How To Create Your Own First Aid Kit For Travel

My guide to creating a first aid kit with all the essential medications to keep you happy and healthy while traveling!

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Do you really need to carry a travel first aid kit?

Well, imagine this: the day has finally come, you’re seated on a plane on your way to your dream destination. As you sit in your seat your excitement is almost palpable. You’re just hours away from enjoying a trip of a lifetime. All you want to do is think of strolling down the beautiful cobblestone streets and sipping cocktails in the sun.

*COUGH*COUGH*

All of a sudden, that noise brings you back to reality. The person sitting across the aisle from you continues to cough. It sounds as if they must be suffering from what you can only imagine is a highly unpleasant illness. Unfortunately, you have another 6 hours of sitting just inches away from Mr. or Mrs. Coughs-A-Lot.

*sigh*

I know I can’t be the only one who has lived this very scenario on many occassions! Your fellow traveler is not at fault for their illness, but it does not make it any less unpleasant.

The truth is, colds, flu, food poisoning, and other illnesses are a part of life. We can’t plan around them in advance because we are going on vacation.

That is why being prepared and having a thorough first aid kit is an incredible necessary part of planning for a trip.

For purposes of keeping things simple, when I say “first aid kit” I mean more than just bandages and disinfectant. I am including all different types of medications necessary to keep you healthy while traveling.

I have learned the hard way that medications are not necessarily the same around or as readily available for purchase in other parts of the world. Thats why when it comes to medications, I would rather have them and not need them then need them and not have them. Ya feel me?

Depending on how long you’ll be traveling, you may want to create one first aid kit for your carryon and one for your checked luggage. You may also want to create multiples for your travel companions (or just share this with them and they can create one themselves).

Based on my past experience, the list below walks you through what I include in a travel first aid kit.

First Aid Kit Carry Case

My thought with the case for your kit is really the same as with anything travel-related: keep it simple. I personally use, and highly recommend, a clear travel case. It will make your life a lot easier if you plan to keep a set of medications in your carryon or plan to take a trip with just a carryon bag for your luggage. I also like that the zipper is much more likely to stay closed than if I were to use a plastic freezer or sandwich bag.

Daily and Emergency Medications

Multivitamins

If you take daily multivitamins, make sure to bring those along too. There are many simple and compact travel pill cases to store them in during your adventures.

Prescription Medications

You will want to remember to pack your daily medications too. Double check your refill dates to make sure you wont run out during your trip. Keep in mind in that you will need to pack your prescription medications in your carryon bag kit. It is the best way to protect yourself from missing a dose in case something happens to your checked luggage and it is delayed. To be safe, I keep my prescription medications in their original containers in case their is any question with TSA or customs.

Emergency Medications

As someone with severe allergies, I know just how important it is to remember your emergency medications. Make sure to check your dates on your inhalers and/or epinephrine auto-injectors to ensure they are not expired. I personally carry two EpiPens with me at all times and have two extra in my checked luggage. If you haven’t already, it is wise to check with your doctor or care provider to create a plan that is best for you and your safety.

You might also like: How To Not Let The Rain Ruin Your Vacation

Bandages and Antibiotic Ointment

For cuts and scrapes it is a good idea to have a variety of waterproof bandages. I have been known to use a bandage on a blister or other places where a shoe might rub wrong. That is why I found that having them be waterproof is really helpful.

I also like to bring a small tube of antibiotic ointment to help keep injuries clean and free of infection. The .5 ounce tube is the perfect size for a carry on because it is a liquid!

Allergy Medications

When traveling, you don’t always know if you will react to different allergens, whether it be environmental or other types. I usually pack quite a bit of Benadryl just in case. If you want to be extra cautious, you could also pack creams, nasal sprays and eye drops to help with allergy symptoms.

You might also like: How To Reduce Contact With Allergens When Staying In A Hotel

Vitamin C

I like to take vitamin C throughout my travels to give my immune system a boost. There are a few specific brands I have used and enjoy. I like Airborne vitamin c tablets or gummies. Otherwise, I will start my day off with a glass of water and a packet of Emergen-c!

Cold and Flu Medication

Just in case a cold invites itself along on your trip, it is good to be prepared with the right medications. I generally choose a daytime and nighttime combination medication packet. It’s a good way to cover your bases!

Cough Drops

A cough can be a real bummer. While cold and flu medication can help to some degree, I prefer to bring cough drops with a pain reliever. While you wont want to suck on them unless you have a serious cough and sore throat, these pack a punch to help you out when you do!

Pain Medication

Aches and pains can happen, even on a fabulous trip. That is why I make sure to liberally purchase and pack pain medications. The little travel tubes are especially helpful to carry in your pocket or a purse.

You might also like: How To Travel With Multiple Food Allergies

Upset Stomach Medication

An upset stomach is my most dreaded illness while traveling. To make sure I am covered, I always pack upset stomach medication. Pill form is ideal over liquid, as you would have issues bringing the liquid in your carryon. Beyond just upset stomach medication, I also suggest packing a pill laxative in case of the opposite stomach problem.

Wrapping It Up

Preparing for a variety of illnesses when traveling is something that takes very little time but makes a really big difference. Creating a custom travel first aid kit with medications you trust is a smart way to cover your butt in case you start feeling not-so-good. Pack up your kit and you’ll be able to travel with even more confidence knowing you can handle what comes your way!

So tell me – do you usually travel with a first aid kit? Is there anything else you would include in your own kit?

My Travel Must-haves: