Taking care of your health is necessary, especially when traveling. Stay safe and healthy with these health travel kit items.
In this article:
Pack Smart with This Travel Health Kit Checklist
Important Items to Bring in Your Travel Kit
Be it on a leisure journey or business trip, and it is important to carry your travel kit with you in case of sickness or emergencies. Some medicines and supplies might not be available in remote areas, so it is necessary to be prepared.
In some instances, traveling to another country may bring challenges such as unfamiliar medicine brands and language barriers when communicating about your sickness or injuries. Special needs also come when traveling with infants and kids.
The following are organized items to pack in your travel kit for a smooth sailing trip:
First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit at home is just as necessary as in travel. You’ll never know when slight injuries or emergencies happen, so a well-packed kit can go a long way.
Here are some items you can include in your first aid travel kit:
- Plasters
- Gauze dressings
- Bandages
- Band-Aid
- Disposable sterile gloves
- Medical tape or surgical tape
- Small scissors
- Safety pins
- Tweezers
- Alcohol
- Thermometer
- Skin rash cream
- Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
- Antiseptic cream
- Painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen
- Antihistamine cream or tablets
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Eyewash and eye bath
Maintenance Drugs and Over the Counter Medications
Maintenance drugs must be taken consistently, even while on travel, so these are essential to include in your kit. Every person has specific prescription medications to bring in with them. Here are some medicines to give you some idea:
- Asthma inhaler
- Insulin
- Heart disease and blood pressure medications
- Rheumatism medicines
- Allergies
- Contraceptives
- Over the Counter Medications:
- Antidiarrheal such as Immodium
- A mild laxative, constipation relief pills
- Motion sickness medications
- Antacids
- Mild sedative or sleep aid
- Pain relievers
- Cough or flu medicines
General Needs
You may want to include the following depending on your preference:
- Sunblock
- Insect Repellent
- Contact lens and contact lens solution
- Aloe gel for sunburns
- Earplugs
- Sunglasses
- Condoms
Guidelines on How to Pack your Travel Kit
Here are some basic guidelines to help you personalize your travel kit:
Think About Your Travel Destination
Your travel destination may determine how much you have to pack. It could also give you an idea of the possible medical emergencies you might encounter as well as the availability of your needs in the area. If you are traveling to a city, pharmacies could be everywhere. On the other hand, beach and mountainous destinations may lack that convenience, so it is best to pack accordingly.
Check for the Nearest Clinic or Pharmacy in Your Travel Destination
Preparedness is the key! Sometimes no matter how much you pack, some sickness requires medical attention. Search for the nearest hospital or pharmacy in advance.
Know Where to Find Your First Aid Kit
Injuries may come at any moment, so it is vital to know where to find your emergency kit. Try not to mix it up with your prescription medications and other drugs, or if so, try to organize them. You may put it in a separate bag or box that could be easily identified as a first aid kit.
Review Travel Rules and Restrictions
Most airlines allow limited amounts (100 milliliters or less) of liquids, aerosols, creams, and gels in carry-on bags—this one thing you may consider when packing sunblock, cosmetics, or contact lens solution. If you are on a short vacation, you may opt to pack these in separate travel bottles or put them in your checked baggage. Exemptions include medications and infant and child nourishments.
Divide Your Supplies and Bring Extra
Lost luggage commonly occurs during travel, especially when by plane. Your first instinct might tell you that putting your meds in your luggage is a good idea, but having extra supplies in your carry on is a better one and can save you, especially if you are on maintenance drugs. Besides, having extra doses with you could be very helpful in case of extended stays or delayed flights.
Traveling is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Be prepared for your trip with first aid kits, other medications, and items you need for personal use. Special needs are required for specific illnesses, and the same goes for traveling with infants and kids.
Which item do you think is the most important to include in your travel kit? Let us know in the comments section below.
