tend to cuts and abrasions while traveling. The set includes 1 small tin box that’s 4 inches long and 1.7 inches wide, and everything fits right into it.

The pack includes 13 essentials such as Bravery Balm triple antibiotic and pain relief ointment . The Welly set also includes 12 flexible fabric bandages of standard sizes.

• Perfect for solo travel
• Lacks some medical equipment like scissors and gloves

7. Great for Minor First Aid Interventions

Johnson & johnson first aid kit travel size pack.

If you’re looking for a small first aid kit that’s great for minor interventions, this Johnson & Johnson kit likely has just what you need. It’s small enough for traveling and comes in 3 identical small medical packs.

While this set might not be enough for treating major wounds, you can treat small injuries perfectly well. The set comes with 12 pieces in each pack and includes hand cleansing wipes, gauze pads, band-aids, and adhesive plasters . These sets fit into any travel bag for easy portability, even on short trips.

• A carrying bag isn’t included

Your choice of first aid kit all comes down to the type of travel you are planning in terms of the length of your trip and the number of people that will use the kit.

All of the listed options are great for minor interventions, while sets like the First Aid Only 300-piece pack serve as a more comprehensive solution. The size of a kit is also a factor to consider, as you will need one that fits easily into your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a first aid kit.

The most important medical supplies you should have at your disposal while traveling includes gauze pads, bandages, antiseptics, and antibiotic ointment. You might also need medical tape and tweezers. Keep in mind that a first aid kit is only meant to treat minor injuries.

How many items should be in a first aid box?

It depends on your needs, including the length of your trip and the number of people in your group, but they range from 12 pieces to over 300 pieces. You should always opt for a compact kit that still has as many supplies as you need.

Do first aid sets include CPR essentials?

Some better-equipped first aid kits include CPR masks along with regular medical essentials but most mini travel first aid kits do not.

What’s the best first aid travel kit size?

If you are like most travelers, chances are you don’t have much room to spare in your luggage. So look for a compact solution, some of which can fit more than 100 pieces in a bag or case no longer than 10 inches.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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8 essential things you need to keep in your travel medical kit

Your travel medical kit can actually be a life-saver in journey, which is liberating, enriching, and calming.

Every year, millions of individuals venture out to explore foreign lands. If you are a travel enthusiast who is ready to add another sticker to your suitcase, ensure that it says 'travel first aid kit'.

First aid, as the term implies, is the immediate assistance provided to an injured individual while complete healthcare is available. If administered correctly, first aid may make a significant difference.

It can assure a rapid recovery with minimal damage, but if not done correctly, it can be fatal.

Travel medical kit e ssentials

Scissors are required to apply any dressings in the event of an injury or to open medications.

If you plan to travel by air, make sure you avoid putting them in your hand luggage and instead store them in checked-in bags.

Always carry travel insurance to make sure that you are covered for misplaced baggage. If you're busy with other activities, you can easily get travel insurance online from the comfort of your home.

2) COVID-19 essentials

To limit the chance of spreading COVID-19, keep hand sanitizer and additional face masks with you everywhere you go, whether you're travelling or just carrying about your daily routine.

For the greatest results, use basic, unscented hand sanitizer and keep fresh face masks available to replace as needed.

Gauze serves as a versatile medicinal tool. I never keep a first aid box without a bit of gauze within it, and it has come in handy over the years.

A clean incision and a thin film of gauze secured with tape or a bandage with adhesive will usually suffice to afford you time to see a professional.

4) Thermometer

While a person's "normal" body temperature might fluctuate somewhat throughout the course of the day, a sudden increase may suggest an infection or illness.

Having a thermometer can allow you to check yourself or a family member for an elevated temperature and identify what steps you should take next.

5) Insect repellant

Avoiding bites from insects is critical when visiting unfamiliar regions to avoid contracting undetected infections.

This should be included in all medical kits. But stay with tried-and-true insect repellent or patches that the skin of your child is used to.

6) Alcohol swabs

Alcohol swabs can be helpul for cleaning, before applying antibiotic ointment to a lesion and covering it with a bandage.

When not used for skin swabs, they can also be used to sterilise tweezers. Multipurpose items such as alcohol swabs are ideal for the trip's first aid kit.

7) Antiseptic spray

Keeping this dynamic pair in your bag of last-minute first aid supplies prevents minor cuts from becoming major ones.

Cleaning a cut and applying an antibiotic dressing or cream may help to avoid infection. Find a lotion that also soothes pain and/or itching, and you'll address even more difficulties at once.

8) Tweezers

Tweezers are useful for removing foreign things embedded in the skin. They are also effective for removing ticks from pets.

Obviously, you maintain two in that situation. Never forget to sterilise the tweezers before returning them to the box after use. However, be cautious when using it.

Place your first aid kit where it's easy to find. Tell kids how to use supplies and when.

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Her Packing List

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30 days to packing a better bag – day 19: the essential travel medical kit.

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Welcome to Day 19 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag .

Today’s topic is about something that many people overlook when they first start adventuring: the essential travel medical kit . 

We knew we wanted to prepare the essential list for you ladies, but after further inspection, we’ve decided that there are too many variables to be able to give one, finite list.

• Some women may have health issues (chronic allergies perhaps) that require extra medications and cause their medical kit to expand.
• While some ladies might simply be heading across country for a quick 2-week tour of a major city and therefore need hardly any medication.

Since we can’t give you one fail-safe packing list , we decided to give you several recommended items, plus a few tips that can help you minimize what you decide to pack.

You’ll want to put a little time into this task. 

Because a good traveler is always prepared and a well-packed essential travel medical kit can be a lifesaver.

Evaluate Your Medical Needs According to:

Your trip style and destination.

Part of this 30 days project has been for you to recognize your trip style and preferred destinations. This will obviously impact the amount and types of products that will need to go into your medical kit. 

• Taking a road trip to major cities across the USA? Chances are you won’t need to pack much into your medical kit since pharmacies and doctors will be accessible (and understandable). 
• Heading to the remote wilds of Central Asia or Mongolia ? Then you will want to have a mini pharmacy in your bag at all times.
• Going camping and hiking in the wilderness? You’re going to want a good medical kit that can get you by several hours or days should an emergency arise. 
• Traveling to a country where medical treatments and medicine are less regulated? You’ll want to be as prepared as possible, within good reason of course. 
• Heading to a destination where English is not widely spoken? While medicine may be available, you will probably want to lessen the chance of pharmacy or doctor confusion by having some supplies with you for your basic needs. Think colds and female issues.

While packing your essential travel medical kit, make sure you keep these things in mind.

Your Personal Health

Before setting off on your travels, you need to think about your own personal issues and the likelihood that you will need something important in a random country abroad.

• For example, are you a female that gets more frequent UTIs? You better pack some medicine for that. 
• Do you tend to get the dreaded yeasty beast on occasion? Yes, pack medicine for that, too! The last thing you want on your Euro Adventure is to be stuck in a doctor’s office getting your hoo-hah checked out by someone you can barely understand!

Think about the medicine you use on a more frequent basis and make sure you have plenty for your travels.

The Basic Kit

For shorter, city-bound jaunts your travel medical kit might consist solely of some aspirin, Pepto, and band-aids. Here are the items to consider:

Pain pills: For the random headache or hangover. Something like aspirin or acetaminophen. 

Stomach meds: Think Pepto Bismol or Mylanta. Chances are you might have a few extra drinks or servings of delicious food on your travels that may throw your stomach out of whack. Add jet lag, and your stomach might be even more confused.

Band-aids: These are so important for the blisters that so regularly pop up when you’re walking a lot more than normal. Also good for shaving cuts and other random small issues that might be in need of a quick fix.

Birth Control: Whether condoms, pills, or both, you should always be prepared and stay regular.

Vitamins: A good multivitamin can be your best friend when you travel since our diets often go out the window. Combined with added travel stress, time changes, and more public transport use, a vitamin might be just what the doctor ordered.

Extras to Consider

Anti-Diarrhea Meds: For destinations with sketchy food and water. These (think Immodium) can be a lifesaver, but not a cure.

Anti-Itch Cream: For bug bites and small skin reactions. If you’re heading to a mosquito prone destination, this is essential. You might also want to consider packing some bug repellent gear .

Antibiotics: A broad-spectrum antibiotic can cure a slew of ailments while traveling. ONLY take as recommended by a doctor , and not for something like the sniffles or a mild upset stomach. 

Probiotics: The kind that don’t need to be refrigerated. If you’re in a country that can do a number on your stomach or if you have to take antibiotics, then these are a great addition.

Antibacterial Gel: For applying to minor cuts and abrasions. When traveling in less-than-fresh locations, a little antibacterial gel (think Neosporin) can make a huge difference.

Motion Sickness Tablets : For boat rides and long bus rides through the mountains. If you’re prone to motion sickness in general, you may want to keep some in an easy to reach place in your bag for easy access while traveling.

Decongestants: Essential if flying with a stuffy nose.

Electrolyte Replacements: Again, essential in places where you might have stomach issues.

Blister Strips: If you’re doing extra walking or hiking , a blister strip can help alleviate ongoing pain and issues.

Wound Cleaning: Alcohol or iodine swabs, gauze, and medical tape.

Water Tablets: In many locations, it is possible to buy bottled water , but more remote travelers will survive on iodine tablets.

• Take a look at this post for more information: Should I… Pack a Water Purifier?

Altitude Sickness Tablets: Certain mountain destinations, like Everest or Kilimanjaro , can cause altitude sickness if you’re not taking the proper precautions.

Anti-Malarials: Research your destinations in advance so you can be sure to stock up on the correct type of anti-malarial pills. Insect repellent is also important in these destinations.

• Talk to your doctor about travel vaccinations before your trip .

Yeast Infection Treatment: Go for a tablet instead of cream as it will be easier to carry.

