travel first aid list

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Travel Size First-Aid Kit: What to Pack & Downloadable Checklist

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

When you pack for a trip, especially a trip overseas, it’s easy to forget about medications and first-aid. That’s why you should always bring a basic first-aid kit with you on your travels.

I always keep a pre-packed first-aid kit ready to go so I don’t have to think twice about it when I’m packing. Of course, you may need additional items depending on where you’re going and what activities you have planned. But this first-aid kit packing list covers the basics.

15 Tiny Travel Products to Help You Stay Healthy on Vacation

What Do I Need in My Travel First-Aid Kit?

These everyday medications will take care of most common aches and pains that come with a long day of travel.

• Antihistamine
• Antacid tablets
• Hydration pills or electrolyte replenishers
• Cold relief medicine
• Motion sickness relief
• Muscle relaxer

For minor bumps and bruises, make sure you have these emergency first aid supplies in your medical kit.

• Various sized bandages
• Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes
• First aid balm or sting relief, anti-itch cream , & antibiotic cream

From treating splinters to sunburns, these miscellaneous items are must-haves in your travel first aid kit.

• Thermometer
• Hand sanitizer

First-Aid Kit Tips

• Look in the school supply section of your local drugstore for a small container, or order a small tackle box from Amazon .
• Only separate medication from its labeled bottle if you know you’ll be able to differentiate pills.
• Keep prescription medications separate from your first-aid kit.
• Include over-the-counter (OTC) medication based on your needs; i.e., if you’re traveling on a cruise and need motion sickness pills, make sure to include those.
• Pack a natural balm like GREEN GOO First Aid , which can relieve symptoms for dry skin, insect bites, scrapes, rashes, chafing, cuts, sunburns, blisters, and poison ivy.
• Include various-sized bandages ; they double for blister protection if you plan on doing a lot of walking.
• Hand sanitizer , a small tissue pack , lip balm , and sunscreen are also must-haves.
• 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 accessible during your travels as well as a photo of your card available on your phone.
• Remember to pack extra face masks if you plan on visiting a destination or attending an event where masking is required

Download and print this checklist to make your own travel first-aid kit.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Australia: Upscale, 8-Night Cairns, the Gold...

Down Under Answers

Greenland: Luxe, All-Incl. 11-Nt Exploration Small-Ship...

Swan Hellenic

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

16 Tips on how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit

by Anne Betts | Dec 31, 2022 | Health, Safety and Comfort | 5 comments

Updated December 31, 2022

How do you assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit , yet still manage to pack light? I don’t claim to have a universal solution, but the following works for me.

Table of Contents

1. Identify your needs in travel first-aid kit

2. never packing ‘what-if’ items doesn’t apply to a first-aid kit, 3. build your kit from scratch, 4. get sound advice, 5. help out other travellers if possible, 6. adopt packing light strategies, 7. get prescriptions filled before departure, 8. verify the legality of your medication in your destination country , 9. label everything, 10. have access to medicinal information and first-aid advice, 11. review your kit before each trip, 12. list kit contents, 13. identify factors affecting kit contents, 14. individualize your kit, 15. and to complement my first-aid kit…, 16. back home, reach into the travel first-aid kit, in summary…, how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit.

Use these 15 tips to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit considering your destination, activities, and health needs while still packing light.  

Each kit is different. A first step is figuring out what you expect of yours. Here are some ideas:

• It has what’s needed to respond to illness and injuries given the destination, season, activities, and health needs of those who depend on the kit.
• It contains enough supplies to deal with minor injuries and illnesses until it’s possible to get to the nearest clinic or pharmacy. Besides, no one wants to spend valuable travel time navigating a new destination, especially when feeling unwell. 
• It takes existing health issues into consideration, and travel related injuries and illnesses given past experience.
• It contains trusted supplies written in a familiar language and acquired at a cost that may be cheaper at home than at your destination.
• It’s small enough, and light enough, to carry at all times (or have key items always accessible).

Packing light travellers advocate never packing ‘what-if’ items.

A first-aid kit is an exception. It’s like that emergency medical insurance you hope to never have to use. Returning home with a kit that was never opened, or tossing expired medication that was never used, are indications of healthy, injury-free travels.

Assemble your own first-aid kit. It gives you more control over the contents and the container. By all means, look for clues from pre-assembled kits, but there’s a good chance an off-the-shelf kit won’t meet your needs. Cobble together your own, considering your destination, activities, and health needs. Chances are it will be cheaper, lighter, smaller, and more useful than a generic version.

Bloggers, especially those with a healthcare background, are helpful sources of ideas. For specific advice, consult a professional health care provider. Your family doctor and pharmacist are aware of your health issues, and can suggest compatible OTC (Over-The-Counter) medication. Your pharmacist can also provide suggestions on generic (and cheaper) alternatives to brand-name products. A travellers’ clinic specializes in preparing people for worldwide travel.

Unhealthy or injured travelling companions impact on all members of a group. My first-aid kit has responded to the occasional health issues of others, and I’ve been the grateful beneficiary of supplies from another person’s kit.

The right supplies in the right quantities add very little weight, and are invaluable if they allow everyone to get on with their travels.

• While cycling beside the canals of the Netherlands , a blister pack containing two Tylenol tablets treated a companion’s splitting headache.
• A couple of Loperamide tablets enabled us to continue exploring Singapore when my nephew was suddenly struck with an attack of Travellers’ Diarrhea .
• When hiking the trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, a piece of anti-blister tape protected a friend’s heel from further chafing.
• When hiking the Banks Track in New Zealand, another hiker gave me some hiking wool to help prevent chafing of sensitive areas. 

If your kit is large and heavy, you’ll be tempted to leave it at home, or back at your accommodation. A first-aid kit should be small enough, light enough, and functional enough to have a permanent place in your day bag.

• Look for travel-friendly sizes. Check out truck stops, drug stores, dollar stores, and hiking and outdoor stores for products packaged in small sizes. Google “OTC medication travel sizes” and you may discover online suppliers in your country of residence. This is how I stumbled across minimus.biz  with their range of single-dose blister packs of OTC medication and first-aid supplies.

• Dollar-store purchases tend to be much cheaper than those available elsewhere. I find it hurts less to discard expired medication or have folding scissors confiscated by an overzealous security agent if I paid dollar-store prices for the item. 
• Where feasible, choose blister packs of tablets over bottles and liquids, and single-dose blister packs over tubes and bottles.

• Where feasible, transfer or decant to smaller containers.
• Use see-through zip-top pill pouch bags to separate various products.

• Choose a container for your kit that slips easily into a day bag. It will need to be waterproof if you’re involved in activities around water. Otherwise, carry a spare zip-top bag, dry bag , or a rain cover for your daypack.
• Pack a pocket pill container  for storing medication and supplements for use while in transit or on the move.

Your prescriptions are valid only in your home country. Get them filled before leaving home. Pack quantities needed for the duration of the trip, and extra to cover possible travel delays. Ask your pharmacist for the smallest possible labelled container, and ask for the expiry date to be listed.

Scan the information sheets received with the medication, and take the electronic copies with you. For this purpose, I use the app Scanner Pro  and cloud-based app, Dropbox .

Medication that may be legal at home might be illegal in another country. Many countries have their own rules regarding travelling with medication.

Start with an online search for ‘travelling with mediation to ___’ and review the information on authority sites such as the pharmaceutical agency of the country in question. If in doubt, contact the embassy or diplomatic mission for additional information.

If you need to administer any medication with a syringe, it would be wise to obtain a letter from your doctor indicating it’s for personal use.

Don’t separate medication from the manufacturer’s packaging. Keep medication in its sealed package or blister pack to protect its integrity, stability, and effectiveness.

The manufacturer’s packaging helps promote safe use by providing information on medicinal ingredients, dosage instructions, and expiry dates. It’s also useful information to help respond to possible inquiries of border services agents.

Having the medicinal ingredients at your fingertips is handy when trying to purchase additional supplies across a language barrier. If you separate medication from its box, cut up the box and slip the pieces containing relevant information into a small zip-top bag with the blister tabs.

For supplements and probiotics, I find the containers take up too much space. Zip-top bags and reusable prescription containers offer downsizing options.

Before packing or taking any medication, consult an authority site for information and advice.

• How should it be safely stored?
• What temperatures affect its effectiveness?
• Will it cause drowsiness?
• What can or can’t be taken with it?
• Can it be taken on an empty stomach?
• What’s the suggested maximum dosage within a 24-hour period?

Drugs.com is an excellent resource, as is the Traveler Advice Page of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Red Cross First-Aid app is a useful resource for emergency first-aid advice.

Remaining committed to carry-on travel requires packing with time to spare. I tend to start at least a week before departure, and definitely earlier if I know my first-aid kit needs refreshing. It helps to break packing into manageable chunks, usually by category such as ‘toiletries,’ ‘first-aid kit,’ or ‘clothing.’ For the first-aid kit, this means time to: 

• discard expired medication
• replenish low supplies or missing items
• remove or include destination- or season-specific items
• communicate with others, if not travelling solo, to lighten the load by sharing supplies across first-aid kits.

A detailed list of the contents of your first-aid kit, and those items that complement what’s in the kit, can be helpful. Brand names (and their generic equivalents) aren’t available in all countries, so it’s important to include the medicinal ingredients of each. Store it in a cloud storage app, or where it’s readily accessible on your device.

• keeps you organized when it comes to replenishing or removing supplies;
• is helpful when seeking advice from health care professionals;
• is useful when consulting with travelling companions on sharing first-aid supplies;
• is a reference to avoid overdosing when taking combinations of different medications (e.g., “Tylenol Poisoning” is a real problem; some cold-and-flu medication also contains Acetaminophen/Paracetamol);
• enables you to purchase depleted items with the same or similar medicinal ingredients at your destination; and
• can be easily updated for future travels.

Take into account your own health needs and previous experience in managing them. For example, here are some of the things I considered for recent trips.

Blister prevention and treatment. It’s not uncommon to walk 20 km / 12.5 mi each day, more than at home. Also, feet change. Shoes that fit perfectly when they were purchased might not remain so.

Allergic reactions to insect bites.  Biting insects are my nemesis. The New Zealand sandflies sent me scurrying for antihistamine, and bites from some unknown insect in Australia landed me in the emergency department of a hospital (at a considerable cost) to get a prescription for an antibiotic (that cost $5 to fill). I now ask my doctor for a prescription for both an antibiotic ointment and tablets that can be filled before leaving home.

Digestive ailments. I take medication for acid reflux. This means that Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (e.g., Tylenol) is a safer pain reliever than Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). Also, with reduced acid in my stomach, I always expect Travellers’ Diarrhea. I also need to plan to deal with occasional and very uncomfortable heartburn.

Minor scrapes.  Most trips involve time on a bike or scooter, increasing the chance of minor scrapes and abrasions.

Respiratory issues. I have a propensity for a bad case of the ‘flu to morph into pneumonia. After remaining insanely healthy during the pandemic, I expected to fall prey to Covid or influenza on my first post-pandemic international trip. This pointed to the need to pack Covid test kits, and my doctor gave me prescriptions for an antibiotic and a puffer, both filled before leaving home.

Staying healthy on long-haul flights. Planes harbour harmful bacteria, and long flights increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. The dry environment contributes to dehydration, dry skin, and sore nasal passages.

In the event it’s helpful, here’s a list of the contents of my kit, based on the considerations described above, and the advice of my family doctor and pharmacist. I favour generic alternatives to brand-name products as they can be considerably cheaper.  

• Anti-diarrhea (e.g., Imodium): Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg when a blocker is required (e.g., on transit days)
• Antihistamine allergy relief (e.g., Claritin): Loratadine 10mg
• Topical antibiotic for skin infections: Sodium Fusidate 2% (prescription)
• Oral antibiotic for skin infections: Amoxycillin/clavulanic 875/125 mg (prescription)
• Antibiotic for respiratory/bronchial bacterial infections and severe Travellers Diarrhea: Azithromycin dehydrate 250 mg (prescription)
• Anti-nauseant (e.g., Gravol): Dimenhydrinate 50 mg
• Blister prevention and treatment: Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus ; Moleskin pre-cut and shaped by Adventure Medical Kits ; Polysporin Blister Treatment Cushions; Spenco 2nd Skin Adhesive Knit ; blister prevention wool ; BAND-AID ® Blister Cushion
• Cough, cold and ‘flu relief: Sambucol Black Elderberry Pastilles
• Heartburn relief: Tums Extra Strength  (Calcium carbonate 750 mg)
• Antiseptic: tea tree oil
• Miscellaneous aids: cotton wool buds ( Organyc ); cotton balls; tweezers (remove splinters, thorns, ticks, debris); safety pins (remove splinters, thorns, fashion a sling, miscellaneous uses); folding scissors ( Fiskars )
• Pain relief, fever reducer: Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen 500 mg)
• Wound care: MooreBrand Gauze Pads (2” x 2”); Webcol Alcohol Prep Pads (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%); 3M Steri-Strips ; waterproof bandages ; variety of sizes and shapes of plasters

All these supplies fit in a soft-sided zippered packing organizer measuring 17 x 10 cm / 7 x 4 in and weighing 218 g / 7.7 oz.

• compression socks
• clear duct tape (to keep a bandage in place)
• emergency ID bracelet
• flashlight: FourSevens MiNi X
• immune support: Ener-C drink mix ; NOW Oregano Veg Capsules 450 mg
• insect repellent: Mosquito Shield Piactive (Icaridin 20%)
• electrolyte hydration supplement (exercise, flights, hot climates): NUUN Sport
• Nature’s Aid all-natural skin gel with healing and soothing properties for allergic reactions, minor scrapes, sunburn, and inflamed muscles
• laminated Emergency Contact Card

• nasal soreness: Boroleum (Petrolatum 97.92%; Camphor 1%; Menthol 0.54%)
• pashmina (doubles as a makeshift sling)
• probiotics: Saccharomyces Boulardii
• activated charcoal
• sanitizing wipes: EO Lavender plastic-free bamboo wipes
• Soap Leaves: Sea to Summit
• sunscreen: All good sunscreen butter
• tablet towels
• reusable dry bag to make an ice pack

Rather than keeping separate supplies in a home medicine cabinet and a travel first-aid kit, anything with an expiry date should be utilized when it’s needed. Purging a a travel first-aid kit of expired medication can be costlier than it needs to be, especially if you’ve enjoyed healthy and injury-free travels. 

• Avoid pre-assembled kits. Build your own.
• Be strategic. Base kit contents on your destination, season, activities, and health needs.
• Get advice from health care professionals.
• Look for medication and supplies in travel sizes.
• Don’t separate medication from its packaging.
• Keep a record of the exact medicinal ingredients of what’s in your kit.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER travel without emergency medical insurance. When your kit comes up short, an early visit to a healthcare centre could be the best financial decision you’ll make. 

With thanks to Adrian Comeau, Pharmacist, Saulnierville Pharmacy, for his helpful suggestions and advice.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are for general travel health information only. It’s not a replacement for a personal consultation with your doctor, pharmacist or travel medicine specialist.

Might you be interested in these related posts?

• Useful tips on how to prevent and treat travellers’ diarrhea
• 10 Essentials of packing for a travel medical emergency
• Create a travel comfort pack for easy access to self-care essentials
• 25 Ideas on how to prepare an emergency preparedness toolkit for travellers
• It could save your life. Get an emergency ID bracelet for travellers
• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in 5 easy steps
• A MacGyver kit for travel: 20 simple ideas
• Travel with tablet towels: a multipurpose essential every traveller should pack
• No soap? No problem travelling with soap leaves
• Travelling with duct tape: 30 practical uses
• 10 Useful reasons to travel with dry bags

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What’s in your travel first-aid kit? What additional tips can you offer? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

Pin for later?

The Amazon links on this page are affiliate links. If you one to buy something, you don’t pay more, but this website earns a small commission, which helps pay the costs of maintaining the site. Thank you for your support. Save Save

Your thinking is so thorough! I will definitely reread this when the time comes to prepare for my next trip. The one I have with me now is twice the size of yours…

Thank you for this! The steps are so on-point! I’ve been thinking of assembling me and family’s first-aid kit, not because we’re travelling soon but because of the natural calamities happening. We do not know when a storm’s gonna hit or when will there be an earthquake that’s why i’m searching on what to put in a first-aid kit. I’m so thankful I came across this post. This is so helpful! Thank you so much!

Great piece of advice on how to carry your first aid kit while travelling.

Great tips! I love making sure my first aid box is full of everything we might need. I’d suggest every parent take a first aid course so they are prepared.

Very informative read! I agree one must be equipped with a proper first aid kit before venturing out to a new place for vacation or a visit. I usually keep medicines for allergy, gold cough, stomach ache, muscle ache and most importantly for any injury.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• Top 20 tips on how to pack light - Packing Light Travel - […] How to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search this site

Welcome to Packing Light Travel. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. For information on the site, please see the About page.

Book: The Ernie Diaries

Packing Light

Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Connect on instagram, if you find this information useful, subscribe to the newsletter and free access to packing lists, checklists, and other tools in packing light travel's resource library..

Your email address will never be shared. Guaranteed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How To Pack A Professional Travel First Aid Kit

I get a lot of questions about health care on the road. Since I’m not a doctor, I don’t like giving medical advice beyond a few general tips so I’ve asked Mike Huxley, a registered nurse, to share his expert tips and advice when it comes to packing a first aid kit for your travels.

I have been traveling the world for over fifteen years now, and in that time I have patched up more travelers’ scrapes and sprains than I can remember.

Thankfully, pretty much all of the incidents I have dealt with so far have been minor. Even during my time spent volunteering as an expedition medic in the Sahara, the jungles of Kalimantan and Borneo, and many other amazing places, I have been able to deal with most accidents and injuries that have crossed my path.

I have only been able to do all of this, however, because I have always packed my trusty first aid kit. It has evolved and been refined over the years, but I have always carried one.

As any experienced traveler or health professional will tell you, things can and occasionally do go wrong on any trip , and taking a well-stocked kit with you is always advised.

When I first started traveling, I did what most sensible people do and carried a commercially available emergency first aid kit .

However, over the years, and with a lot of experience and my nursing qualification behind me, I have refined my own kit to reflect what I will use out on the road and what I know will make for a much better first aid kit for the average traveler too.

The best first aid kits are simple but varied and have a variety of dressings and equipment to deal with the basics. More importantly, they can be used with little or no training. So, what items should you include? Here are my picks for the essentials:

1. Band-Aids/Plasters It goes without saying that these are absolutely essential in any first aid kit. The most common form of minor injury is a cut or a graze, so it is always a good idea to carry a handful of Band-Aids in a variety of sizes .

If you think you will be doing a lot of trekking on your travels and you aren’t used to that form of exercise, then some blister plasters are a good idea.

It isn’t necessary to go overboard and carry so many you could start your own tiny field hospital; just a few of each type will do, as you can always restock when you pass a pharmacy.

2. Gauze Gauze is the medical jack-of-all-trades. I never carry a first aid kit without a supply of gauze in it, and I can’t tell you how many times it has come in useful over the years. It can be used to apply pressure to a wound, clean an injury, soak up blood, help stop bleeding, and even form part of a basic dressing for small-to-medium wounds.

A clean wound and a layer of gauze kept down with either tape or an adhesive bandage is often enough to allow time for you to go and get it looked at by a professional.

The best type of gauze to carry in a first aid kit is individually wrapped sterile squares. This eliminates the need to cut them to size when you need them quickly and obviously makes it easier to keep the wound clean and sterile.

3. Crepe bandages (ACE or elastic bandages) For when you have something a bit bigger than a cut, basic crepe bandages are useful for keeping small dressings clean and in place until you can get some medical attention.

Remember, you’re only going to use them in an emergency, until you can get some professional medical care (ideally covered through the travel insurance that you got in advance of your trip). You don’t need too many of these, just one or two at most.

4. Surgical tape Surgical tape is one of those essential emergency items for when you need to apply and secure gauze or a bandage to a wound, although Band-Aids can do the same job if need be.

5. Small scissors These come standard in any commercially available first aid kit (although you can buy them separately too) and are obviously useful for trimming gauze or bandages to size. Just be careful if you do carry scissors to ensure that your first aid kit goes in your checked bag when you are in transit or else airline security will take them off you.

If you’re flying carry-on only, small scissors (max 4 inches/10 centimeters) are permitted according to the TSA. If you want to be on the safe side, get ones with rounded tips. Also, remember that you don’t need to bring them from home — most grocery stores or stationery shops have them as well.

6. Tweezers Tweezers are another item that often comes standard in most first aid kits and can be useful for pulling out splinters, getting out little bits of stone or dirt when cleaning a wound, or any number of other practical uses.

7. Antiseptic wipes For some reason this tends to be the one thing most people overlook when thinking of first aid, but antiseptic wipes are an absolute essential in any good pack. No one wants a cut or wound to get infected, and antiseptic wipes are perfect for cleaning it before applying a dressing.

Just a small handful will suffice for most packs. Like most basic items, they are easy to replace at any pharmacy when you run low.

8. Condoms Apart from the obvious benefits (staying sexually safe), these handy little items can be used as emergency water carriers or even filled with ice as an emergency ice pack. I’ve personally never had any call to use them in that manner, but it is a handy bit of information to keep in mind.

9. Pain relief medication A small pack of basic acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) or any of the associated brand names ( like Tylenol ) is usually sufficient, but ibuprofen or other similar medications are fine too. It doesn’t have to be fancy — basically whatever you normally take for pain relief when you have a headache or minor pain.

10. Loperamide tablets Also known under a variety of brand names such as Imodium , this is useful for stopping diarrhea for short periods when you need to catch a bus or train. Remember, these are for those emergency moments only when you are actually in transit, as they do not cure diarrhea and shouldn’t be used when you can rest up for a couple of days. (Normally the best way to treat diarrhea is to let everything pass through your system normally and drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.)

If you use them sparingly, properly, and as directed on the pack, loperamide tablets can be useful additions to any travel first aid kit.

11. Antihistamine cream It happens to all of us on our travels: we get bitten by some form of insect and end up with a painfully itchy bump or rash. Don’t worry, the absolute majority of the time the bumps and stings aren’t anything to worry about at all, but they are damned annoying! This is why a good antihistamine cream is a useful addition to help control itching and swelling.

12. Antibacterial creams It’s also a good idea to carry antibacterial creams like Neosporin for any cuts and scrapes you get. This will help heal them faster as well as prevent any possible infections.

Obviously, this list can be tailored or added to depending on your trip needs (a tropical jungle trek will require different planning than a city break in Europe ). Any good first aid kit should also include any specific, individually prescribed medication or antimalarial prophylaxis.

For the majority of travelers, however, the items and kit listed above will cover the majority of basic incidents and accidents. You’ll also want to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance as well to protect you against unexpected costs that you might incur should an emergency happen.

For any injury, illness, bang, or scrape that requires more than the basics and cannot be covered by the kit above, you should seek professional medical attention. Unless you are extremely far off the beaten track, you should be able to seek out professional assistance to deal with medical emergencies pretty easily if something happens you can’t handle yourself.

So go pack up your own little first aid kit and keep it stashed in your pack for emergencies. Odds are you will probably never use it — and I hope you never need to — but if you have one, at least you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and be safe in the knowledge that you are prepared.

Important Note: When carrying any generic medication, it is essential that it is kept in its original packaging when you are traveling in case customs officials need to check it. The information provided here is for general travel health advice and information only. It is provided by a qualified nurse, but it is not a replacement for a personal consultation with a travel nurse specialist, your GP, or a doctor specializing in travel medicine who can tailor advice to your individual medical history and needs.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 6 Best First Aid Kits for Travel 2024

Stay prepared with compact, pre-made first aid kits fit for any adventure.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

First aid kits are often one of the most overlooked travel accessories, even though they can make or break your vacation experience. In best-case scenarios, you won’t ever need it, but on the off-chance you do, it’ll quickly prove to be one of the most savvy additions to your packing list. First aid kits come in handy for help with everything from headaches and dehydration to cuts, scrapes, and bites, or even sprained appendages. 

For expert insight on what to look for in a travel first aid kit and why they are one of the most essential travel accessories, we spoke with Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN, Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix. Based on our research and experience and Brooks’ expert advice, we compared various top-selling travel first aid kits on the market, making sure to consider the overall size, number of items, variation of ailments covered, and variety of items included. The waterproofed Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .5 first aid kit is our favorite thanks to its wide array of wellness gear despite its compact size — but if you’re looking for something a little different, we’ve got plenty of great first aid kit picks below.

Best Overall

Adventure medical kit ultralight watertight .5.

It treats a wide variety of issues and comes in a lightweight, double-waterproof pouch.

The bag lacks any interior organization.

The Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5 is our go-to first aid kit for travel. We’ve traveled around the globe, staying in posh safari lodges and in backpacker hostels with this kit and it has never let us down. It comes with over 40 pieces of first aid to help tackle everything from splinters and blisters to minor cuts or scrapes to bug bites. We like that it also comes with two doses of various over-the-counter pain relievers, plus antihistamine, antibiotic ointment, and tools to remove ticks and fasten bandages. You’ll also get a good variety and number of bandages and wound dressings. We’ve found that it’s also easy to replace these items as needed while on the go. Fully stocked, the contents are enough to cover one person for about two days (with the same affliction).

Standout features are the durable double-waterproof bagging (which comes in clutch on rainy days, winter road trips , and water adventures and also in case of spills or heavy humidity), the minimal 3.6-ounce weight, and two exterior corner loops that make it easy to clip the kit onto your backpack for easy access. The bright yellow color makes it easy to find in a pinch — no rummaging through your backpacking backpack — though we will say that the lack of interior organization may cause some people to fumble through the contents of the bag trying to find what they need (not ideal in an emergency situation). 

The Details: 5.5 x 11 x 1 inches | 43 pieces

Johnson & Johnson First Aid To Go Kit

It covers bandage basics and leaves room for you to customize your kit.

The included items will likely help minor cuts or scrapes only.

If you’re just looking for the bare minimum of what you might need while out on a trip, the Johnson & Johnson First Aid To Go kit is your best bet. This smaller-than-your-hand-sized kit contains 12 first aid items, mostly centered around minor scrapes and cuts. You’ll get sterilizing wipes, two sizes of bandages, and a couple of gauze pads — all tucked and stored nicely in a sturdy plastic case with a snap-tight closure. There’s no medicine or tools in the case, but there’s plenty of room left in the case to add your own custom extras to beef up the kit (which is what we’ve done in the past) such as over-the-counter pain pills, prescription medication, allergy pills, cotton swabs, tweezers, or other travel-sized first aid items. It’s still a great and convenient kit to just toss into your day bag or day tripper waist bag.

The Details: 3.8 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches | 12 pieces

Best Comprehensive

First aid only all-purpose essentials first aid kit.

It includes items that many other kits leave out, like a thermometer and gloves.

You may want to upgrade with your own OTC medicines.

This nearly 300-piece kit contains everything you’d need to use in an accident situation involving burns, cuts, or scrapes — down to the disposable gloves, scissors, and a thermometer. Like most kits, it’s heavily focused on bandages, and includes a variety of adhesive, fabric, and gauze bandages, as well as butterfly wound closure bandages, knuckle bandages, and fingertip bandages. You’ll also get key ointments and wipes to treat burns and stings, and fight germs. Additional tools include a tongue depressor (which also doubles as a finger splint), thermal blanket, cold pack, and tweezers. Impressively, all this and more fits inside a double-sided zippered case no larger than the usual toiletry bag. Although it’s packed with first aid accessories, we would like to see more medicine included.

The Details: 9.25 x 2.87 x 7 inches | 298 pieces

Best for International Travel

My medic ready mini first aid kit.

It comes with individually-packaged, ailment-specific mods that cover a wide range of first aid needs.

It’s a little bigger than we’d like.

When traveling to a foreign country, acquiring some first aid items may be more difficult due to a language barrier, overall access, or how the healthcare system works. The My Medic Ready Mini First Aid Kit is packed full of first aid accessories to cover everything from allergies to cuts to suspect water quality. The exterior is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean, while reinforced zippers also help keep water out. Inside, two mesh stash pockets are loaded with My Medic color-coded mods — individually packaged kits containing items to treat specific issues — so you can easily find what you need. Standout features include pieces for wound irrigation, a digital first aid and survival tips guide, a flashlight, hydration packets, water purification tablets, and a whistle. We’re also big fans of thoughtful items like hydrocortisone cream, friction frosting, and petroleum jelly. We appreciate that the kit is small enough to hold in one hand, but it can still feel like it’s taking up a fair amount of packing space.

The Details: 7.5 x 4 x 7.5 inches | 100 pieces

Best for Kids

Keepgoing first aid gokit.

It’s a TSA-approved first aid kit designed with kids’ needs in mind.

It doesn’t include any medicines.

Looking for a cheery take on a first aid kit? KeepGoing First Aid GoKit comes in multiple, cute kid-friendly patterns to help make the first aid experience a bit brighter. The kit comes with 130 pieces of first aid items ranging from bandages to moleskins and disposable thermometers — all with kid-friendly patterned packaging. Some of the standout features include tick removers, cotton-tipped applicators, trauma scissors, and 20 stickers to award brave kids. While this kit does come with a good assortment of creams (hydrocortisone, burn relief, lip balm, and antibiotic), it doesn’t have any medicine included, so you may want to add your own.

The Details: 6.75 x 5 x 2 inches | 130 pieces

Best for Dogs

Adventure medical kits me & my dog.

It’s a kit that can be used for both you and your dog!

For dogs, it mainly centers around the treatment of paw injuries.

You do everything with your dog, so why not share a first aid kit? We love this kit because you don’t have to pack two different kits; you and your dog can both be helped with the contents in this one kit. The Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog Kit has bandages, gauze dressings, antiseptic wipes, wound irrigation, and sterile gloves for cuts and other wounds. It also has two doses of aspirin and antihistamine each, a cold compress and wrap for sprains, and key first aid tools like trauma scissors, tick removal tweezers, a thermal emergency blanket, and a leash. One of the bandages doubles as a muzzle for scared pups, and if you’re unsure how to apply any of the items to your furry best friend, there’s also a pet first aid manual to help guide you. Since this is a simple zippered case, it could be worth adding some medications as advised by your vet as this kit mainly covers injuries from walking and not other hazards like foreign object ingestion or non-paw maladies.

The Details: 7.5 x 3.5 x 5.3 inches | 48 pieces

Tips for Buying a Travel First Aid Kit

Prioritize size and durability.

In a best-case scenario, you won’t ever have to use your travel first aid kit, so it will be traveling with you often. Give extra points to kits that are durable enough to survive multiple trips and that come in a size that can be packed in all different travel situations (think lightweight and compact).

Check how many people can be treated with the kit

Consider your travel group size when buying a travel first aid kit. Does one kit cover the entire family or just one or two people? Be sure to pack enough first aid to treat each person you’re responsible for.

Consider the conditions and risk of your trip

Different trips will dictate the exact items you’ll need in your first aid kit. Look for kits that can address specific dangers or injuries you may face on your trip, from sunburns to sprains and insect bites to serious cuts.

Carrying a first aid kit on your travels stocks you with essential life-saving items that can help provide temporary care during an emergency situation until help can arrive, Brooks says. She also adds that locating these items in a foreign country or when traveling can be difficult, making it best for travelers to have their own kits on hand.

According to Brooks, some of the most essential items a kit should include are medical tape, compression wound dressing, gauze, irrigation wound wash, antiseptic/antibiotic ointment, alcohol pads, cleaning/prep pads, and assorted sizes of blister strips and bandages. She also says it’s useful to have pills to treat motion sickness, allergies, and mild pain, plus cold packs, wound closure materials, a thermal blanket, hydration packets, and even a multi-purpose plastic bag that can be used as a splint, as gloves, or as a CPR shield.

Buy products that cover the essential must-have first aid kit items, and then add any specialty custom items for your specific travel situation, activities, or health concerns. For example, Brooks advises that anyone with asthma include an albuterol inhaler, while travelers with diabetes should include some candies or glucose for low blood sugar. Those with cardiac issues should pack nitroglycerin tablets or spray, along with aspirin.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure? 

For this list, Katherine Alex Beaven talked to a medical professional about essential items that should be in a travel first aid kit. Alex also considered kits based on her own 15 years of personal experience as a frequent, accident-prone traveler. While researching first aid kits for travel, we spoke with Raelene Brooks , PhD, RN, Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix .

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

Travel First Aid Checklist: Everything You Need in a Compact Kit

I love the spontaneity of travel and not knowing what you will encounter. But I do NOT love getting traveler’s diarrhea the day before I am supposed to take a 9-hour bus ride.  Or having my kid wake up at 3AM with a fever and having to rush through an unknown city trying to find an open phramacy, (and then remember how to say “fever” in the local language!).

Yes, these things have happened to me. 🙂  So, I’ve learned from the experiences and now pack a very thorough travel first aid kit.

I’m going to tell you exactly what is my travle first aid kit and give you some packing tips.  Hopefully this will help you if you are planning a trip too.

My first aid kit, packed

How the first aid kit looks when packed

What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit

I find it helpful to break first aid items into categories based on what could go wrong.  Then you can make sure you’ve got items to cover all of the categories.

*This picture shows my travel first aid kit for a 2 month long trip to Peru. We had to restock the band-aids and probiotics. For shorter trips, you’ll still need the same items – just probably not as many.

Injury Items and Wound Care

• Antiseptic gel for cuts
• Balm for burns and damaged skin
• Cotton and q-tips
• Self-adhesive bandages 
• Alcohol and iodine cleansing prep pads: Actually used these more for disinfecting toilet seats, not wounds!)
• Mini tubes of sodium chloride 0.9% saline solution: Good for cleaning debris from eyes or irrigating wounds
• Sterile gauze pads in various sizes: These are for more serious/larger wounds, so hopefully won’t need them. But if you do need them, then they are a must-have!
• Triangle bandage:  This is a multi-use item for larger wounds or making a sling
• Sterile roller bandages
• Vinyl gloves:  Wear when cleaning serious wounds.
• Medical tape: In addition to using it to attach gauze over a wound, we used a lot of it to hang Christmas decorations in our accommodation. 🙂
• Cold/flu medication
• Itch cream for insect bites
• Liquid Ibuprofen for children: Important if you have little kids.
• Activated charcoal and anti-diarrhea medication
• Probiotic capsules
• Electrolytes: These are for treating dehydration. Also good for hangovers 😀  They’re also called oral rehydration salts – buy here )

Other Items

• Tweezers: Used for removing splinters or thorns (got a bunch while eating prickly pears) and also for plucking my eyebrows 😉
• Two safety pins
• Mini cold pack
• Ace Bandage
• Mini scissors  (not shown)

Things Which I DIDN’T Pack but Wish I Did

• Berberine : This is a natural antibiotic with many other medicinal uses. Also would have been nice to take while combating our food poisoning. You can buy berberine here .
• Aloe vera: Where I live, I could only find this in a giant bottle, so I didn’t bring it. However, you can buy packets of aloe vera gel online .   We needed this when my hubby got sun burnt.  I climbed into someone’s garden and stole a piece of a real aloe plant instead 😉

Tips for Building a Travel First Aid Kit

When I go backpacking, I usually don’t bring this much stuff in my first aid kit.  But I’m really glad that I brought all of this.  It could have been devastating if I didn’t have that bottle of children’s Ibuprofen when Isabel got a temperature at 3am.  Since I don’t think there was even a 24 hour pharmacy in the town, we probably wouldn’t have ended up in the hospital!

• Keep It Organized: As you can see from the pics, the first aid kit is pretty well organized. Each “type” of items are in a specific pocket.  The meds and small items are in plastic baggies.  This makes it easy to find things quickly – which might be crucial if you are dealing with a major injury.
• Think “Worst Case Scenario.” Those sterile gauze pads and roller bandages? They are for serious wounds and injuries. I feel good knowing that I’ve got clean dressings to prevent infection until we get to the hospital.
• Learn How to Actually Use the Stuff: If you don’t know how to use it, there is no point in having it in your first aid kit.
• Be Prepared for Traveler’s Diarrhea: No, your stomach is not as tough as you think it is! After dealing with this in Albania last summer, I was prepared with anti-diarrhea meds, probiotics, and lots of electrolytes.
• Consider Traveler’s Health Insurance: I had never gotten traveler’s health insurance before this trip. But, when going to the jungle where there are venomous snakes and crazy ants, you get insurance! Having insurance also made me more swift about going to the doctor when Isabel got sick.

Pre-Made Travel First Aid Kits

If you are looking for a pre-made travel first aid kit, be warned that most are really crappy.

I once bought a cheap first aid kit online for $12.  The medical tape in it didn’t stick.  The scissors didn’t cut… I did end up using the bag though. 🙂

So, be prepared to pay a bit more for a quality pre-made first aid kit.  Even then you will still need to buy some of your own items like anti-itch creams and electrolytes.  With that in mind, make sure the pre-made kit you buy has some room for extra items!

Recommended First Aid Kits:

1. Surviveware First Aid Kit

This is a good-quality first aid kit.  It is actually a larger kit meant for your car, vehicle, boat, or at home. I love how many organizational pockets it has.  However, it is really large and you definitely don’t want to lug this entire thing around while traveling!

The reason I recommend the Surviveware kit is because it comes with a Mini First Aid kit. The main kit has 200 items.  The mini kit has an additional 50 items. You’ll still need to add a bunch of your own items (like meds for traveler’s diarrhea, etc.) but it has your basics covered.  Get it here .

2. Adventure Medical World Traveler First Aid Kit

What’s in your traveler’s medical kit? Connect on Facebook to join the discussion!

About the author /.

Diane Vukovic grew up camping and backpacking in upstate New York. Now, she takes her own daughters on wilderness adventures so they can connect with nature and learn resiliency. With dozens of trips under her belt, Diane is an expert in minimalist camping, going lightweight, planning, and keeping her kids entertained without screens.

Related Articles

Snake Bite First Aid (with Infographic Instructions)

How to Hang a Food Bag Against Bears and Critters: Best Methods + Infographic

Bear Spray 101: Best Brands, How to Use, Most Effective Way to Carry, Common Mistakes and More

This is super helpful, thank you for sharing this list! I’m headed to the Peruvian Amazon and will replicate your kit to take with me.

Glad you found it helpful! Definitely make sure to bring all the GI stuff like electrolytes and anti-diarrhea meds (activated charcoal, probiotics) since traveler’s diarrhea is almost inevitable! 😮

Post your comments Cancel reply

Your comment * Your comments *

How to Treat Hypothermia in the Wilderness (Plus “Burrito Wrap” Infographic)

Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags, Reviewed by an Outdoorsy Mom

Best First Knives for Kids (As Chosen by an Outdoorsy Mom)

Waterproof Hiking Boots for Toddlers? (And Why You Shouldn’t Buy Them for Your Kid)

• Privacy Policy
• Disclosure Policy
• Work With Me
• Guest Post Guidelines

• Destinations
• North Carolina
• Travel Tips

Select Page

15 Travel First Aid Kit Essentials You Need

Posted by Annick Lenoir-Peek | Updated on Sep 11, 2022 | Published on Dec 17, 2019 | Travel Tips | 2

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Do you carry a travel first aid kit with you? While frequently packing random items, after spending a ridiculous amount on bandaids and Tylenol during my last trip, I created this ultimate travel first aid kit. If you have special needs, please adjust accordingly. I’ve previously written about how to avoid getting sick while traveling but a great first aid kit is essential.

Unless you are traveling to a remote spot, you’ll find pharmacies all over the world stocked with both over-the-counter medications and helpful pharmacists. Whether in France, Belize , Mexico , or Thailand, whenever I’ve had an ailment, a quick chat with the local pharmacist has helped me find treatment for my frequent ear infections  (I always forget to pack something for those!). No kidding – I’ve had to ask pharmacists in all these countries for help. 

So while the list could include a million items, here are the top 15 essentials your first aid kit should lead you to enjoy a healthier trip. If you prefer to travel with just a carry-on, opt for the solid version of any item on this list to avoid the TSA 3-1-1 rule . 

Top 15 Travel First Aid Kit Essentials

#1 prescription medications.

This goes without saying but if you take prescription medications, you need to pack sufficient medications for the length of your trip. I generally recommend taking an extra two days’ worth just in case there is a delay of some kind. Whether you’re on a cruise ship that detours because of a hurricane or a snowstorm cancels a bunch of flights, travel delays are inevitable. Plus, if you’re always hoping that your flight is overbooked so that you can earn a travel perk, you don’t want to have to decline a great deal because you didn’t have enough medications for an extra night! The TSA medication rules can be found here .

#2 Over-the-Counter Remedies

Do you suffer from frequent ear infections like me? Or perhaps you get irritated eyes due to the change in time zones or dry airplane air? Don’t forget to pack items like my oft-forgotten ear drops or eye drops. So while you can find them at a local pharmacy upon arrival, why spend extra funds on items you have at home?

#3 Bandages

Even as an adult, small cuts seem unavoidable. Your first aid kit should include bandages that have an antibiotic built in to avoid both an extra item and anything that could count as a liquid if you’re traveling with a carry-on. And while regular bandages are frequently made of plastic, if you’re trying to be environmentally conscious, try the new Patch bandages made out of bamboo.

Available in both the US and Australia, Patch Bandages are made of 100% organic bamboo fiber. These bandages will not only make you heal faster but also feel less guilty if you or a loved one end up covered in them! They come in four formulations: one for cuts and scratches, one for kids’ abrasions and grazes (with coconut oil), one for burns and blisters (with aloe vera), and one for bites and splinters (with activated charcoal). Using these bandages means you can also avoid packing a topical antibiotic ointment. Plus they’re cute as well as functional! 

#4 Moleskin

If you tend to get blisters from all the walking you do while traveling, moleskin is easy to pack since a single sheet can provide lots of relief. You will need a pair of scissors to cut the sheet to your desired size, but most hotel front desks and rental properties have a pair that you can use for this purpose. You can also buy them in pre-cut pieces . It takes up very little room in your bag and can be a lifesaver when you feel like you couldn’t take one more step due to blisters.

#5 Sunscreen and Sun Products

The best way to prevent sunburn is to use sunscreen (I use this one on the sensitive skin on my face). But just in case you accidentally spend too much time in the sun (like I did in Barbados ), or whether you’re in a destination where you won’t feel the heat of the scorching sun (like in Aruba where the wind makes the air feel cooler), consider adding an aloe vera product to your first aid kit. As someone who has overspent on sunscreen upon arriving at her destinations, take my advice and pack your preferred brand.

Consider a stick or solid sunscreen (or even powder) to get around the dreaded liquids rule. You can even make your own aloe after sun bar !

#6 Pain Relief

Whether caused by changes in the air, time zone, or stress, headaches, and minor aches seem to go hand-in-hand with travel. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen treat both fevers and minor aches and pains. Ibuprofen also works on inflammation like arthritis and muscle cramps. If you tend to overdo activities while traveling (we do!), ibuprofen may be a better fit. Your doctor can help you pick the best option for you. 

#7 Anti-diarrheal and Antacid

Nothing ruins a trip more than getting the dreaded Montezuma’s revenge. While taking steps to avoid it in the first place (frequent hand washing, etc), sometimes it is out of your control. If you’re planning to eat a lot of street food, like we did when visiting China , consider asking your doctor for a prescription like Cipro that you can take at the first signs of impending doom.

Trying new foods may lead you to overindulge. Enter some antacids to the rescue. A product like Pepto Bismol pills may work well in both of these situations.

#8 Tweezers

Unless these are already in your beauty bag, add them to your ultimate travel first aid kit. Splinters really suck, and tweezers make quick work of removing them. Tweezers can also help with removing the occasional tick if you go hiking. If you accidentally drop a glass while on vacation and find yourself stepping on a small piece, your tweezers will help you pull out the tiny shard. 

#9 Anti-itch Medication

Bug bites are not dangerous but they can be annoying. A hydrocortisone ointment is a lifesaver. Use a travel stick like Benadryl Itch Relief Stick , though keep in mind that while it provides fast relief, it is considered a liquid by TSA and must satisfy the liquids 3-1-1 rule. 

#10 Bug Repellant

Always best to avoid bug bites in the first place. If your travel destination is known for these, consider packing some form of bug spray. While sprays are what many of us grew up with, they are not practical if you’re traveling with a carry-on. Instead, choose a product that comes in a solid form, like the Badger Anti-Bug Balm Stick . While there are also bracelets designed to keep mosquitoes at bay – I’ve never found them to be very effective personally.

#11 Antihistamine

Experiencing new places can serve as a trigger for new allergies. A few antihistamine pills will make your life less miserable. Whether you have a favorite like Zyrtec , Claritin , or Benadryl , pack it. If you don’t have a favorite, ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendation. Suffering from an allergic reaction while traveling is no fun but easily remediated with proper planning.

#12 Nausea Medication

From ginger pills to Dramamine to acupressure bands , if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack a few of these. If at all possible, try them beforehand since not every treatment works on everyone. If you know that you have motion sickness, ask your doctor for a prescription, such as a transdermal patch. Medicines may need to be started before your trip, so plan ahead.

#13 Hand Sanitizer

A small bottle of hand sanitizer attached to any bag you carry with you on a trip is a must. It is invaluable when you find yourself in places like bathrooms with no hand soap. Use it frequently when you’re in public spaces after touching surfaces touched by many people. Think of surfaces like the TSA containers, handrails, elevator buttons, and ATM machines. Having clean hands will avoid many infections in the first place.

#14 Disinfecting Wipes

Some surfaces should be wiped down with a disinfecting wipe before you place products or your hands on them. This applies to tray tables in airplanes and tv remote controls in hotels. Think of surfaces that lots of people touch and that are infrequently disinfected. Instead of disposable disinfecting wipes, consider environmentally-friendly products like those made by Norwex . Place the Norwex in a baggie or other container once it is wet.  

#15 Vitamins and Supplements

Do you catch a cold every time you fly on a plane ? That re-circulated air carries everyone’s germs! Whether due to lack of sleep, or a change in daily routines, lots of travelers either don’t feel their best or get sick. Keep your immune system working its best by taking a multi-vitamin/mineral combination. There’s a good reason there is a product called “ Airborne ” which is also popular with teachers!

These ultimate travel first aid kit suggestions are not designed for riskier travel plans – such as hiking, adventure, or off-the-beaten-path exploration. Instead, use a more comprehensive first aid kit for those trips such as those recommended by REI or the American Red Cross . Don’t forget to check with your own doctor about any over-the-counter items you’re considering taking. But preparing your ultimate travel first aid kit with these 15 items will make your recovery smoother should you get any minor ailments while traveling.

What is an essential item that you pack in your travel first aid kit?

Happy Travels! Annick, The Common Traveler

Save these Travel First Aid Kit Essentials for later! Pin it!

Related Posts

Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts For Your Favorite Traveler!

Updated on Jan 17, 2021 | Published on Apr 22, 2018

9 Lessons Learned While Traveling During A Pandemic

Updated on Sep 10, 2023 | Published on Nov 3, 2021

Top 5 Reasons to Go on a Reunion Cruise

Updated on May 25, 2020 | Published on Sep 15, 2017

Nature Traveling Ideas When Nature Isn’t “Second Nature” to You

Updated on Sep 10, 2023 | Published on Apr 26, 2021

I will pack cold medicine in the future. I also agree that pharmacies are wonderful resources. Here’s something funny that recently happened to me.

