Essential Items For Your Travel First Aid Kit

Packing can a really fun pre-travel activity but it can also be daunting too. It’s easy to forget the important things whilst mulling over the pretty things and let’s be honest, it’s inevitable that at some point, things can and will go wrong, no matter how much you try and avoid them. The truth is, you just don’t know what’s on the other side of that plane ride. One important item that you should never travel without is a first aid kit. This should always form a vital part of your planning and packing. With limited space and endless possibilities of travel accidents, it can be hard to narrow down the essential items to pack. Here’s my list of what to put in a basic travel first aid kit. This list should be tailored depending on your type of travel and destination of choice.

1. BAND AIDS AND BANDAGES

The most common form of minor injury is often small cuts or grazes. slip in a few plasters and a bandage or two into your kit. Try opting for a variety of kinds and sizes as well.

 

2. GAUZE

Gauze is one of the handiest items to have around because it’s so versatile, especially when applying pressure, cleaning cuts and dressing wounds. You can pick up small travel sized sterile gauze squares along with a small roll of tape at the pharmacy.

 

3. ANTISEPTIC WIPES

These are an absolute essential because let’s face it, no one wants a cut getting infected especially when you’re in a foreign country.

 

4. PAIN KILLERS

Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or something similar is usually sufficient to curb minor headaches and body pains and should always be included.

 

5. IMODIUM

You never know when something you’ve eaten might not agree to your system so having these can be pretty handy when traveling. It stops diarrhea for short periods of time but remember, it’s not a cure. You need lots of rest, fluids and a doctor too.

 

6. ANTIHISTAMINES

At some point, especially when travelling to countries with hot humid climates, you may get bitten by… something. the end result: a painful sting, an itchy bump, a rash or in certain cases, something worse. Antihistamine creams will help to control the itching, swelling and discomfort until you find a doctor.

 

7. MOTION SICKNESS MEDICATION

If you’re planning a hike at high altitudes or expect to spend extensive periods out on the water, taking along some anti-nausea or motion sickness tablets might help.

 

8. AFTER SUN LOTIONS OR ALOE GELS

What would a vacation be without some fun in the sun, right? It’s easy to have too much fun in the sun and before you know it, you’ve got a nasty sun burn. Invest in some after sun lotions and be sure to spray those on immediately after your time in the sun. Aloe Vera Gels will also ease the pain and burn.

 

9. OTHER ITEMS

It’s a good idea to slip in some handy essentials like a small travel-sized scissors or tweezers and a spare pair of contact lenses. Also add any personal prescription medication you may need.

 

10. TRAVEL INSURANCE CONTACT DETAILS AND EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

This might seem like a pretty odd place to keep these kinds of details, but if you are opening your travel kit, then this is certainly the perfect time to be reminded that you have travel insurance. Of course minor mishaps are usually not covered by travel insurance plans but in the event of something serious, this will serve as a gentle reminder to call them up. It also makes it easier for another person who might be trying to help you in the event of an emergency.