Cold/Flu Meds: Only if you don’t think you can get these at your destination.

Allergy Meds: If you suffer from allergies, don’t forget these.

Extras: Tweezers, safety pins, and mini scissors.

Essential Travel Medical Kit Packing Tips

1. Go for tablets over liquids, gels, and creams.  

Pepto tablets over liquid. 

Pain tablets instead of pain cream. 

Antihistamine tablets over cream. 

That way you don’t have to worry about your medical kit contributing to your liquids allowance when traveling carry-on only.

2. Go for sachets and flat-packed tablets instead of tubes and bottles.  

Bottles are the ultimate space-suck.

3. Look for travel size packaging.

Ask your doctor for sample size products that you can take with you on your trip. They will more than likely be enough product but will save you space in your kit.

4. Remove items from boxes or flat-pack boxes to save space.

If your medicine doesn’t have instructions on the individual items, be sure to keep leaflets, or cut out the instructions from the box and secure to medicine with a rubber band. 

ONLY remove items from bigger boxes if they are individually packaged and labeled. Loose pills are a no-no!

5. Store items in the empty space of bottles.

If you must take bottles, use the empty space for individually packed (and labeled!) aspirins and the like.

The Essential Travel Medical Kit: Further Tips

• Only take as much medicine as you will need. For most trips, this is just enough to get by until you’re able to find a pharmacy to replenish.
• Choose multi-purpose alternatives. For example pack one cream that can be used for blisters, cuts, bites, and minor burns rather than packing four separate creams.
• Always visit a travel doctor before big trips. This will ensure you have the knowledge and gear necessary before a trip. It is also important to make sure the medications won’t interact with something else. For example, some antibiotics interfere with birth control pills. These are things you will want to know, ladies.
• Research emergency contact details before you go. Every country has different emergency numbers. This might include medical emergency services, the embassy, an ambulance, etc. Make sure you research these and keep them somewhere you can access easily. Or even better, make sure you memorize the emergency number. 
• Be aware of any legal considerations. Some medications may be restricted in certain countries or may require special documentation.
• Always check the expiry date of the medication in your essential travel medical kit. Before every trip make sure none of your medication is expired. 
• For more tips, take a look at this post: Tips for Packing Medications When You Travel

Take Action: Prepare Your Medical Kit

Think about your trip style , destination , and any medical needs you have before your trip. Also take into account the different situations you might be put into on your travels.

Prepare your ultimate medical kit, starting with the basic kit and adding any extras you may need. Make sure to think about size and space in the process.

Is there anything not here that you can’t travel without? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by Brooke

I run the show at Her Packing List and love packing ultralight. In fact, I once traveled for 3 entire weeks with just the contents of a well-packed 12L handbag . When I'm not obsessing over luggage weight, I'm planning adventures or just snuggling with my pet rabbit, Sherlock Bunz.

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Reader Interactions

September 20, 2013 at 3:24 am

Thanks for this awesome article! I’m notorious for getting some kind of injury while travelling. For example, I’ve had a blockage in my gallbladder, stung by two very large jelly fish at once, fell off a raft and landed on some very hard rocks, got pinned under a tree under the water… The list goes on. However, what do you recommend for a person that is on a lot of different medications? I have a whopping 10 pills I take a day. I was thinking perhaps pouring what I need into zip lock bags and labeling them? I have an AM/PM pill holder, but I don’t think that would be the greatest thing to take in a bag, especially because it pops right open. Nothing like searching through your bag for a pill the size of half your pinkie nail!

September 21, 2013 at 2:51 am

You can buy teeny bags at craft stores and make up as many bags of meds as you have days on the trip. Take a few extra days of course but the bags can be thrown away once used or repurposed and dont take up the space of a pill box.

September 21, 2013 at 6:54 pm

I have done that exact thing myself! Mini plastic bags can be a lifesaver! Plus you can suck all the extra air out. 🙂

October 5, 2013 at 2:47 pm

Hi…just wondering if there are requirements in regards to medications being in original,labelled packaging when travelling internationally? I am heading off on a 6 month backpacking trip so I have to take quite a lot with me (daily med, pill, vitamins, anti-malarial, and other meds as mentioned for headaches, stomach upsets etc)….so I’m worried about how much room this will take up!!

October 7, 2013 at 10:54 am

As a general rule, you need to have pills in their original packaging. So, if you pick up some antimalarials from the doctor, they should stay in that bottle and labeled (ask your pharmacist for a smaller bottle if possible). You should also have prescriptions/notes with those types of medications. For things like pain pills, etc., go with things that are individually packed and labeled… like pepto bismol tablets that are packed in tear-off sheets and are clearly labeled on each as pepto. Any pill sheets are going to be easier to pack than bulky bottles. If traveling to destinations where maybe certain medications might not be legal, check with your embassy. Take only as much as you think you’ll need. If traveling to fairly Western destinations, you will most likely be able to pick up extra headache meds, stomach meds and vitamins as you go.

October 7, 2013 at 11:56 am

Thanks Brooke! I had read that info about the doctor’s note regarding medications and I just wasn’t sure how much I could cut down on the packaging for my medication (putting more strips into one box). I am heading to numerous countries in South America and also to the USA. We leave in just over two weeks and the reality has set in and I am starting to get stressed! Hahahaha

By the way…I LOVE this site and wish I had found it months ago when I first started packing!!! Keep up the fantastic work!!

January 3, 2014 at 11:00 pm

Great article! I unpack all of my meds and then bundle them together using my hair ties – when I’m finished my meds I have spare hair ties to use to replace the ones I loose along the way!

January 22, 2014 at 4:30 am

One thing that a lot of people forget to bring is Benadryl/allergy meds. While traveling in a different country or even a different city you are around different areas, foods, etc. I didn’t know I had a sudden allergic reaction to ginger until it would have been too late. Luckily I had Benadryl in my purse and I was able to take that before my throat closed all the way up. This is a NEED if you are going anywhere, it could save your life!!

April 15, 2019 at 4:26 pm

This is so true! I had a weird allergy in a field camp and got a rash, didn’t have any allergy medication and I was saved by some flu pills that had antihistamines. After that I always carry Benadryl. Also, I got a weird allergy to fungus and spores and cannot stop sneezing, need to prepare for that too. I am planning a long term trip to Africa and adding all this super useful info.

March 2, 2014 at 3:11 pm

If I can’t take my meds in their original packaging, like when it’s a huge pill bottle or the long gone boxes my epi pens & inhalers came in, a week our so before I leave I ask my pharmacy to print out a bottle label for each prescription I’m taking. That way if a TSA agent needs proof that at it’s my med, I’ve got it.

July 19, 2014 at 7:04 pm

Thanks for your wonderful, helpful website. Great ideas for a chronic overpacker. I spend three to four months in one location every year, so I’m basically living wherever I happen to be, however, as a renter, I can’t leave a permanent stash, but must pack afresh for each trip.

I bring an assortment of cream medicines, such as anti-itch, muscle relaxant, antifungal, antibacterials in contact lense cases. Squeeze an amount into one of the little cups, close it up and using an indelible pen ( Sharpie ), print the name of the medicine either on the face or bottom of the container. Even liquids such as Betadine or a veggie wash can be put in these. They’re sturdy and for extra safety, can be sealed in a ziplock sandwich, or even a snack size zip bag. I even use these for prescription creams (rosacea), but I haven’t crossed any iffy borders into third world countries. I do take photos of my Rx’s and keep those on my ipad. I’ve rarely needed to purchase a larger size at a pharmacy, but at least I have enough for an urgent moment until I can get more.

June 11, 2015 at 3:05 pm

A hard-earned tip: Don’t assume you’ll be able to get the same OTC drugs you did at home just because you’re traveling to a big western city. I got a cold/flu my first few days on a trip to Germany and had to haul my butt out to the local Apotheke, where they’d only give me ineffective herbal remedies. (No disrespect to effective herbals, but these did not help.)

Now I keep a small pouch filled with Nyquil, Dayquil, and other OTCs from home so I can hunker down with remedies that I know work instead of having to hunt while sick for something that just might help. Experiment with foreign shampoo and snacks, not medications!

July 18, 2015 at 2:47 pm

My travels are to places without doctors or chemists so I need to take something for all potential occurrences. For sheer space saving – I use the tiny snack sized zip locks – about a third the size of a lunch one. i keep all pills in blister packs and I cut out the box showing the name and the prescription sticker. I label the bags – tummy, pain, allergy, colds. I get my doc to prescribe me several types of broad spectrum high dose antibiotics – pack of 3 pills for one per day so small to back. sachets of cranberry UTI and orange electrolytes are a mainstay. Super useful find lately has been stick on hot and cold packs. Lovely slimline ones that stay hot or cold for up to 8 hours in situations where you cant access an icepack or heat pack. The two hot ones I have tried are Hotteze and Nurofen from chemists, and cold ones were a Migraine Cool and Soothe which I found in the Post Office. All are small flat and compact to tuck into a slimline first aid bag. I tossed out most of the creams and potions and stick with Lucas Paw Paw for just about everything.

September 16, 2015 at 6:00 pm

It is important to include the expiration information on any medications you pack away from their original packaging. Some blister packs include the expiration date with each pill (which is great!), but some do not. So if you are cutting out only part of the original box, include the expiration date.

I keep ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc. pills in little 6 compartment box I found at Target years ago. I write the name of the pill on the cover, even though by now I know them by sight. Since the pills are loose, whenever the bottle they come from expire and I buy a new bottle, I dump out the old ones in my pill box and replace them with pills from the new bottle. That way, I know the pills are always good.

August 5, 2017 at 2:39 am

Thanks for the article and all the helpful tips.