In September I flew to Miami with a friend for a 7 day cruise. The man next to me on the plane was sick – coughing, sneezing, blowing his nose – the whole 9 yards. He even wiped his nose with his hand and then picked up my seatbelt to hand to me!!! I pulled out my sanitizer and tried my best to face the opposite direction, but I knew that catching whatever he had was inevitable. Several days later we were in port in Belize and had a wonderful excursion planned of biking through the rainforest. By this time I had a fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and I coudln’t breathe either, but I had prepaid for this excursion and I was not going to miss it!!!

Once we got off the ship I went straight to the pharmacy and found the local equivalent of DayQuil/NyQuil. I purchased the combo pack, took 2 DayQuil and threw the box in my bag for later. I hopped on the bike and somehow managed to make it through a few hours of bike riding in the hot, thick, mosquito infested rainforest. I felt miserable, but the sights were beautiful. Our hard work was rewarded with tropical drinks in a beautiful pool before returning to the port.

After returning to the ship, my friend went to the spa for a little pampering. I felt terrible, so my plan was to shower, take some more meds and get a quick nap before supper. I pulled the box of meds out of the box and quickly took two more. Then I began looking at the box. I noticed that there was orange fluid oozing out of one of the pills in the packaging. My mind has a tendency to go from 1 to 100 in a split second, and it usually goes to the absolute worst case scenario. In that moment I decided that someone had tampered with the pills I had just taken. Keep in mind that I had a high fever and was a little dehydrated from the days activities, so I wasn’t thinking rationally. I managed to convince myself that the cold meds I took were poisoned and that something bad had happened to me. I frantically searched for a pen so I could write my friend a note to let her know what happened in the event that I was “gone” when she returned from the spa. During my search for a pen she returned, and I told her how my meds had been tampered with and something bad was going to happen to me. She laughed, told me how dumb I was and reminded me that I had been in a blazing hot jungle all day long and that the only thing that happened to my pills was the sun. They had melted! We both got a good laugh, and I was relieved not to be dying.

For future trips I will pack cold medicine and insect repellent wipes (although I’m not sure anything can combat the Belizean mosquitos).

I’ve found a great “buy” in foreign pharmacies. For those who want long eyelashes, Latisse is sold in the states for $150 per bottle, and Lumigan is sold for $215, but I’ve been able to purchase Lumigan in Mexico for $66 and in Belize for $40! It’s the exact same stuff with the same great results.

Happy travels!

Robin – I think I would have thought the same as you! I’m glad you’re ok! I’ll have to try mosquito wipes but Belizean mosquitoes love me. Mexican drug stores are great for those types of products!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• Top 10 tried and tested family travel hacks | YOLO Travel Experiences - […] F is for first aid: I have a tiny square first aid kit with Band-Aids, iodine, gauze, scissors, and…

Share your thoughts with us! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Search hotels and more...

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

DIY: A Travel Medicine Kit Checklist That Fits in Your Carry On

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A travel medicine kit is an essential part of packing.   Getting sick on vacation is miserable , but sooner or later, it happens to everyone.  I seem to get hit with a bad cold every year while traveling (those darn airplane germs!) and my husband is so sensitive to stomach issues we call him “the canary in the coal mine”. 

The good news is that it’s remarkably easy to find just about any medication anywhere in the world — but it often takes a big chunk of time, especially if you’re staying in small towns or rural areas where you have to drive a long distance to the nearest pharmacy.  And take my word that you don’t want to get food poisoning at 1am and have to wait until morning for a store to open to get supplies.

The faster you can solve your problem, the better.  But unlike Mary Poppins, I can’t carry everything all the time — there has to be a balance between having enough to be useful without weighing you down.

After tons of travel, I’ve created a comprehensive, mini first aid kit.  This DIY first aid kit is quick and cheap to make plus has all the essentials.  When you’re not traveling, throw it in your day bag for local adventures or keep it in your car so it’s always handy.

Travel Medicine Kit Basics

Although you can buy a pre-packaged travel emergency kit, I recommend tailoring it to your specific needs.  That way you’re 100% familiar with what’s in it ahead of time and have products you trust.

Generally speaking, there are three sets of items that should be on your travel first aid kit list:

• Medications You Definitely Need (prescriptions you use at home on a regular basis + special medications for your destination, such as something to help with altitude sickness)
• First Aid Items You Commonly Use  (in my case, that’s band-aids for a myriad of adventure activities + ibuprofen as the “all-purpose drug” for fevers, muscle soreness, and headaches)
• Items You Can’t Get Easily at Your Destination  (I include items I’ll want immediately in this category; i.e. anti-diarrheals, so you can solve the problem at 3am instead of running to a store)

Your first aid packing list might change a little for every trip.  You can take just the necessities for a weekend in New York City but will need a more comprehensive first aid kit for remote destinations.  

Organizing Non-Prescription Medications

No one wants to pack a dozen pill bottles in their carry-on!  Besides, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need all 200 aspirin!  Better to condense a 2-3 day supply into a more compact case.  That’s likely all you’ll need — if that! — but in any case, it’s at least enough to buy you time into you can restock during your trip.

That’s why I use a standard 7-day pill case to organize my over-the-counter medication.  Instead of using each compartment for one day’s worth of pills, I use each space for a single type of medicine.  So, for example, Monday will hold ibuprofen and Tuesday will hold allergy meds.

Just be sure to label, either by writing with a Sharpie marker right on the case or taping a legend to the back.

I’m sure you can find these pill organizers at your local pharmacy, or you can order a basic pill case on Amazon .

These are the 7 medications I divide in my organizer, although you can tweak it for your own travels:

• Ibuprofen (I prefer it for pain relief but you could easily substitute Tylenol or aspirin)
• Decongestants (after ibuprofen, this is the most reached-for drug I pack; airplanes are a hotbed for germs!)
• Antihistamines
• Anti-diarrheal
• Antacids or indigestion meds
• Motion sickness meds
• For me, it’s lactaid, but this is also a great spot for vitamins or probiotics

Pick the Perfect Bag

My first aid kit is about the size of a paperback book, giving me enough space to work with without weighing me down.  I keep it stocked with essentials so I can “grab and go” for most trips without having to worry about a last-minute supply run.

First Aid Kit Supplies:

• My over-the-counter pill box
• Bandages (I prefer ones with built-in antibiotic cream for convenience)
• Antiseptic wipes for minor cuts
• Throat lozenges
• All-purpose first aid balm (hint: Green Goo works great for bites and stings, is all-natural, and the TSA considers it a solid for packing purposes)
• Moleskins for blisters
• Oral rehydration salts – for cases of food poisoning, over-exhertion, or one too many late nights
• Ginger chews (for nausea)

For those of you thinking this is overkill, yes, you can buy premade kits.  Here’s the problem: the cheap ones are worthless: you’ll get bandages that don’t stick and so few pills that you’ll be replenishing them after one trip anyway.  And you’ll likely get a few medications you’ve never tried before, which would make me  really  nervous if I was far from a hospital.

The best travel first aid kit is made by Adventure Medical.   It’s crazy comprehensive and probably bulkier than need be, but I trust all the medical supplies in it.  (Making your own will be cheaper, but obviously not as easy).

Don’t Overstuff Your First Aid Kit Contents

I don’t bother packing items that I don’t use at home, but if these are more common in your household medicine cabinet, you might want to bring them with you while traveling:

• Medical equipment you may need (i.e. syringes, inhalers, epi-pens)
• Aloe wipes or other sun relief items (I may not bring aloe, but I do pack sunscreen!)
• Multi-vitamins and other nutritional supplements
• Antifungal gels or creams
• Separate antibacterial ointment
• Disposable gloves
• Elastic bandage wrap
• Thermometer
• Medical Tape

Remember you don’t need a lifetime supply of everything, so count out what you’ll most likely need and leave the rest at home.  I find small GoTubbs  to be a good size for packing specialty items.

Be Smart About Your Travel Health Your first aid packing list is just one piece of the travel health puzzle. Particularly when traveling abroad, you should start by researching if there are any diseases that are common in that area.  The CDC has an official  traveler health resource to get you started on things like zika virus, malaria zones, etc. (although I find the UK version  easier to navigate). For many destinations, especially in tropical countries and/or developing nations, you may also need to ask your doctor about travel vaccines.  Read my complete guide to budgeting for travel immunizations . Lastly, it’s always a smart idea to purchase travel insurance which will help cover health care costs if you seek medical treatment abroad or if you need emergency help.  I always purchase through RoamRight , but no matter who you choose, you should educate yourself about policy options .

The Most Important Tips for Your Travel Medical Kit

If you’ve got safe drinking water and health insurance and wash your hands often, that’ll get you most of the way there.

My last piece of advice when it comes to a travel first aid kit is to make sure it’s accessible!  If you get a headache onboard an overnight flight but your first aid kit is in your checked suitcase, it does you no good.

Make sure what you need is easy to get to when you need it.  That’s a mistake I’ll only make once!

*     *     *

DIY Travel First Aid Kit List

A first aid kit prepares you for illness, common injuries, and minor accidents. Homemade first aid kits can pack small to fit in suitcases, purses, or cars.

Instructions

Divide over-the-counter medications into small dosages to save on space.

I recommend restocking when you get home from a trip so you're ready to "grab and go" when you pack for the next one!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What’s in your travel medicine kit?

Is there something different in your carry-on first aid kit? Do you have other travel tips?

22 thoughts on “DIY: A Travel Medicine Kit Checklist That Fits in Your Carry On”

On every leg of air travel I wear a new paper mask covering nose and mouth. I put it on as soon as the plane doors close, removing it just long enough to eat and drink. Two reasons: 1- So I don’t catch the cold other travelers have; 2- Because the air is so dry on planes, I appreciate being my own humidifier.

Sounds like the perfect size kit. I travel with very little because I tend to purchase meds if I need them at my destination, but anti-diarrhea meds and nausea medications are two that I ALWAYS have with me. Since I lead tours, I can’t be feeling too ill to go out with the group! Those two things usually get me through the day, no matter how sick I am and then I can spend the night in the bathroom if need be, lol.

Before traveling, we prepare our bag with some essential things which we think can be used in journey and first aid bag with proper medication tools is one of those essential things, Make a list of all tools and check before leaving whether all tools present on the list are in the first aid bag or not, I think all tools mentioned in the above post cover everything, but I like the idea of bringing new paper mask, thanks céline bouchard for mentioning this idea in your comment.

Hi can I buy your bag?

@Sabina, What bag do you want to buy? You can make your own easily!

I also bring small scissors to cut the moleskin. One thing about first aid packing that is such a pain is the common recommendation to bring all prescription medications in their original containers, particularly for international travel. On the one hand, that is the safest in case you were to be detained or questioned, but on the other, it adds a lot of bulk to packing that otherwise could be reduced in size. What are your thoughts on that?

@LeRainDrop, Almost everyone I know packs their prescription meds in a pill box rather than original containers. I’d bring a paper detailing meds/dosages + physician’s name and phone number, just in case. (I’d be MORE conservative if you have highly controlled substances, like pain meds)

Thank you so much! I have a handful of prescriptions but no controlled substances, and I got the comprehensive letter from my doctor detailing all my medicines. I wish I found your site earlier, as I’m packing right now for an extended trip to Guatemala in two days, and your site provides a great wealth of info!

Thsis is great info. I’m packing for a trip right now, and will be including these items in my bag for sure.

This is a great list! I never leave home without a fully stocked first aid kit. You never know when the kids are going to hurt themselves.

@Audrey, Or the adults 😉

My wife is responsible for the kit in our family. I’m glad she is, I would have forgotten half of these things!

@Scott, I’d forget too without a list…

Great idea. I never seem to have the right things when I pack. Now I can just use your list and be prepared when we travel. .

Hi Becky, It was great to meet you at WITS17 this year. I always make sure that we have a first aid kit in our car, since we have four children and an accident prone dad of the house!

@Natasha, Pleasure to meet you also…great conference! Funny how sometimes it’s the parents who are more accident prone than the kids.

This is not exactly gear but: Don’t forget to call your wireless carrier to find out what options it offers for traveling wherever you are going. Accidental roaming can be very expensive, and most carriers offer options that are much more economical.

@Paula, Totally true! It’s best to have a set plan that works in your budget or buy a local sim card on arrival.

Pingback: 5 Easy Tricks for Making Your Summer Travel Less Stressful (Hint: Wine is NOT on the List) – A Third Life Crisis

I totally agree with you in that the things you need to pack in your first aid kit will depend on the place where you are going. It is important to understand what type of dangers you might be exposed to in order to have the best supplies on hand to avoid any serious accidents. We are planning on taking a camping trip in a few days and wanted to make sure we had the best first aid kit for the job, so I’m glad I found your page.

@Marcus, Hope your adventure was a success!

Excellent and honest post. I found this much useful information, as to what I was exactly searching for packing tips. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Section 2 - Water Disinfection
• Section 2 - Last-Minute Travelers

Travel Health Kits

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Aisha Rizwan

Traveling With Medications

Supplies for preexisting medical conditions, general travel health kit supplies, travel kits when traveling with children, commercial medical kits.

Regardless of their destination, international travelers should assemble and carry a travel health kit. Travelers should tailor the contents to their specific needs, the type and length of travel, and their destination(s). Kits can be assembled at home or purchased at a local store, pharmacy, or online. Travel health kits can help to ensure travelers have supplies they need to manage preexisting medical conditions and treat any exacerbations of these conditions, prevent illness and injury related to traveling, and take care of minor health problems as they occur.

Instruct international travelers to carry all medications in their original containers with clear labels that easily identify the contents, the patient’s name, and dosing regimen information. Although travelers might prefer packing their medications into small bags, pillboxes, or daily-dose containers, officials at ports of entry might require that medications be in their original prescription containers.

Travelers should carry copies of all prescriptions, including generic names, preferably translated into the local language of the destination. For controlled substances and injectable medications, travelers should carry a note on letterhead stationery from the prescribing clinician or travel clinic. Translating the letter into the local language at the destination and attaching the translation to the original document could prove helpful if the document is needed during the trip. Some countries do not permit certain medications. For questions about medication restrictions, particularly regarding controlled substances, travelers should contact the US embassy or consulate of the destination country.

A travel health kit is useful only when it is easily accessible. Travelers should always carry the kit with them (e.g., in a carry-on bag); sharp objects like scissors and fine splinter tweezers must remain in checked luggage, however. Travelers should make sure that any liquid or gel-based items packed in carry-on bags do not exceed size limits, although exceptions are made for certain medical reasons. For more information, call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at 866-289-9673 (toll-free, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or see the TSA Customer Service webpage. The US embassy or consulate at the destination country can also provide details.

Travelers with preexisting medical conditions should carry enough medication for the duration of their trip and an extra supply in case the trip extends for any reason. If additional supplies (e.g., glucose monitoring items) or medications are needed to manage exacerbations of existing medical conditions, these should be carried as well (see Sec. 3, Ch. 3, Travelers with Chronic Illnesses ). People with preexisting conditions (e.g., allergies, diabetes), should consider wearing an alert bracelet. Needles and syringes can be difficult to purchase in some locations, so travelers should take more than needed for the length of the trip. In addition, travelers needing needles and syringes will also be required to carry a letter from the prescribing clinician on letterhead stationery.

Boxes 2-06 , 2-07 , 2-08 , 2-09 , and 2-10 provide sample checklists of items travelers might consider including in their basic travel health kits. Provide travelers with needed details and instructions about any prescribed medications, including antibiotics for self-treatment of diarrhea, medications to treat altitude illness, and malaria chemoprophylaxis. Relevant chapters of this book offer additional suggestions for travel health kit contents depending on underlying health issues, itinerary, and planned activities or intended reasons for travel.

Box 2-06 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: prescription medicines & medical supplies

☐ Antibiotics for self-treatment of moderate to severe travelers’ diarrhea (if prescribed)

☐ Antihistamines, epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., an EpiPen 2-Pak), short course of oral steroid medications (for travelers, including children, with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis)

☐ Antimalarial medication (if prescribed)

☐ Insulin and diabetes testing supplies

☐ Medicine to prevent or treat altitude illness (if prescribed)

☐ Needles or syringes (plus extras) for injectable medicines

☐ Prescription glasses/contact lenses (consider packing an extra pair of each)

☐ Prescription medicines taken regularly at home

☐ Sleep aids (if prescribed)

Pack all prescription medicines (+ a copy of the prescription) and any necessary medical supplies in a carry-on bag. Medicines should be in their original containers with labels that clearly identify contents, patient name, and dosing information. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace if you have chronic illnesses or underlying health conditions.

Box 2-07 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: over-the-counter medications

☐ Over-the-counter medicines taken regularly at home

☐ Medicines for pain or fever, for example:

• Acetaminophen

☐ Medicines (not antibiotics) for stomach upset or diarrhea, for example:

• Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide [Imodium] or bismuth subsalicylate [Pepto-Bismol])
• Packets of oral rehydration salts for dehydration
• Mild laxatives

☐ Medicines for mild upper respiratory conditions, for example:

• Antihistamine
• Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine
• Cough suppressant or expectorant
• Cough drops

☐ Medicines for motion sickness

☐ Sleep aids (non-prescription)

☐ Eye drops

☐ Nose drops or spray

Box 2-08 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: basic first aid

☐ Adhesive bandages and tape, multiple sizes

☐ Antifungal and antibacterial spray or creams

☐ Anti-itch gel or cream for insect bites and stings

☐ Antiseptic wound cleanser

☐ Commercial suture kit (for travel to remote areas)

☐ Cotton swabs

☐ Digital thermometer

☐ Disposable latex-free gloves

☐ Elastic/compression bandage wrap for sprains and strains

☐ First aid quick reference card

☐ Hydrocortisone cream (1%)

☐ Moleskin or molefoam for blister prevention and treatment

☐ Safety pins

☐ Scissors (pack sharp metal objects in checked baggage; small, rounded tip bandage scissors might be available for purchase in certain stores or online)

☐ Triangular bandage to wrap injuries and to make an arm or shoulder sling

☐ Tweezers (pack sharp metal objects in checked baggage)

Box 2-09 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: supplies to prevent illness & injury

☐ Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol

☐ Ear plugs

☐ Face masks

☐ Insect repellents for skin and clothing

☐ Latex condoms

☐ Mosquito net (for protection against insect bites while sleeping; can be pretreated with insect repellent)

☐ Personal safety equipment (for example, child safety seats, bicycle or motorcycle helmets)

☐ Sun protection (for example, protective clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen)

☐ Water purification method(s) if visiting remote areas, camping, or staying in areas where access to clean water is limited

Box 2-10 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: documents

☐ Contact information card (carry at all times) that includes the street addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of:

• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) at your destination(s)
• Insurance policy information
• Lodging at the destination(s)
• US embassy or consulate address and telephone number in your destination country or countries

☐ Copies of all prescriptions for medications, eyeglasses/contacts, and other medical supplies, including generic names; preferably translated into the local language of the destination

☐ Documentation of preexisting conditions (for example, diabetes or allergies) in English and preferably translated into the local language of the destination

☐ Electrocardiogram (EKG) if you have existing heart disease, including any known abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

☐ Health insurance, supplemental travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, and travel insurance policy numbers, carrier contact information, and copies of claim forms

☐ International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card showing proof of vaccination, or an appropriate medical waiver, for travel to destinations where vaccinations are required by the country for entry

In addition to bringing the medical documents on this list, be sure to leave copies with a family member or close contact who will remain in the United States (in case of an emergency). Consider having electronic copies of documents, as well.

Box 2-11 provides a checklist of items travelers might consider bringing if they are traveling with children.

Travelers can obtain commercial medical kits for a wide range of circumstances, from basic first aid to advanced emergency life support. Companies also manufacture advanced medical kits for adventure travelers, customizing them based on specific travel needs. In addition, specialty kits are available for travelers managing diabetes, dealing with dental emergencies, and participating in aquatic activities. Many pharmacy, grocery, retail, and outdoor sporting goods stores, as well as online retailers, sell their own basic first aid kits. Travelers who choose to purchase a preassembled kit should review the contents of the kit carefully to ensure that it has everything needed; any necessary additional items should be added.

Box 2-11 Sample travel health kit checklist for travelers: supplies for children

☐ Baby wipes

☐ Change mat

☐ Children’s medicine for pain or fever

☐ Insect repellent (avoid using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus [OLE] or para-menthane-3,8-diol [PMD] on children <3 years old)

☐ Medicines taken regularly at home

☐ Motor vehicle restraints (for example, stroller, seatbelts, or car seat)

☐ Rash cream

☐ Sterilizing equipment for baby bottles

☐ Sun protection

☐ Thermometer

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Calvin Patimeteeporn

Bibliography

Goodyer L and Gibbs J. Travel medical kits. In: Keystone JS, Kozarsky PE, Connor BA, Nothdurft HD, Mendelson M, Leder K, editors. Travel medicine, 4th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2019. pp. 61–4.

Harper LA, Bettinger J, Dismukes R, Kozarsky PE. Evaluation of the Coca-Cola company travel health kit. J Travel Med. 2002;9(5):244–6.

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Trustpilot 4.8/5 based on 1,592 reviews

Travel first aid kit checklist: Well prepared for your vacation

Check your claim for compensation online now in just 2 minutes

By Talya Minsberg

It’s a question that the two 52 Places Travelers have fielded from readers and colleagues alike: How do you stay healthy when crisscrossing the world for nearly 365 days? And what do you pack in case you get sick? Each location has its own set of challenges, recommended vaccines and access to pharmacies.

There’s a thin line between being over- and underprepared, said Rebecca Acosta, the co-founder and executive director of Traveler’s Medical Service . The average globe-trotting traveler does not need I.V. bags and syringes, she said, though the items are suggested for those trekking in rural areas.

Jada Yuan began her year as the inaugural 52 Places Traveler in 2018 with a first aid kit that was built with the help of foreign correspondents. Ms. Yuan’s kit was so extensive that a Moroccan customs officer accused her of being a drug dealer.

Twelve months and some 74,900 miles later, Ms. Yuan returned to New York City with “basically the same amount of medicine,” she said.

This year’s 52 Places Traveler, Sebastian Modak , is having a similar experience. Five months in, his first aid kit has been almost untouched. But it offers enough peace of mind that it’s worth all the space it takes up, he says.

(His top recommendation for staying healthy? Drink clean, filtered water. Lots of it. )

Here’s how to pack a first aid kit, whether you are going around the world for a year or a remote adventure for a week.

Start With a Vaccine Checklist

The Centers for Disease Control has a list of vaccines, health notices and packing lists for those traveling around the world. That means accounting for location: Ms. Yuan and Mr. Modak had to plan for places as diverse as Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia and Japan’s Setouchi Islands.

Make sure to look up vaccine requirements far in advance of your travels, as some vaccines may require treatments or doses. Additionally, some nations may require proof of vaccination upon entering customs. The World Health Organization keeps an updated list of nations requiring yellow fever vaccines here .

Don’t forget travel insurance

If you are traveling with a group or on business, you may already have traveler’s insurance that covers medical evacuation. If not, consider buying insurance that includes medevac services, which are recommended when traveling to more rural destinations.

In addition to health coverage, travel insurance covers things like lost baggage and flight cancellations. So even if you stay healthy, it can come in handy when you're on road.

A good travel insurance package will also include a support number to call if you need help identifying the severity of your illness, and where to turn for help.

If your health care provider in the United States offers virtual doctor visits, you may be able to turn to your regular doctor’s office while abroad, too.

Management vs. prevention

If you have prescriptions, make sure they are filled for the entirety of your travels. That may take some coordinating between a primary care physician and insurance companies if medicines need to be resupplied on the road. Ms. Acosta recommends working with a doctor to compile a list of all prescribed medications, in generic form, in case prescriptions are misplaced.

When it comes to prevention, Ms. Acosta said, travelers should think of their medicine cabinet. “What are the type of things that you may grab from your medical kit at home? If it’s one in the morning and you have an upset stomach or a headache, what do you go for?”

Pack those items first.

For Mr. Modak that included vitamins. “I don’t know if you can overdose on vitamins but if so, I’m doing it,” he said from Bulgaria. “I take a multivitamin every morning and chew an Airborne vitamin C tablet, too, on top of that.”

Build your kit

“The worst time to go looking for a pharmacy is after you already need one — and that’s especially true when you’re traveling in an unfamiliar place,” said Ria Misra, the travel editor with Wirecutter , a New York Times Company that reviews and recommends products. That’s why she recommends building your own kit or carefully choosing a prepackaged one.

Traveler’s Medical Service offers recommendations for your kit, listed below; choose the brands that you’ve used in the past. (Traveling internationally is not a great time to test new medication.) Wirecutter recommends packaging a kit in the Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer ; the bag’s roll-up design allows it to pack down significantly.

For travelers short on time, some pre-packed first-aid kits cover the basics. Wirecutter recommends to First Aid Only’s Essentials Kit , which contains the basics needed to clean up minor cuts and relieve pain.

Keep those kits in a carry-on.

Make a checklist

Travelers should create a first aid kit for simple wounds and basic medications to treat stomach issues, colds and allergies. Some products that Traveler’s Medical Service recommends include:

First aid items

Alcohol swabs and liquid disinfectant solution

Bandages: Adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, blister pads and bandage rolls

Topical creams: Antibiotic ointment, antifungal ointments, hydrocortisone cream

Oral rehydration solution for diarrhea or dehydration

Digital thermometer

Lubricating eye drops

Insect repellent

Medications

Antihistamines for allergic reactions and seasonal allergies

Bismuth subsalicylate for nausea, gas and bloating

Laxative/stool softener

Anti-motility medication for severe diarrhea

Cough and cold remedies and lozenges

Pain relievers/fever reducers

Motion sickness medication

Similarly, note any preventive medicines in generic form should you need to restock while traveling.

INSPIRED? Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world , and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter : Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 7 Best Travel First Aid Kits for Unexpected Emergencies [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

778 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

33 Published Articles 3136 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider in a First Aid Kit

1. full travel first aid set with 300 pieces, 2. complete medical and survival kit for traveling, 3. small package first aid kit for short journeys, 4. mini kit with 27 medical essentials, 5. mini first aid pack with crush-resistant bag, 6. bandage and pain relief balm pack, 7. great for minor first aid interventions, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Injuries happen without respect for time or location, and traveling without a first aid kit is asking for trouble.

That’s why it’s important to have a handy and compact first aid kit that includes a wound disinfection component, gauze pads, and adhesive tape to keep the gauze fixed. These elements can help you prevent wound infection if you end up getting a cut while on the move.

To be fully prepared, you need to ensure that your first aid kit is well-equipped, so let’s take a look at what you should look for.

Before buying a first aid travel kit, you should consider a few factors to help you make the right decision. Not every kit is suitable for all types of injuries, so you may have to prioritize.

You should also consider how well the first aid kit fits into your luggage or backpack and whether it has enough space for you to add personal medication .

Finally, the medical pieces included can vary greatly, as some kits mainly consist of gauze pads, while others are filled with items for more serious injuries. Here are some of the main features to consider before buying a first aid kit for traveling.

Compact Size

Every usable travel first aid kit comes with a carrying bag, so consider whether the size of the bag fits into your luggage . It largely depends on the number of items included, as some kits come with 100 medical pieces and others with up to 300.

Bottom Line: To help you decide on your size needs, consider the number of people going on the trip and how long you will be away.

Medical Pieces

There are differences in the contents of each first aid kit, but some items are essential. When buying a first aid kit for traveling, make sure it comes with gauze pads, medical tape, bandages, antiseptics, gloves, trauma dressing, and scissors .

These are just some of the items you can use to disinfect and dress a wound to make sure it’s clean until you get back to your hotel or reach a hospital in the case of more serious wounds.

Number of Pieces

If you are going on a trip for a day or 2, the chances are that basic first aid kits will suffice. However, if you are going on a longer trip, especially with your family or friends, you need to bring a well-equipped kit.

These often include up to 300 pieces in a set and will almost certainly be sufficient for any injury you might suffer. It’s always a good idea to bring a well-equipped kit on trips to faraway destinations — just in case.

If you plan on bringing personal medication in combination with all the medical pieces in a first aid kit, you should put labels on every medication . By doing so, you will prevent confusion if you need to use a certain item in case of an emergency.

Bottom Line: Wherever you’re headed, a first aid kit is part of any list of essentials for camping , hiking , or the beach .

The 7 Best Travel First Aid Kits

Covering a range of sizes for different lengths of trips, this list includes some of the best medical sets you can use for first aid.

First Aid Only All-Purpose Essentials Soft-Sided First Aid Kit

This set is a complete yet compact travel solution with dimensions suitable for travel at a 9.2-inch length and 7-inch height. The First Aid Only complete first aid kit comes with 300 pieces and only weighs a pound while catering to all sorts of emergencies and smaller injuries .

Because of its size, it’s even a great solution for short trips. It comes with a hygienic medical preservation bag where all the items are stored. The bag also keeps the items inside organized and labeled, so you can easily find whatever you might need.

It fits into a backpack or a travel bag, and some of the most important pieces include adhesive bandages of all sizes, antibiotic ointment, butterfly wound closures, applicators, and gauze pads.

What We Like:

• A compact and complete medical set

What We Don’t Like:

• Doesn’t leave much room for personal medication

EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit

If you are looking for a complete survival set for tackling nature, rather than just a medical first aid kit, the Everlit survival kit is a perfect option. It comes with 250 pieces of medical supplies, including some useful survival kit additions.

It has all the medical essentials like alcohol prep pads, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, safety pins, cotton tips , and cotton balls . You can also find a CPR mask, metal tweezers, scissors, PVC gloves, and other equipment.

As for the survival supplies, there’s a tactical EMT molle bag, disposable poncho, fire starter , tactical flashlight, and a glow stick, in case you plan on spending some time in nature.

• The survival essentials
• The bag might be a bit bulky

Mini First Aid Kit 110 Pieces Small First Aid Kit

Those in pursuit of a small and compact first aid kit will be surprised at how many essentials can fit into this small package. The mini first aid kit from General Medi has 110 pieces, including some surprising additions like an emergency foil blanket, a CPR respirator, and scissors .

As for the run-of-the-mill medical supplies it contains, there are adhesive plasters, sterile gauze pads, cleaning swabs, a conforming bandage, and a triangular bandage. You can also find alcohol prep pads and antiseptic towelettes among the contents.

The small package made of waterproof nylon with a zip opening ensures that your medical supplies are safe and compact enough for carrying anywhere.

• Small and compact
• No room in the bag for personal medication

Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit

A unique option for those who want only the essentials is the Coleman All Purpose mini first aid kit. This solution comes in a small pack of 0.88 x 3.88 inches, so it can easily fit into any backpack pocket or travel bag storage space.

Despite its tiny size, it provides all the essentials. The kit comes with 27 items, including 2 butterfly bandages, large safety pins, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and 1 razor blade.

This set provides all the basics you might need in case of a small injury, and the embedded cross logo makes it easier to find it in your baggage.

• Its small size
• Limited supplies

THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit 100 Pieces Water-Resistant Hard Shell

If you want a sturdy container for your medical supplies, you can benefit from using the Thriaid mini first aid pack. It comes with a hard-shell carrying bag that’s crush-resistant and water-resistant , so you can feel at ease knowing all your medical essentials are safe.

This pack comes with more than 100 medical necessities for first aid, all inside of a useful bag that can be repurposed. In case of injuries, you can rely on internationally-certified products for wound disinfection and tending.

The contents include disposal gloves, scissors, an antiseptic towelette, different sizes of bandages and gauze pads, and adhesive plasters.

• The crush-resistant shell
• Zipper bag should be sensitively handled

Hot Tip: You may need to check any luggage that contains scissors that are longer than 4 inches from the pivot point. See more details in our guide to the items you can and cannot bring through TSA security .

Welly First Aid Travel Kit Bravery Balm Kit

Welly’s Bravery Balm travel kit includes just enough items for 1 person to use to tend to cuts and abrasions while traveling. The set includes 1 small tin box that’s 4 inches long and 1.7 inches wide, and everything fits right into it.

