How To Make A Reasonable Travel First Aid Kit

Like many travelers, I have the tendency to over pack, especially when it comes to first aid kits.

It’s probably an indication of my travel anxiety. Over time, however, I have streamlined my first aid equipment. As it turns out, it’s unlikely that you will need gauze and icepacks, unless you’re rock-climbing and such. For standard travel, what I find most useful are the medications taken for upset stomachs due to new cuisine and changes to one’s circadian rhythm, those taken for sudden colds and sinus infections, and those for migraines and headaches. Most medicines abroad are much milder than American brands and may not be as effective. So I highly suggest packing a reasonable kit just in case you get sick.

Step 1: Gather the Materials

Small plastic bags
Cute makeup bag/toiletries pouch
Travel-sized case of Q-tips
Cotton balls
Band aids
Travel-sized tissue pouch
Antiseptic towelettes
Travel-sized hand sanitizer
Tweezers
Small scissors
Thermometer

Medications (generic versions are fine):

Benadryl (sleep aid and allergies)
Claritin (non-drowsy allergy treatment for the day)
Tylenol/ Advil (pain relief and fever reducer)
Neosporin (to kill bacteria on cuts and blisters)
Pepto Bismol/ Immodium (for upset stomach, diarrhea)
Antacid tablets (heartburn from stress and before/after a heavy meal)
Mucinex (decongestant for sinus infections and ear fluid from planes)
IcyHot cream (for sore muscles from carrying heavy luggage for hours)
Cough drops
Eye drops (dry eyes and irritation)

Extras for tropical areas:

Aloe vera and/or coconut oil to soothe sunburns and bites
Itching cream
Extras for less developed areas:
Surgical masks (dust, pollution, crowded and possibly dirty areas)
Probiotic capsules (live bacteria culture for stomach health)
Rehydration tablets (to recover electrolytes and fluids from traveler’s diarrhea)
Multivitamin
Cipro for food poisoning

Extras for women:

For those susceptible to yeast infections, ask your doctor for fluconazole single-dose tablets, which will fix you up in a day so you can enjoy your trip.

For UTIs, ask your doctor for cephalexin or amoxicillin.

For Longer Trips:

If you’re going abroad for more than 4 weeks, it may be a good idea to ask your doctor for an emergency Z-Pak or some other line of antibiotics that will kill any infections incurred over your stay.

Step 2: Organize and Pack

Empty the medication bottles and boxes and place a reasonable amount of each type of pill in its own plastic bag.
Use a sharpie to write each medication’s name and any special instructions (such as dosage, or to take it with food or a full glass of water) on the bag to avoid confusion.
Put the tweezers, thermometer, and scissors in a bag to keep them clean.
Repeat this process with Q-tips, cotton balls, and any other equipment that requires protection.
Label an index card with the name and phone numbers of American doctors in the vicinity you will be visiting and the contact information of your physician back home.
Secure everything in your pouch and insert into suitcase.

Drisana Misra

Originally from Mountain Brook, AL, Drisana can't travel without a compilation of short stories. Her secret travel tip is, "Write down every reflection, no matter how stupid and even if you think you’ll remember it later."