I do have one point. Why would you take antibiotics? How often do you need them every 5-10 years? In the US they seem to prescibe antibiotics for everything. If you have a virus it won’t do a thing. Plus it will do a number on healthy gut bacteria. Which is not helpful if you are abroad. And if you do not take the whole package in x number of days you help bacteria to become more resistant. People have died recently because antibiotics don’t work anymore. This is a secious issue! Look up podcasts from the house call doctor on quick and dirty tips. She is a real doctor and has also some podcasts about travelling and medication. But look up the one on antibiotics!

@Robin I’m sorry you didn’t get anything that worked. In Germany and the Netherlands and probably other countries you only get over the counter medication. You need to see a doctrine for a prescription. Even if you have taken it before. They are not allowed to give it to you. In the Netherlands it’s best to go to a normal doctor because it’s faster.

February 5, 2018 at 10:02 am

You bring antibiotics on a trip because you may get a bacterial infection that might not clear up in its own. If you are a long way from medical help, this can turn into an emergency situation. Certainly no one should be taking antibiotics for a case of the sniffles but antibiotics are a must when it comes to severe traveller’s diarrhea, some sinus infections, infected cuts/scapes/wounds, seriius animal bites/stings.

December 28, 2018 at 8:25 am

I have a long list of documented/genetic chronic diagnoses, several rare disorders, and immunodeficiencies (my PCP told me I’m “overqualified” for disability/SSDI). I LOVE to travel but need to be prepped for any issues that arise – including chronic infections that have landed me in the hospital. My primary care and travel docs always make sure I take along a course of antibiotics in case an issue arises – like a kidney infection or significant gut issue. In spite of being verrry careful about what I consume, I ended up with cryptosporidium that went on for 6 mo and nearly killed me. My husband has a god-like immune system – his crypto lasted 3 days. Canapple makes very valid points. PS – this site is awesome.

September 19, 2017 at 11:26 am

I just returned from hiking Inca Trail (Peru) where I got travelers diarrhea along the trek. Azithromycin is the new recommended antibiotic rather than cipro. You might want to verify this through travel medicine doctor. Also, I like the electrolyte chews. They are heavier but contain some sugar and are easier on the stomach if you are really sick and need to stay moving on the trail.

December 28, 2017 at 2:45 pm

Great packing list! I am looking forward to a 3 month trek through South America in a few days and putting together a med kit right now. I want to really caution readers against Cipro as a cure-all antibiotic. Cipro is one of the hardest hitting antibiotics that is prescribed orally and in almost all cases the equivalent of bringing an uzi to a knife fight. If you want to bring an antibiotic, choose a more mild one, or purchase one at a local pharmacy.

[…] Aid Kit– Assemble a basic first aid kit for your trip, which should include bandages, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, burn cream and […]

[…] First-aid kit – Be sure to bring medicine that treats diarrhea, nausea and headaches, and keep the first in your purse/pocket at all times. Bad food can hit you quick, and it can hit you hard. Don’t be that person stuck in a squat toilet, weeping, calling their friends to find them more toilet paper. […]

[…] you’re not someone who travels with an extensive first aid kit, you can still find remedies for your afflictions by purchasing medicines in your destination or […]

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

• General Travel Health Advice

Advice on First Aid

• Basic First Aid Kit

Travelling with Medication

Medications, medical alert jewellery.

• Water Purification
• Insect Bite Avoidance

Accessing medical care during travel can prove challenging in some countries, it is therefore advisable to carry appropriate first aid kits.

A good first aid kit can help you self-manage basic health problems and help avoid buying potentially dangerous medications abroad.

Basic First Aid Kits

The contents of any first aid kit should be tailored to your individual itinerary, taking into consideration the type of travel you are undertaking, your destination, the duration and any existing medical conditions you have.

Basic First Aid:

• first aid quick reference card
• disposable latex-free exam gloves
• adhesive plasters in assorted sizes
• hydro-colloid blister plasters
• adhesive first aid tape
• elasticated bandage wrap for sprains and strains
• steri-strips
• cotton swab.
• antiseptic and antibacterial (to prevent infection) such as iodine or alcohol based preparations
• saline sachets to wash out wounds
• aloe Vera gel for treatment of minor burns
• topical corticosteroids for symptomatic relief of bites, stings and other skin irritations
• thermometer
• if undertaking remote or high risk travel then consider taking sterile equipment such as: lancets, assorted syringes, needles, IV Cannula, dental needle*

*Note all sharp items should be carried in checked baggage to avoid being confiscated by airport or airline security if packed in carry-on bags.

Advanced Medical Kits:

If you are venturing to remote or extreme areas, you may wish to consider carrying a more advanced medical kit and/or customised kit based on your specific travel needs. There are many companies that can assist you in preparing advance or customised medical kits and the following list of companies is not exhaustive: 

• All medication should be kept in original packaging regardless of whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter purchases, this helps keep medications easily identifiable for officials at ports of entry.
• If you have existing medical conditions ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip and additional supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended. 
• Consult the healthcare practitioner managing your existing medical condition before travel, they are usually best placed to advise about medication management.
• Carry copies of all prescriptions, including generic drug names; this may help you to replace medications in the event they are lost or stolen.  

For detailed information on travelling with medicines please refer to the  Travelling with Medicines  advice page.

• Adequate supply of regular medication (for duration of trip and additional in case trip unexpectedly extended).
• If you have a history of severe allergic reaction carry Epinephrine auto-injectors; these should always be carried on one’s person in case immediate treatment is required. This products often have a short expiry date.
• If required, antimalarial tablets. For detailed information please see the  Malaria  advice page.
• Anti-histamines for symptomatic treatment of mild or moderate allergic reactions; consider both oral and topical preparations. Oral anti-histamines may also be used to treat motion-sickness.
• Painkillers to treat pain and/or fever such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin (providing there is no medical reason for you to avoid these drugs).
• Travel, unfamiliar diet and change in routine can upset the digestive system; a supply of mild laxatives for treating constipation and antacids for treating indigestion can prove useful.
• Medication to manage travellers diarrhoea; oral rehydration salts for hydration, anti-diarrhoeal agents for symptom management of mild and moderate diarrhoea.
• If required, medication to prevent or treat altitude illness. For detailed information please see the  Altitude and Travel  advice page.

Antibiotics

Unless travelling to a remote area where medical facilities are difficult to access antibiotics should not be part of a first aid kit.

• Antibiotic resistance is widespread globally, and local knowledge of the correct antibiotic treatment to use is important.
• Antibiotics use increases the chances of resistant bacteria establishing in your gut, which you may bring back to the UK and spread to others. It is important that antibiotics are only used when strictly required.

If you have a hidden medical condition, such as allergies or diabetes, consider wearing medical alert jewellery.

Water Purification:

Water can contain not only visible debris and harmful microorganisms, but also chemical pollutants. Water should only be drunk if its purity is known. This also applies to water used for making ice cubes and cleaning teeth. For detailed information please see:

Insect Bite Avoidance:

Insects can transmit dangerous disease causing parasites, viruses and bacteria between humans or from animals to humans. For detailed information about how to avoid insect bites please see:

• Insect Bite Avoidance 

Sun Protection:

Some sun exposure - below the level of sunburn - can be beneficial through helping your body create vitamin D and promoting feelings of general well being. However, excessive sun exposure is associated with:

• skin cancer
• photosensitive rashes
• aggravation of existing conditions such as rosacea and eczema
• premature skin ageing

For detailed information about sunscreens please see:

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Travel health kit

Why should i take a health kit when travelling.

A basic travel health kit is important no matter where you travel. First aid supplies and medications may not always be readily available in other countries or may be different from those available in Canada.

A good travel health kit contains enough supplies to prevent illness, handle minor injuries and illnesses, and manage pre-existing medical conditions for longer than the duration of your trip.

What should I pack in my travel health kit?

Basic first aid items.

It is essential to know how and when to use the first aid supplies in your kit. You may consider taking a first aid course before you travel.

You may want to include:

• Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes) and adhesive tape
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Antiseptic wound cleanser (for example, alcohol or iodine pads)
• Blister pads or moleskin
• Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
• Packets of  oral rehydration salts
• Safety pins and scissors
• Tensor bandages for sprains
• Thermometer
• Tweezers for removing ticks, splinters etc.

Travelling with medications

Discuss the use of medications with your health care provider before departure and carefully follow the directions for use, including dosage and when to seek medical care. Bring more than enough medication to last your entire trip . Consult our Travelling with medications and What you can bring on a plane pages for more information.

Here is a basic list of medications to be included in your travel health kit:

• Any prescription or over-the-counter medication you normally use
• 1% hydrocortisone cream to treat minor skin irritation, such as itching caused by bug bites or poison ivy
• Allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, or epinephrine prescribed by your doctor, such as an Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®)
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Anti-motion sickness medication
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams to apply to wounds to prevent infection.
• Cold and flu  medications, such as decongestants, cough suppressants or throat lozenges
• Pain and fever medication, such as acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., Aspirin®), ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®), or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®)
• Stomach and intestinal medication, such as antacids and laxatives
• If recommended, destination-specific medication, like those for malaria or high-altitude sickness
• If you need to use needles or syringes, take more than enough to last for your entire trip and carry a medical certificate from your health care provider explaining that the needles or syringes are for medical use.

Other items

You may include these items depending on personal preference, destination, and activities:

• Aloe gel for sunburns
• Adequate supply of condoms
• Ear plugs to reduce noise or stop contaminated water from entering the ear canal
• Extra pair of glasses or contacts (or a copy of your prescription)
• Insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin
• Mosquito net
• Saline eye drops
• Water purification filter or tablets

Contact card

Carry a card with the following information in case of a medical emergency:

• Name, address, and phone number of a family member or friend in Canada
• Name and phone number of your health care provider in Canada
• Address and phone number of your accommodations at your destination(s)
• Address and phone number of hospitals or clinics at your destination(s)
• Address and phone number of the Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission in your destination country/countries (you might also consider carrying the  Emergency Contact Card )
• Emergency contact phone number from your travel health insurance provider

Before you go, don’t forget to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and stay connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or at home. 