The pack includes 13 essentials such as Bravery Balm triple antibiotic and pain relief ointment . The Welly set also includes 12 flexible fabric bandages of standard sizes.

• Perfect for solo travel
• Lacks some medical equipment like scissors and gloves

Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit Travel Size Pack

If you’re looking for a small first aid kit that’s great for minor interventions, this Johnson & Johnson kit likely has just what you need. It’s small enough for traveling and comes in 3 identical small medical packs.

While this set might not be enough for treating major wounds, you can treat small injuries perfectly well. The set comes with 12 pieces in each pack and includes hand cleansing wipes, gauze pads, band-aids, and adhesive plasters . These sets fit into any travel bag for easy portability, even on short trips.

• A carrying bag isn’t included

Your choice of first aid kit all comes down to the type of travel you are planning in terms of the length of your trip and the number of people that will use the kit.

All of the listed options are great for minor interventions, while sets like the First Aid Only 300-piece pack serve as a more comprehensive solution. The size of a kit is also a factor to consider, as you will need one that fits easily into your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a first aid kit.

The most important medical supplies you should have at your disposal while traveling includes gauze pads, bandages, antiseptics, and antibiotic ointment. You might also need medical tape and tweezers. Keep in mind that a first aid kit is only meant to treat minor injuries.

How many items should be in a first aid box?

It depends on your needs, including the length of your trip and the number of people in your group, but they range from 12 pieces to over 300 pieces. You should always opt for a compact kit that still has as many supplies as you need.

Do first aid sets include CPR essentials?

Some better-equipped first aid kits include CPR masks along with regular medical essentials but most mini travel first aid kits do not.

What’s the best first aid travel kit size?

If you are like most travelers, chances are you don’t have much room to spare in your luggage. So look for a compact solution, some of which can fit more than 100 pieces in a bag or case no longer than 10 inches.

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

How to Pack a Travel First Aid Kit

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Gear

Updated On: November 28, 2022

One of the biggest things that Dave and I always struggle with when getting ready for our travels is how to pack a travel first aid kit. We just never know what we are going to need, but at the same time, we hate carrying too much stuff. Then again, we really do need to be prepared for any situation – especially when going off the beaten path.

We have been in hospitals on 4 different continents. We’ve had severe blood infections in Africa, a sprained ankle in Ireland, a broken back in the Amazon , and dangerous illnesses in India. (I’ve suffered from 3 different types of parasites)

While we’re fans of packing light, we are also fans of being prepared. After years of honing our packing skills, we have created a list of things we always put in our first aid kit to be prepared but to also keep things simple and light weight.

Table of Contents

First Aid Kits for Travel

Travel will be very different for a few years after COVID-19. A first aid kit should now include an N95 surgical face mask and hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes , and disinfectant wipes. We use wipes to clean our armrest and table tray on airplanes and other transportation. Plus, these days, a digital thermometer to check for a fever is a good idea to be part of any first aid kit for travel. We are even carrying Rapid tests for COVID since here in Canada, we can pick them up for free.

Disclosure: This first aid checklist does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. We recommend going to a travel health clinic and talk to your doctor for professional information.

Most of the items listed are found in a basic first aid kit that you can buy in an outdoor store. You can start off by purchasing a pre-stocked travel first aid kit and then take it away and add what you need to it. That way you don’t need to buy every item in bulk. For a first aid kit for travel, you only need a travel size.

You can check out the best first aid kits to suit your needs here on Amazon now. You can then mix and match what you need just remember to keep it lightweight. You can just bring a few items rather than packing them in bulk.

First Aid Kit Checklist

To start off, here is a quick checklist of basic items we’ve added to our first aid kit bags.

Tweezers You’d be amazed at how many splinters we’ve gotten while traveling. And they can become infected too. Pack a good pair of Tweezers like these ones.

Gauze Pads I think that gauze pads are more important than band aids. Gauze and tape will take care of a cut of almost any size. We often carry band aids with us but end up having a cut that is too large. Gause with some tape does the trick

Surgical Tape It’s great to have gauze pads, but you need to tape it on with something. Plus, the surgical tape can also help tape up a sprained finger or be used for other minor injuries.

Allergy medication We keep Benadryl on hand for possible severe allergy reactions. And we use Claritin for regular environmental allergens.

Antihistamine cream Dave was swarmed by fire ants once and having this cream to treat the bits helped ease the pain.

Surgical Gloves When Dave was attacked by said fire ants in Honduras, I tried to brush them off his back, but they swarmed by hands. When another traveler whipped out his surgical gloves and brushed them off quickly, I have carried them ever since.

Scissors Small scissors are good for cutting gauze pads and moleskin and to use for a number of things when traveling. Get a small travel size pair to keep in your kit.

Looking for more help with packing for travel?

• The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)
• Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier
• Packing for Travel – 6 Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze
• The Best Travel Gear and Travel accessories

Insect Repellent Insect Repellent is our number one prevention for diseases that are transmitted through mosquitoes so have a good insect repellant. It is up in the air whether to go Deet free or not. A lot of professionals recommend high Deet content, we prefer more natural products in addition to covering up by wearing light weight long sleeve clothing.

Sunscreen Sunburns can be very serious when traveling. Too many people head to the beach and get severe burns from the tropical sun. We usually cover up and wear hats instead of smothering our bodies with sunscreen. Even when surfing or snorkeling, we wear long-sleeved board shirts and shorts.

Lip Balm A must in my books. Soothes sunburned lips and when trekking or climbing it soothes chapped and wind burned lips. Try to look for a chapstick that has SPF to protect your lips from the sun.

Gold Bond We always swear by Gold Bond powder, it relieves heat rashes and prickly heat. It’s perfect for adventure travel, long treks, and in hot and humid climates

Anti-diarrheal Imodium ( Loperamide ) has been a lifesaver for us in the past during long bus rides.

Elastic Bandage We have sprained ankles and wrists during our travels. You can carry an elastic bandage for knees or ankles and a Triangular Bandage is great to have on hand to put your arm in a sling. Make sure to have some safety pins to go along with it to hold it in place. You only need one of each. Self Adhesive bandages are a good idea to eliminate safety pins and can be used for virtually anything. Plus you don’t need scissors.

Ibuprofen, Decongestants Of course, we always have the usual pain and cold relief medications.  Acetaminophen and Ibuprophin also help reduce fevers should you get sick on the road.

Nexium or Zantac Indigestion and heartburn can occur a lot when traveling, Esomeprazole is great to have in your bag when traveling. Especially when eating a lot of exotic foot.

Eye Drops I suffer from Allergies and it is packaged in a small bottle so eye drops are an essential part of my first aid kit. So for us allergy eye drops are a good choice to reduce allergy symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to pack moisture drops – before getting Lasi k, my eyes were always dry while traveling.

Essential Oil Tiger Balm or p eppermint essential oil is great for relieving sore muscles and headaches and I use both when my nose is stuffy. Plus it masks odor on long buses or flights. I have sat beside some pretty stinky people.

Adventure Travel Items for First Aid

Not all of these items usually aren’t needed in a regular medical kit, but when traveling to remote destinations or developing countries, we have them on hand.

Rehydration Tablets When dehydration sets in it can be very dangerous. Water won’t do the trick fast enough so we always have rehydration Tablets in our kit to replenish electrolytes fast! We prefer the Nuun brand that we picked up at Mountain Equipment Co-op. Often times we take these tablets when we feel symptoms coming on and they have helped to prevent us from becoming full-blown sick.

Anti-nauseant tablets For Anti-nauseant we use Gravol and it works great. I tend to get motion sickness a lot. Especially on buses and winding roads. Gravol has been my friend on many occasions.

Syringe and Suture Kit We still carry a suture syringe kit to ensure sterile medical supplies and needles when going to remote places. The world is evolving quickly and chances are we won’t need it, but in developing countries and remote locations, we don’t want to take any chances. Note : We have never had to use our suture kit, but it gives us peace of mind in remote locations.

Moleskin Hikers will know Moleskin as a staple piece of adventure gear and hiking to protect your feet. Moleskin is great for treating blisters. It helps to protect against blisters when hiking. No matter how well worn your hiking boots are, blisters can develop, be ready for them with Moleskin. Make sure to have travel scissors on hand.

Cuts and Infections

Antiseptic Wipes For cleaning wounds when traveling, keep a small bottle of saline solution on hand (this will make sure you have clean water) I’ve had a serious infection in Africa when my small cut was infected by unclean water. The best way to clean a wound is with soap and water, so if you have an open cut, a saline solution will guarantee the water is clean. If you don’t have water on hand antiseptic wipes in your kit will be able to clean a wound immediately. Getting the bacteria out fast can prevent infection. You can use the alcohol wipes as double duty, to help keep things light. Saline solution can be bought where contact lenses are sold.

Fucidin Cream This is a prescribed antibiotic cream that treats cuts and scrapes. In a tropical climate, a small cut can lead to infections quickly. We’ve had cuts get infected all over the world and this is the cream all doctors used on our cuts after the infection set in. If we can’t get our hands on prescribed antibiotic cream like Fucidin,  Polysporin is the next best thing.

Tropical First Aid Tips

• In the tropics, small cuts can become infected quickly and it is important to clean them as soon as they happen.
• People don’t recommend peroxide or alcohol anymore, but if you don’t have a saline solution and the water is questionable in your destination it is important to use what is on hand to clean the wound immediately any way you can. I’ve had a cut turn into Celulitis within hours and nearly lost my leg to infection. (I’m not exaggerating). In Thailand, we had a motorcycle accident and Dave’s minor burn turned into an ugly mess where he was in the hospital the next day needing a very painful cleaning to get the dead skin removed because we didn’t clean his wound properly. Infections can spread quickly.
• Then apply a topical antibiotic ointment like Fucidin Cream (Polysporin if you don’t have a prescription) to prevent infection.
• And finally, keep the wound covered with bandages or band aids to prevent bacteria from getting in.

Prescription Medication

When it comes to prescription medication, we always get it filled before leaving home and keep copies of our prescriptions on hand. We make sure to keep our prescriptions in their original packaging for border crossings and immigration. Here is a list of medications that you may want to talk to a doctor about getting filled before leaving on your trip.

Disclosure: If traveling overseas, it is important to visit a doctor at a travel clinic to see what immunizations and medications we will need depending on your activities and your destination. These are prescriptions we have used in the past that were prescribed by a doctor before leaving Canada.

Malaria There are several Malaria medications you can use, but Malarone works well for us. Malaria is no joke and we personally know people who have had it. Malarone has the least side effects for us, but we have also used Doxycycline or Lariam. (the generic name is Mefloquine) We discuss everything with our doctor to see what is best for us.

Altitude Sickness Apo-Acetazolamide: We like to climb mountains and we always take altitude medication with us. The name brand we use is Diamox. It contains apo-acetazolamide which alleviates altitude symptoms and helps us feel better. But we make sure to follow the instructions exactly and we drink plenty of water to keep us hydrated.

• Important Note : We pay close attention to how we are feeling when climbing. Prescribed medication can mask altitude sickness so we pay attention to our body and don’t overdo it. If we feel a sick stop and go down to a lower altitude. Read more: Top 10 Tips for Healthy Travel

Diarrhea Unfortunately, we seem to get bad cases of diarrhea when traveling a lot. We keep Ciprofloxacin in our first aid kit and it has saved our bacon many times in our travels when we can’t get to a hospital. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription medication that fights bacterial infections.

Cold Sores and Fever Blisters Acyclovir is a prescription medication for cold sores. Dave has a real problem with fever blisters or Cold Sores acting up in extreme heat. This stuff works wonders. The minute Dave feels a tingle on his lip, he pops 4 pills and the cold sore never comes up.

It is important for us to go to a travel clinic to discuss what vaccines we need for travel. In 2022, COVID vaccines are required to enter many countries, but there are other vaccines that have always been a staple of travel as well. We make sure to go to the travel clinic at least 6 months before our travels as some vaccines require several treatments and boosters. Talk to your doctor for more information. The Government of Canada has a good list of recommended vaccines for countries around the world.

A list of potential travel vaccines are

• Hepatitis A & B
• Yellow Fever
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Rabies – Rabies shots do not prevent rabies but slow the spread of the infection giving you time to get to the hospital

Water can be iffy in some parts of the world and we like to do our part to help the environment rather than always buying bottled water. Plus, if we are in the back country, we can’t always get to fresh water, so we purify it ourselves. These are the systems we keep in our kit to purify water when in doubt.

Water Purification Systems The main cause of a lot of illnesses when traveling is drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. It’s a good idea to have some sort of water purification system on hand. We carry a SteriPen and our own reusable water bottle. The Steripen purifies water with ultraviolet light in seconds. LifeStraw is another great purification system that we have used in the past.

Water Purification Tablets Water Purification Tablets are good in a pinch. We always buy tablets that do not contain iodine. Even when using a SteriPen and LifeStraw, we keep water purification tablets in our first aid kit as a backup. If we feel the water is really dirty we’ll add a tablet to be safe.

Pro Tip for travel – When it comes to liquids, we put large bottles of liquids into smaller bottles like Gotoobs to keep everything lightweight. We don’t carry a huge bottle of liquid with us, we just keep some in a small plastic bottle should an emergency arise. An insulated water bottle is great for all situations as well.

Planning on traveling and need a first aid kit checklist? Pin to Save to Pinterest for a quick reference

For backpacking, long-term travel, or treks, we do bring everything on this list. For shorter vacations or all-inclusive resorts, we scale it down.

If you want to get started on building your first aid kit, we suggest going to REI in the United States or Mountain Equipment Co-Op in Canada to pick up a basic kit, see what’s inside on this list and then go to the pharmacy and travel clinic to fill in the rest. Or you can purchase a travel first aid kit on Amazon right now.

Travel Insurance – We always travel with travel medical insurance. We have used it several times. Most notably when Dave broke two vertebrae in the Peruvian Amazon. Whenever we are sick beyond what we can treat with our basic medicine kit, we go to the hospital without fear of facing a large bill.

And there you have it. Our complete first aid kit for travel. What did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

• Travel Safety Tips – How to Have a Safe and Healthy Vacation
• How to Overcome Your Travel Fears and Anxiety
• The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist
• The Best Travel Gear – Unique Ideas for Smart Packing
• The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories
• Best Travel Snacks – Tip for Staying Healthy on a Flight
• Top 10 Tips for Healthy Travel

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Best Black Friday And Cyber Monday Deals for Travelers

The Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing

22 Best Luggage Brands Of 2024 For Every Budget

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

16 thoughts on “How to Pack a Travel First Aid Kit”

Thanks for sharing this emergency kit checklist! Just a quick question though, is there not any survival kits available for those with infants? That would be a very great addition to the variation of kits.

The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances such as potassium deficiency or other salt imbalances.

make a blog about roadeavour travel kit

If you aren’t opposed to vaccinating, I’ve heard the dukoral vaccine was quite helpful in eliminating travelers diarrhea.

Diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances such as potassium deficiency or other salt imbalances. In 2009 diarrhea was estimated to have caused 1.1 million deaths in people aged 5 and over. ;`;”

All the best to you http://healthmedicinejournal.com dp Irena Mcglockton

Very extensive list. The only thing I would like to add is something for motion sickness. Not everybody will need this, but for me it’s indispensable. .-= Alyssa @ Femita´s last blog ..The Busy Woman’s Guide to First-aid Travel Kits =-.

Good call, I think Gravol works for motion sickness as well, but there might be something out there that is strictly for motion sickness. I will have to check out your list too! Great to have links to similar posts so that everyone can get info from all angles.

At this point, I’d assume you’re back from your trip. But just in case, I’ve been to Africa twice. You definitely need to bring some lip balm and diarrhea medicine. Those are two that I think i needed the most. And some good bandaids, too. .-= Warren´s last blog .. Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use =-.

Thanks for the additional advice Warren. We have definitely needed some good diarreha medication and lip balm is always in our pocket no matter where we go.

