The first aid and medications you pack for a trip, especially when traveling overseas, are often overlooked. That’s why you should always carry a first-aid kit on your trip.
My first-aid kit is always ready to travel with, so I don’t have to think twice about it when packing. There might be other items you need based on where you are traveling and what activities you will be participating in, but this first-aid kit packing list covers the basics.
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Most aches and pains that may arise during your travels can be handled with these everyday remedies.
- Antihistamine
- Antacid tablets
- Hydration pills or electrolyte replenishers
- Cold relief medicine
- Sleep aid or Melatonin
- Motion sickness relief
- Activated Charcoal
- Muscle relaxer
Emergency
For minor bumps and bruises, make sure you have these emergency first aid supplies in your medical kit.
- Gauze pads
- Various-sized bandages
- Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes
- First aid balm or sting relief, anti-itch cream, & antibiotic cream
Other
From treating splinters to sunburns, these miscellaneous items are must-haves in your travel first aid kit.
First-Aid Kit Tips
- Go to your nearest school supply section of your favorite store and look for a small container or purchase this TSA Approved Travel Toiletry Bag. You can also purchase a travel first aid kit from Amazon and build from there.
- Your luggage should always include activated charcoal.
- Activated Charcoal: You travel someplace exotic, drinking only bottled water, avoiding ice in your drinks, and resisting most of the delicious-smelling street food, but you forget to brush with bottled water. Oops! And here comes the stomach bug. Each of us has experienced it at one time or another. It works. Sadly, I had to take some when vacationing in Bali.
- If you are going to separate your medication from its container, make sure to label the container you are placing it in.
- Prescription medications should always be kept separate from other medications.
- Plan what over-the-counter medications you are going to take based on the type of trip. Example: If you are going to Costa Rica, you may need some anti-itch cream if you get bitten by an insect. Taking a cruise then make sure to take some motion sickness pills.
- A natural balm like GREEN GOO First Aid. It relieves insect bites, rashes, cuts, sunburn, blisters, poison ivy, and more.
- You can also purchase some Bio Freeze Pain Relieving Gel. It’s great for aches and pains
- Bandages of various sizes are a must. If you get a blister it can help provide some protection.
- Sunscreen is also a must. If you want to experience sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white streak on your face, check out Black Girl Sunscreen.
- 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 or go to your state’s website and download a digital copy. This feature is not accessible in all states, if this is the case for you, then take a picture of your vaccination card. You may want to upload a copy to the cloud as well. Taking a COVID test can be costly. We just came from South Africa and some of our travelers were charged $80 for each test… Yikes!
- Remember to pack extra face masks if you plan on visiting a destination or attending an event where masking is required.
- Download our FREE First-Aid Travel Checklist so you never forget what to pack.