Proof of your insurance coverage

Always carry proof of your health insurance coverage when travelling. Consult our page on travel insurance for more information. 

Immunization record

Carry a copy of your immunization record in your travel health kit. Include your original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis  for yellow fever, if you have one.

For a printer-friendly travel health kit checklist, click here .

• Sickness or injury
• Insect bite prevention
• Travelling with medication
• Receiving medical care outside Canada
• Travel insurance
• Vaccination
• What you can bring on a plane
• Tips for healthy travel

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Make a First Aid Kit

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A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies:

• Keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car.
• Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one.
• Find out the location of first aid kits where you work.

First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. Your local drug store may sell them. You can also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating.

Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need:

• Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.
• Check the kit regularly.
• Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) 
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), also found within our Family First Aid Kit 
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) 
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) 
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets 
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) 
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) 
• 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) 
• 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads 
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)  
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages 
• Emergency First Aid instructions

Get Prepared for Emergencies

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What’s in your Travel Medical Kit?

Some time ago, we recommended preparing for a personal medical emergency with a travel medical portfolio , but a new publication by Charles E. Davis, M.D., called The International Traveler’s Guide to Avoiding Infections (Johns Hopkins University Press) recently caught our eye.

In this book, Dr. Davis recommends travelers pack a travel medical kit appropriate for their trip. For example, what you take in your travel medical kit if you’re heading overseas for a month is different than what you’ll take when you’re going across state lines for a weekend getaway. It also depends on what type of trip you are taking.

Pack these in your travel medical kit as a minimum

These are the bare minimums travelers should carry in their travel medical kits:

• Prescription medications that are taken daily (in the original containers)
• Favorite over-the-counter meds needed for common maladies (headaches, indigestion, etc.)
• Antibiotics for preventing infection and antiseptic wipes
• Loperamide for self-treatment of traveler’s diarrhea
• Oral rehydration solution packs for treating severe dehydration
• Moleskin, bandages, triple antibacterial cream, and topical anti-fungal cream
• Digital thermometer (less easy to break during travel)
• Insect repellent (with 30-50% DEET)
• Sunscreen and sunburn treatment (like a gel with aloe vera)
• Basic medical info (more on that later)
• Disposable syringes, suture, and needle kit

That last item startled us too, but in some developing countries, sterilized medical supplies aren’t as commonly available as they are in the U.S.

As a result, needles and syringes are reused, which puts you at risk of contracting hepatitis B and C, HIV and other serious infections. Before heading to a foreign destination, visit a traveler’s medical clinic back home and request or buy a small sterile packet containing these items. If you are taken to a medical treatment facility on your trip, insist that those items are used.

What’s my basic medical info?

Consider being redundant about this particular bit, meaning you should have a few copies of this information for each traveler in your group: one in your suitcase, one in your money belt , and one in your travel medical kit.

• Name, phone number, and email address of your primary care physician and travel doctor
• Health insurance company name, identification number, and phone number
• Travel insurance company name, identification number, and phone number
• Names and dosages of each medication you are taking, including anti-malarials (copies of your prescriptions are a good idea because you may be able to get replacement medications if yours fall overboard on a river cruise, for instance)
• List of allergies and any current or chronic illnesses
• The address and phone number of a hospital or clinic you identified ahead of time that are within the vicinity of your travel destination

Come to think of it, it’s probably good to have this information in your wallet back home!

Pack these in your travel kit if you’re an adventurous traveler

In addition to those items listed as minimums, and depending on your trip, pack these items as well:

• If headed to remote areas where mosquito-borne disease are common, carry mosquito netting to sleep beneath. How do you know whether to pack this? Check the destination-specific current health reports from the CDC for information.
• If headed to a region where malaria is common, pack anti-malarial medications.
• If headed to a region where the tap water may not be pure, take water purification tablets or a water purification device. See Safe Drinking Water Tips for Travelers for details.
• If you’re a woman, consider taking medication for yeast infections, especially if you’ll be taking doxycycline for malaria.
• Benadryl and an epinephrine pen for severe allergic reactions to previously unencountered insect bites and stings
• Pain relievers and antacids
• Eye drops for dryness and eye drops to eye infections
• Latex gloves (to wear when treating wounds)
• Tweezers (for tick removal)
• Sterile bandages and scissors
• Antiseptic soap such as Betadine
• Butterfly closures and/or safety pins

A few more tips for safe travel

All of the above will help increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trip, and even make the difference for someone who is less prepared. The following are additional tips for a safe trip:

• Wear your medical bling – any bracelet or pendant you normally wear to indicate a medical condition should be worn while traveling too.
• Keep your prescription meds in their original containers. It’s tempting to put them into plastic zipper bags to save packing space, but if a security or customs agents suspects it might be something other than what it is, you could wind up in jail in some countries.
• Know that AIDS medications may cause you to be denied entry in some country. Plan ahead by finding out whether the area you are visiting has restrictions (St. Vincent and the Grenadines do). See the travel.state.gov site for country-specific entry requirements.
• Given the high number of HIV/AIDS and STD cases in some regions, carry and use condoms.
• Keep your travel medical kit with you in your carry-on. If your baggage goes missing, you may need it.
• Visit your doctor before you travel overseas or to a remote region of the world. See the Top Reasons to See Your Doctor Before You Travel for additional information.
• Know what to do if You Get Sick or Injured while Traveling
• Watch out for Counterfeit Drugs while you’re traveling

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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Travel medical kit checklist

by myDr | Ear Nose and Throat Health , Health Insurance , Travel Health

Use this checklist as a guide to things you may need in your medical kit when travelling – you may need less or more, depending on the activities you may undertake, and the remoteness of the area you visit.

Think about the area you are visiting and what may or may not be available there. Some careful planning and packing before your trip can avoid any wasted time, inconvenience or worse while you’re away.  Check with your doctor or travel clinic for advice if you aren’t sure what you may need to keep your travels safe and healthy.

• Analgesic (pain relief) medicine such as paracetamol or aspirin.
• Antihistamine tablets for bites, stings or allergies.
• Cold and flu tablets.
• Cough medicine.
• Motion sickness tablets.
• Throat lozenges or drops.
• Antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds or bites.
• Antiseptic ointment to apply to a wound.
• Blister and wound patches, such as sticking plasters.
• Medical adhesive tape, e.g. Micropore.
• Wound dressings , e.g. a crepe bandage, gauze swabs and OpSite, and Steristrips, which can often take the place of stitches.
• Safety pins, scissors and tweezers (you may not be allowed to carry these in your cabin luggage).
• Insect repellent containing DEET (diethyl toluamide).
• Sting relief solution, e.g. Stingose (aluminium sulfate).
• Diarrhoea medicine, e.g. Imodium (loperamide).
• Mild laxative, for constipation.
• Antacid for indigestion.
• Antifungal or antibacterial cream.
• Low potency hydrocortisone cream.
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement powder or tablets, e.g. Gastrolyte or HYDRAlyte.
• Eye lubricant drops.
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30+).
• Thermometer (a forehead thermometer is best for travel as it doesn’t break or run out of batteries).
• Health insurance card.

Other items you should think about taking, depending on your individual needs and your destination, include:

• Regular prescription medicines, which should be kept in their original containers with clear labels and carried in your hand luggage when travelling. You should also take a letter from your doctor stating the names of the medicines, the dose and that they are for your personal use, plus a copy of your prescriptions, written using the generic name of the drug to avoid confusion with trade names in foreign countries. Some countries may not let visitors bring in certain medicines, so you may wish to check first with the embassy or consulate in Australia, before you go. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has information on travelling with medicines.
• Medical equipment you use regularly, such as sterile syringes and needles.
• Spare pair of glasses or your eye prescription.
• Condoms, birth control pills, or other contraceptives.
• Water purifying tablets.
• A mosquito-proof bed net.
• Hand sanitiser or wipes.
• Digital thermometer.
• Sterile syringes.
• First aid reference.

Prescription medicines for travel-related conditions

Travel to developing countries, remote areas, tropical climates and high altitudes increases your risk of certain conditions that you would not encounter at home or during travel to developed temperate-climate countries. Many of these conditions are treated or avoided by taking prescription medicines. So, apart from taking your regular prescription medicines with you, as described above, your doctor or travel clinic may suggest some of the following:

• Altitude sickness medicines.
• Antibiotics for certain intestinal infections or for serious respiratory infection.
• Malaria prevention tablets.

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• Handwashing
• Hand Hygiene as a Family Activity
• Hand Hygiene FAQs
• Handwashing Facts
• Publications, Data, & Statistics
• Health Promotion Materials
• Global Handwashing Day
• Clean Hands and Spaces: Handwashing and Cleaning in Educational Facilities
• Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign
• Clinical Safety
• Healthcare Training
• Clean Hands Count Materials

About Handwashing

• Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.
• Handwashing with soap is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Why it's important

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people when you:

• Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
• Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them
• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people's hands or common objects

Key times to wash hands

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

How it works

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Follow these five steps every time.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds . Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

Use hand sanitizer when you can't use soap and water

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

What you can do

CDC has health promotion materials to encourage kids and adults to make handwashing part of their everyday lives.

• Share social media graphics and messages.
• Print stickers and place clings on bathroom mirrors.
• Promote handwashing on or around Global Handwashing Day , celebrated each year on October 15.
• Distribute fact sheets to share information about hand hygiene for specific audiences.
• Frequent Questions About Hand Hygiene
• Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
• The Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign

Clean Hands

Having clean hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others.

For Everyone

Health care providers.