Thanks for the great first aid packing list- it gives us a few new things to add to our travel kit! While traveling, we often used Malarone (expensive, but worth it). We used Cipro only in the most extreme cases, which thankfully were rare, and used Doxycycline for less serious travel bugs. We also couldn’t live without our mosquito net; we used the 4-poster type with bungee cords attached at each end so that we could string it up anywhere…hotels LOVED us! 😉

Hi Jennifer. Excellent advice about the mosquito net. I think that I will have to get one. Doxycycline doesn’t agree with me at all. Luckily we have a health plan and out malarone is 80% covered or else I don’t know what I would do. I had a severe reaction in Vietnam a few years ago to Doxy and had to go to the clinic. Severe mouth and throat ulcers. I was in that 1% bracket. Didn’t take our malaria medication for the next 6 months while in SE Asia. Dave didn’t have a reaction, but he said if you aren’t taking it, I’m not either. (not because of chivalry, but because of laziness:)

And I thought I carried a pharmacy on shorter trips! You’ve done well. Better cover all major possibilities using drugs that you know work for you.

I wonder how some of these drugs would fare up in extreme temperatures.

We have actually had these medications in extreme heat and cold. In the Sudan, we reached temperatures of 50ºCelcius in the sun and everything was fine. The only problem we made was bringing Advil Liquid Caps and they completely melted together and became useless. Keep everything in Pill form and you will be fine. During the same trip we summitted Mount Kilimanjaro and reached temperatures of -30º below Zero. So I must say that these medications stand up well in extreme conditions. Great Question!

Great list! I’ve had cellulitis and it is not to be messed with- I am tyranical about disinfectant now.

I’m going to hold on to this list!

I feel for you. Cellulitis was one of the scariest and most painful experiences of my life. At first I didn’t realize how serious it was, but after 10 days of extreme pain I understood. If I really knew just how dangerous it was at the time, I would have come home rather than visiting different hospitals in Tanzania and Malawi and trying several different kinds of antibiotics. An antibiotic drip in a sanitized hospital would have been far safer than camping in the jungle and riding a dirty and bumpy truck. I am so lucky and like you I don’t take chances anymore!

Ooo – comprehensive and great list guys – def get the Cipro even if the doctor doesn’t give it to you…it saved my life in Laos…along with the re-hydration salts 🙂 Off to tweet this, very good! 🙂

What to Pack in a Travel First Aid Kit

Packing , Packing Tips , TOILETRIES , Toiletries

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

It is impossible to prepare for every situation you might find yourself in while traveling. It wouldn’t be any fun if we could predict every scenario, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare a little for the unexpected.

Accidents and sickness do occur on the road, and if you travel enough it’s impossible to avoid these situations altogether. What you can do is have a few items on hand to guide you through the tiny bumps you might run into while traveling. Here are some things to include in you travel first aid kit list!

Travel First Aid Kit List

Written By: Niki Landry

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

“Do you guys take a “walking pharmacy” bag with you when you’re traveling? What are your go to items for this?”

Even if you prefer to pack light, it’s a good idea to bring a few essential pharmacy items and create your own travel first aid kit. The last thing you want is to feel ill and not have the medicine you need. Searching for an open pharmacy at eleven at night is never fun.

How much to take in a first aid kit partly depends on where you’re traveling and for how long. First, longer trips will require more items. You likely don’t need a first aid kit for weekend trips, but you may want a small one for a week-long trip, and a larger one for longer trips.

Additionally, if you’ll be in a big city, it’ll be much easier to find a pharmacy and the items you need. However, if you’ll be in a small town or remote area, you’ll want to pack more as it will be harder to find what you need when you need it.

As one reader says, “What I pack depends where I’m going. I frequently stay in Paris and the pharmacies there have more medications available than in US and usually have English speaking staff. If I’m hiking in Peru or similar I take much more, including antibiotics, antiemetic, anti-diarrheal, antihistamine, pain meds, pepto bismol, bee sting topical stuff, cortisone cream, bug spray or wipes, sun block, diflucan for yeast infections, and more.”

Follow our ultimate guide to creating the perfect travel toiletries list and master the art of packing!

Squeeze Pod TSA Approved Clear Toiletry Bag

Travel First Aid Kit for Short City Trips

For shorter city trips, you can easily find a pharmacy if you need to. However, it’s still nice to bring a few essentials so you don’t have to interrupt your trip and don’t have to spend money on things you have at home.

Several of our readers take a few first aid items they tend to use. One reader says, “I alway take some cold meds and an antidiarrheal – very basic first aid. The cold meds are what I have used the most over the years,” while another reader brings, “Bandaids, Advil, Imodium, Tums, allergy meds and eye drops, and Advil cold medicine.”

Don’t forget to pack items for your feet if you plan on walking a lot. One reader suggests bringing, “moleskin and bandaids, to attend to blisters as soon as they start happening, and a friction stick (also for blisters).”

You can keep these in a small clear bag in your purse so they’re always on hand without taking up too much space in your luggage.

Learn how to downsize toiletries in a carryon bag following these tips from our readers!

Eagle Creek Pack It Quick Trip Toiletry Organizer

Travel First Aid Kit for Extended City Trips

If you’re traveling for more than a couple weeks, plan on bringing a larger first aid kit – even if you’re in a big city. Make sure you have all prescription medicines you normally take, as well as items to tend to an upset stomach, any basic sicknesses, and small injuries.

One reader says, “I have a little zippered pouch with my first aid stuff (wipes, bandages, tweezers, and antibiotic ointment) and then another pouch for my asthma meds, which includes allergy meds and non-aspirin pain reliever.”

Another reader brings, “Bandaids, eye drops, cough drops, calming tea, my pocket essential oil pharmacy from Saje, a small refillable container of Tylenol, Naproxen, Imodium, and Rolaids.

When traveling I take three different antibiotics. I’m a nurse and know when to use them. 

I have a clear plastic container where I keep everything so I can easily see everything.”

Read our article rounding up the ten  best toiletry bags !

eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit

Travel First Aid Kit for Rural Trips

If you’re backpacking, hiking, or visiting small, rural towns, it’s best to bring a first aid kit, regardless of how long your trip. It can be very difficult to find medicines in small towns, and they can be very expensive, too. And if you’re out on a trail, there’s nowhere to stop for these items.

One reader shares, “We have antibiotics for anything that could go wrong. We bring Cipro for traveler’s diarrhea, Senokot to undo its effect, Cysto and yeast stuff for a UTI, cold medicine, lice comb, wine opener, and feminine products. We do Habitat builds in the developing world so you need all this stuff just in case something happens and there’s not great medical care.”

Another reader also packs a variety of essentials, including, “Bandaids, cushioned plasters for blistered feet, Advil, Tums, Pepto Bismol, Senokot (or other gentle laxative, just in case!), neosporin or bacitracin, Claritin, and small tools like tweezers and nail clippers. I suppose I would also consider Benadryl for unexpected allergic reactions and a small tube of AfterBite if I was going to be in a more rural area.”

Here are the  best hanging toiletry bags  for travel!

Tampon |  Panty Liner |  Wet Wipe |  Hand Sanitizer

Bathroom Emergencies

These are my in case of a bathroom emergency. You can add a small packet of tissues if it fits in your bag. So many bathrooms don’t have toilet tissue, or depending on your location an actual toilet.

I normally have another set of these items in my purse as well, because it never hurts to have extras. Here’s a list of  purse essentials for vacations !

Bobby Pins |  Hair Tie |  Safety Pin |  Chapstick |  Solid Sunscreen

Hair Emergencies

Hair emergencies may not be life threatening, but they can be super frustrating. I stash a few bobby pins and pony tail holders in every pocket, so my first aid kit is no exception.

The solid sunscreen above is small and easy to carry, and it’s important to always have some on hand to reapply during the day.

Most of these items will work for a normal traveler. If you are participating is sports or more risky activities then a professional kit may be needed.

What lifesavers do you add to your travel first aid kit list? Share and comment below!

For more tips on travel toiletries, please read:

• 10 Best Travel Toiletry Bags
• The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries
• Ways to Fit All Your Toiletries into Your Carry-on
• The Simple Guide to Essential Travel Beauty Products

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

Hope you liked this post on what to include in your travel first aid kit list. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs .

20 Comments

Good info! Packed all my meds in pill pouches to save space. I have put all my medication names along with dosage info in the notes section of my iPhone in case I need to reference.

Great post! Packing all my prescriptions in pill pouches to save space w/info/instructions in the notes section of my phone. Also packed just in case meds – naproxen, anti diarrheal meds etc with dosage info on phone in case I need to reference.

Don’t forget aspirin for unexpected cardiac emergencies! You may save your life or someone else!

Hi Sydnie, thank you for sharing your first aid lifesaving essential with us! ?

i travel with a travel size lysol, paper towels, and a baggie with clorox wipes,and in my travels to the dollar store i found a package of charmin travel size toilet paper . which always comes in handy. i am a bonified germaphob.

Hi Marie, thank you for sharing what you include in your travel first aid kit! Happy and safe travels!

Thanks Katrina!

I rolled a few feet of duct tape onto a pill container I already had–voila! No additional bulk!

Great post! i already travel with most of the same stuff, but some are new and definitely add to my bag. For example the activated charcoal, how can I use it?

Hey Karla 🙂 Glad you like the post! The Charcoal tablets are great for food related illnesses such as IBS as it is said to bind up unwanted substances.

Great list, I always pack painkillers, anti nausea tablets, electrolytes, bandaids and gauze. The one thing I never leave out is spare inhalers, I always carry one in my day pack and keep a spare in my kit.

….And tissues! I always seem to need one when I don’t have any on me.

Yes tissues! We wrote an article devoted to tissues too: https://travelfashiongirl.com/tissue-packs-for-travel/

How much of this would you actually carry around in the city though?

It varies. For a city trip you might just want one tablet of each and a bandaid but for a more adventurous outdoor trip you might need a few more essentials. Adjust accordingly 😉

I love this post! I always bring a medicine/first aid kit when I travel. This post gave me some ideas about things I might want to bring on my next trip! Thanks

A small roll of duct tape! A great quick fix for so many things!

Great idea!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » travel first aid kit

How to Pack the ULTIMATE Travel First Aid Kit (2024)

If you want to travel off the beaten path and go on a proper adventure, then you need to think about equipping yourself with a travel first aid kit!

Hiking in the backcountry, traveling in raw, wild, and ferocious places, and exploring mother nature away from civilization does not come without risks and you’re going to need the right gear to travel into the wilderness safely. Hell, if even  you’re just city hopping, there are a few first aid kit items that will come in handy now and then.

With this in mind we have put together this guide to building, buying or packing the perfect travel first aid kid. Over the next few thousand words we will tell you what to bring and where to find it and what to leave behind.

Let’s get started.

These are super important questions to ask before you pack for your next trip. On that note, though, there are a few essentials that should be in EVERY travel first aid kit. Don’t bother buying an expensive, pre-packed travel kit and make your own instead. Remember, your travel first aid kit should be practical and take up minimum space. Overpacking is the most common mistake made by travelers.

Read this list first! Everything on it is important whether you are backpacking in the mountains or through the cities of Europe. I also created a few more precise first aid kit contents for more specific travel trips.

Your kit should be catered specifically to your needs on the road, so before you pack, ask yourself where you will be going. What the climate like? Will there be wild animals? Are you traveling among the gods of mountains in hard, cold conditions? Will clean water be available? How far will you be from the nearest medical assistance?

As backpackers, mountaineer enthusiasts, hikers, and travelers, our goal is to help YOU explore this earth’s deepest corners and wildest places. Are you ready? Let’s dive in! From a general travel kit to a road trip first aid kit, we’ve got all bases covered!

Travel First Aid Kit Considerations and Tips

The travel first aid kit essentials, first aid supplies for international travel, adventure travel, hiking, and camping first aid kit checklist, extreme adventure, cold, and mountains first aid kit list, faq about how to pack travel first aid kit.

Think about life on the road and the typical challenges faced, then plan your backpacking medical kit accordingly:

1. Go for tablets, gels, and creams over liquids, so you do not have to deal with airline liquid restrictions or explosions in your bag!

2. Make sure liquids are under 3.5 oz if you travel by plane.

3. Pack your supplies in a heavy-duty waterproof container to protect them from the elements.

4. No matter where you travel, you’ll probably walk a lot. Prepare for blisters.

5. Food Poisoning and stomach problems are common for international travel. Come Prepared!!!

6. Cold and rough climates will require extra warmth and some items for chapped and dry skin.

7. Hot, humid conditions mean bug bites and that cuts and scrapes are more prone to infection.

8. Prepare to be in the sun for unnatural amounts of time, whether you are traveling to the beach or the mountains. This means protection, hydration, and precautions!

9. You’ll most likely be jet-lagged after international travel. Check out my tips for how to land refreshed!

10. Don’t overpack. Bring the essentials you cannot get abroad and nothing more!

Learn more: Check out our review of the best travel first aid kits for every kind of adventure.

It bears repeating: These travel first aid kit items are absolute ESSENTIALS. Everything on this short yet important list should in every single first aid kit, no matter where you go! This travel first aid kit list is a starting point!

I have created a few more specific first aid kit checklists for International Travel, Adventure Travel, Camping and Hiking, and Winter/Mountain Travel below!

So, here’s our travel first aid kits contents list:

Bandages of Various Sizes – Take just a few assorted sizes and add a few of the small, round ones for covering insect bites.

Antiseptic Wipes – You’ll find antiseptic wipes in any mini first aid kit as they are necessary for cleaning up minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent infection.

Antibacterial Gel : You should have this in any basic first aid kit. Use it on minor cuts, abrasions, rashes, and burns. When traveling in less-than-fresh locations, a little antibacterial gel (think Neosporin) can make a huge difference.

Medical Tape – To fix bandages.

Gauze pads –  Sterile pads that can be used to clean and cover scrapes or injuries too large for a plaster. Bring a few of different sizes.

Moleskin – This one is probably the travel first aid kit item I use most. Do not forget moleskin, especially if you are hiking.

Leatherman Multi-tool Knife – Actually, this is the tool I use most. You’ll need a knife when you’re traveling, whether it is to build a shelter or slice bread and cheese on a train. I’m sure you’ll also find a use for the bottle opener. The entire Broke Backpacker team has one of these. Thanks, Will!

Mosquito Repellent – Depending on where you are visiting, you are going to NEED repellent. Don’t forget to get a travel-size bottle for your carry-on!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle – Water sources can be polluted by a variety of heavy minerals, toxins, and even feces (the sad truth of giardia). All hail the mighty Grayl Geopress . It’s a water bottle and purifier, which means that it removes bacteria, heavy metals, and viruses.

Soap – Dr. Bronner’s –  I take this stuff everywhere. Use it to wash your hands, wash your dishes, your hair, your clothes, and travel super light. It’s non-toxic and biodegradable. I recommend Dr. Bronner’s soap bar so you don’t have to deal with liquid restrictions.

Reef-Safe Sun Block – I love that this sunblock does not harm reefs nor contain any toxic ingredients. Plus, it protects you from the sun when you’re at the beach all day.

Chapstick –  For some people, this is a travel first aid kit essential, but even if you don’t use chapstick often like me, it’s a necessity if you will be exposed to the sun often, especially at high elevations! I love Allgood chapstick, which uses a healing infusion of medicinal herbs, including Calendula grown on their farm.

Multi-wear Buff – The most versatile clothing item I own. It will protect you from all of the elements: sun, snow, wind, and dust! (Get merino wool because it wicks sweat and doesn’t stink!)

Your Medication –  Bring any medication that you need at home, but keep a copy of any prescriptions in case you are questioned! To be safe, carry your medicine in the original bottle. You may also want to carry ibuprofen, aspirin, or antihistamines.

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

This list includes extra travel kit items in addition to the essentials above. This list is primarily for urban and international flight travel. It is also for anyone traveling on a well-established backpacker route, where it is easy to pick things up along the way.

Please read my “Travel First Aid Kit for Adventure Travelers” section if you are going anywhere like Pakistan or East Africa.

Travel Insurance with World Nomads

As a member of the globetrotter community, being prepared for the unexpected is a basic requirement. That’s why travelers insurance is a must-have. There’s no better way to go than with coverage from World Nomads Insurance because their wide variety of affordable plans will cover you for every hiccup from medical services and emergencies to unforeseen travel cancellations and theft protection. The peace of mind is worth it – trust us!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Clean Water: There are MANY ways to drink clean water internationally without using plastic. As I highlighted above, the Grayl water filter/bottle is awesome for travel. LifeStraw is another great filter in which you can drink from any water source safely without carrying anything bulky with you.

Electrolytes – In case you become dehydrated on your trip. Plane flights are dehydrating as it is! And if you end up spending half of your trip on the toilet, you’ll also need to rehydrate. I linked the best electrolyte mix I know of. (No sugar or artificial ingredients.)

Eye Mask – Traveling with an eye mask is crucial! You’ll use your eye mask in noisy hostels, on flights, bus rides, and getting shut-eye in cities. I never leave home without my eye mask.

Ear Plugs – Like the eye mask, earplugs are necessary if you are traveling on public transportation and sleeping in hostels!

Sewing Kit – For when things fall apart, though hopefully not to give yourself stitches. This isn’t essential for everyone, but if you are traveling for many months it may be worth bringing.

Hand Sanitizer Spray – I don’t really use sanitizer at home, though this one is nice to have in the car on long road trips with questionable pit stops. Sanitizer is necessary for international travel and comes in handy at bus stops, squat toilets, and of course, to work on an injury without (clean) water around.

Activated Charcoal – Great to combat food poisoning or an upset stomach. Activated charcoal captures, binds, and excretes toxins. (Do not take close to a meal, as it also binds to nutrients.) Bring something stronger if you need it, like Imodium.

Contraception – Sometimes it’s not easy to find internationally. Bring your own condoms, birth control, etc.

Optional for Plane Travel

Oregano Oil – Oreganol is the first thing I pack in my carry-on while traveling. It’s a “first defense” to any germs you’ll come in contact with on the plane. Fight off any common cold or flu with this anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral concentrated wild herb.

Compression Socks – Compression can help to increase the blood flow in your lower legs, thereby reducing swollen feet from flying.

Reishi Mushroom Extract – Don’t get me wrong… I love coffee, but I stick to water when I’m flying because it’s extremely dehydrating. If I drink anything extra, Reishi tea is amazing! It helps to support your immune system and restful sleep. Four Sigmatic extracts are great because they are easy to travel with and include Rosehip and Mint extract (so it doesn’t taste like dirt)! Win, win, and win!

Planning to hike in the Amazon, go off-the-grid in Patagonia , hike to the K2 Basecamp, or go on a trek in Kyrgyzstan? How about a 2-week backpacking trip in Yosemite or the Southwest, USA? Then this is the travel first aid kit list for YOU.

If you are going on a multi-day or week hike or camping trip, you’re going to need a few extras from the essential first aid kit supplies to survive and thrive.

Depending on the difficulty and duration of your trip, wilderness training can be helpful if not essential when it comes to the rare snake bite . Here is everything you need to throw in your pack when you head off into the unknown…

SAS Survival Guide  – You can know a lot, but you can’t know it all. Throw this book in your backpack, and you’ll be covered for all sorts of situations.

Head Torch – You can’t go camping or hiking without a head torch! They are also extremely useful for traveling where power-outs are common. Trust us, a head torch is essential for any travel packing list.

Moleskin – worth mentioning again. This stuff is a lifesaver for hiking, camping and adventure travel.

Bandage Wraps – For wrapping sprained joints. Good to have if you are going to be far from medical help. Look for styles featuring Velcro rather than small metal closures, which can break or get lost.

Clean Water: Okay, I have talked about this before, but it’s super important, especially if you’re going off-the-grid! The Grayl water filter/bottle is awesome for travel. LifeStraw is another great filter in which you can drink from any water source safely without carrying anything bulky with you. Use a large gravity filter like the MSR to filter a ton of water at once for camp.

Iodine Tablets : Great as a backup in any camping first aid kit; pack iodine tablets to purify water in an emergency.

Rav Power 26800 Power Bank – i f you plan to venture off the grid, take a portable power pack, like the Ray Power or Goal Zero Venture 30. It will come in handy to keep your gear charged!

Surgical Tweezers – Good for splinter and tick removal.

Bear Canister and spray – Not needed everywhere, but you can’t hike in many places in the western USA without one! A bear canister also comes in handy for protecting your food from marmots and other rodents too!

Fire Starter – Another essential for a camper first aid kit because rubbing sticks together can be a tedious game to play, especially if it’s raining. Always check and make sure that lighting a fire is legal, especially if you are hiking in the backcountry.

Stove Fuel for your backpacking stove – It’s worth mentioning that you should definitely bring your own stove fuel. We always recommend that you travel with a stove for camping and adventure travel. It can be hard to track down propane in some countries, so play it safe and bring your own fuel.

Merino Icebreaker 200 Oasis – Along with all of your essential clothing layers, your base layer will be one of the most important items you travel and camp with. In addition to providing warmth, the base layer gives you much-needed protection from the searing sun.

Dramamine –  Bumpy roads or rough water can make even a seasoned traveler queasy.

Aloe Vera Gel – To treat sunburns. This is equally important whether you are going to a beach destination or traveling in the mountains since the sun can be much stronger at elevation. Look for 100% aloe vera.

Anti-malarials: Research your destinations in advance to make sure you even need them. I knew a girl taking them in the mountains of India, and spoiler alert, there was no malaria present. Heck, there weren’t even any mosquitos at that time of year! Obviously, talk to your doctor and make sure you stock up on the correct type depending on where you are going. Prevention is key too. Bring extra insect repellent and cover-up.

This is a small addition for serious adventures, mountaineering, and very extreme climates. If you are traveling very far and in more dangerous situations, you should be prepared for graver incidents and of course have the BEST travel insurance.

Having items to deal with a broken bone, sprained joints, or severe burn could be life-saving for you or a friend. Be sure you’ve got a backpacking emergency kit put together.

Garmin In-Reach Mini Satellite Device  – You can also send tracking information, get altitude readings, and send your exact GPS location to your loved one. If you need more info about whether its for you then our review of the Garmin Satelite Phone is here as well as checking out our guide to the best satellite phones .

SAM splint – can be molded to the injured limb. Extra Gauze pads, large wound pads, and medical tape are also extremely helpful! Bring an irrigation syringe to cleanse the area of dirt and debris.

Second Skin – to help ease pain and heal a severe burn

Latex gloves – These are important in case you need to assist someone who is injured.

Emergency Bivvy Bag – Whether you’re bush camping without a tent or sleeping bag, or a surprise snowstorm comes your way, this is a lightweight essential you won’t even notice in your bag… until you need it.

Diamox – for altitude sickness

Waste Bags – If you are mountaineering or hiking in snow and on glaciers, then you must discard of your human waste  properly!

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best first aid kit in the world?

We think the Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel First Aid Kit is the best one on the market. There are loads of other great first-aid-kit options that you should check out though.

Can I take a first aid kit on a plane?

Yes you can, but you’ll have to take out scissors and other possible ‘weapons’. Also, make sure you use gel or creams instead of liquids, so that security can’t take them off you.

What is normally in a travel size first aid kit?

The following essentials are in a carry-on travel first-aid kit: 1. Bandages and Antiseptic Wipes 2. Gauze pads and Medical Tape 3. Your own medication, pain killers and antibiotic ointments

What is something most people don’t think of when prepping their first-aid kit?

Make sure you add these items to your first-aid kit: 1. Chapstick 2. Blister bandages and moleskin 3. A multitool knife 4. Iodine Tablets

Final Thoughts on our Ultimate Travel First Aid Kit Contents

This travel first aid kit list will help you prepare for your next adventure! There are some must-bring items, like a  Leatherman Multi-tool Knife , Bandages , and Anti Septic Wipes ,  a water bottle with a filter , and moleskin for blisters!

Other important items to pack in your travel medical kit will depend on where you go! Are you traveling internationally? Will you be hiking at elevation? How far will you be from medical help? These are all important questions to ask as you pack and prepare for your trip!

If you do plan to travel into the backcountry, among mother nature and godly mountains, then you must be ready for anything! Check out our list

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

28 Comments

Which bug spray do you recommend while camping?

I personally use All Terrain Herbal Armor which you can buy at REI or any outdoor store because it’s DEET-free but this is up to your discretion. I have had success with it camping all over Africa and the US.

Hi, Will! The lists are awesome! If I may add, a compass and map are some of the best things to carry to survive the wilderness. Thanks for this! Xoxo.

I’m impressed, I really like the inclusion of the bear spray and the idea, Thanks for sharing the great article Will Hatton

Instead of a knife I can highly recommend a multi-tool of some sorts. You can customize which components you want on them. Knife, Tweezers, Scissors, even spoons in some cases. Some of them come with proper useful knives.

Oh and the Beer is just ACE! I’ll drink to that haha

Personally, I always carry a leatherman multitool.

Compas and beer, the rest is superfluous 🙂

Great guide. If I ever have the balls to do some wilderness travel (I’m a city guy), I’ll be sure to pick it all up. Aside from the knife you mentioned in the article, do you have any other pocket knife recommendations?

I really like the Morakniv Bushcraft knives, they are quality.

Awesome. I’ll check them out and hopefully review for my site!

Great Information. You have a great list of items here. I really like it. . It fits a lot of stuff, it doesn’t feel bloated, or too heavy.

Great article, I’ve been thing about getting a bivvy bag myself but I feel like it would probably take up a lot of my space. Yet I know it would be worth having if I did need it.

Great Tips! I remember a few years back we went camping and didnt realize until we had already unpacked that we had no fire starter. Needless to say it was a long cold night!

Hey, really great content you have here! These are very useful and helpful. Thank you for sharing!

You have a great list of items here! I really like the inclusion of the bear spray and the idea of using the empty beer cans as a way to make other survival supplies.

Awesome share. Lol. The last part has got to be the most important one. Cheers!

I did some backpacking when I was younger and I have to agree: beer saved my life many times. The other items are probably useful, too, but you always want to make sure you have an ample supply of beer. Or hang out with people who do.

whenever i go outdoor for hunting almost i carry all equipment, but i give special priority for Survival knife, compass as well as torch

Just awesome article. Specially i love those picture. Actually i am planning to go for hiking this year. Thus, i was searching survival gear which will be very effective during our trip. No doubt that i get best gear after reading your article.

Great List! I’ll drink beer to that list any time!

The beer made me laugh…BEER NECESSITIES…LOL…Great post! Cheers!

Amazing guide! I think these things are all important. I agree that beer is essential!

Nice guide. And the beer is always essential 🙂 Thanks.

Nice travel, thanks for sharing

Really good stuff. The SAS kit book intrigues me. I met a fascinating character in Chiang Mai who worked with a yoga instructor, said instructor being a former SAS guy. They are tough SOBs, like Navy Seal dudes from the States. All fab survival tools here. I’d add; having a good head on your shoulders is also a survival tool 😉

Even with my limited outdoor adventuring experience, I can attest to the indispensableness of a headlamp/head torch. It seriously makes everything in the dark easier.

I also love that beer is on your list of must-haves!

Totally agree with the headlamp. You look ridiculous but it’s worth it to have both of your hands free!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

FREE SHIPPING on ALL Training Supplies! Use Coupon Code DELIVERY0424 at checkout! Shop Now >

New 2024 Lifeguarding Program Materials are Here! Buy More, Save More with quantity discounts available! Shop Now >

The 2024 Red Cross Lifeguarding Program updates are here! Learn more >

• 0 Your Cart is Empty < Continue Shopping

Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.

• EmailClient
• Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis
• Animal Bites
• Asthma Attack
• Bleeding - External
• Bleeding - Internal
• Cardiac Arrest - Adult
• Cardiac Arrest - Child
• Cardiac Arrest - Infant
• Choking - Adult/Child
• Choking - Infant
• Dehydration
• Diabetic Emergencies
• Fever (Young Child or Infant)
• Head, Neck, and Spinal Injury
• Heart Attack
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Stroke
• Hypothermia
• Insect Bites and Stings
• Jellyfish Stings
• Mouth Injury
• Opioid Overdose
• Poison Exposure
• Respiratory Distress
• Scorpion Bites
• Sickle Cell Crisis/Acute Chest Syndrome
• Spider Bites
• Unresponsive and Breathing Person
• Venomous Snake Bites

What is a wound?

A wound is an injury that results when the skin or other tissues of the body are damaged. Wounds are generally classified as open or closed. Both open and closed wounds often result in bleeding. Open wounds may cause external bleeding , internal bleeding , or both; closed wounds may cause internal bleeding. External or internal bleeding may be life-threatening (e.g., due to major open wounds or closed wounds) or non-life-threatening (e.g., due to minor open wounds or closed wounds).

What are the types of open wounds?

The four main types of open wounds are abrasions, lacerations, avulsions and puncture wounds and they may occur together.

• An abrasion occurs when something rubs roughly against the skin damaging the skin’s surface. These are often referred to as “scrapes,” “rug burns,” “road rash” or “turf burns.”
• A laceration is a cut, commonly from a sharp object. It can also occur when blunt force splits the skin.
• An avulsion occurs when a portion of the skin, and sometimes the underlying tissue, is partially or completely torn away.
• A puncture wound occurs when an object, such as a nail, animal’s tooth or gunshot, pierces the skin. Puncture wounds may not bleed much unless a blood vessel has been injured, but may also cause life-threatening bleeding.

Emergency Steps

Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

Check for signs and symptoms.

• Tender, swollen or rigid area*
• Blood volume equal to about half a soda can (less in small child or infant)*
• Blood flowing continuously or spurting*
• Blue or extremely pale, swollen and rigid limb*
• Coughing, vomiting or urinating blood*
• Signs and symptoms of shock*
• Skin scraped, pierced, cut open or torn away
• Red or purple area with swelling and pain

*Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

General Care: Bruise

• Wrap cold pack in a thin, dry towel to protect the skin.
• If not able to tolerate a 20-minute application, apply the cold pack for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.

Wounds FAQs

How long should i apply direct pressure.

Hold direct pressure until:

• The bleeding stops.
• A tourniquet is applied (for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg) and the bleeding has stopped.
• Another person relieves you.
• You are too exhausted to continue.
• The situation becomes unsafe.

What if blood soaks through the original dressing while I’m applying direct pressure to the wound?

If blood soaks through the original gauze pad, you do not need to do anything, but you can put another gauze pad on top. Replace the new gauze pad as necessary if blood soaks through the pads. Do not remove the original gauze pad and do not stack multiple gauze pads.

How do I secure a dressing if I don’t have tape?

You can use an alternate “bandage splitting” technique to secure the dressing.

• Once the dressing is covered, roll out the remaining length of bandage.
• While holding the bandage, use the index finger of the other hand to split the bandage in half, moving it down and underneath the limb.
• Bring the two ends of the bandage up and tie them in a bow or knot.

What is shock?

Shock is a progressive, life-threatening condition in which the body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood often due to disturbed blood flow. As a result, organs and body systems begin to fail.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Pale, gray or cool moist skin
• Altered level of responsiveness
• Excessive thirst

Note: If you see any signs and symptoms of shock, call 9-1-1.

How do I check for circulation?

When checking for circulation, check the skin on the side of the injury farthest from the heart (e.g., the hand or foot) for temperature, color and feeling. Also ask the person if there is any numbness or tingling.

Help Save Lives with an American Red Cross Class

More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.

Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

Behind every American Red Cross training program stands the Scientific Advisory Council - a team of experts dedicated to ensuring that what you learn is based on the latest and best emergency science. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid App

The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for common emergencies in the palm of your hand—from the latest First Aid and CPR techniques to the nearest hospital location. Stay up to date on your lifesaving skills. iOS App , Google Play , or text "GETFIRST" to 90999.