Travel First Aid Kit Essentials
My first aid kit is always packed and sits in my backpack until my next adventure. It is a constant. Even if I never use anything from it while away, I prefer it handy rather than to be stuck and have to rely on others, or worse being without in a foreign country where I don’t speak the language.
As much as we would love our travel plans to go perfectly without a hitch, and for us to stay safe and healthy while away, we can never be guaranteed of this. I find it is better to be prepared; to be safe than sorry.
What you will find in my first aid kit;
Sunscreen – always at least 30+ packed
After-sun cream – for times I didn't apply or reapply the sun cream like I should. Sunburn is bound to happen and it hurts, plus it looks ridiculous
Insect repellent – critical for tropical areas when travelling
Pain killers – e.g. aspirin, for headaches or aches or pains
Throat lozenges – especially for bus tours when the air conditioning is cold, and germs are spread around the bus through the system
Antiseptic cream – for bites or stings
Ginger tablets or travel calm - to ease motion sickness
Band-Aids – charcoal and waterproof. Helps prevent infection
Tweezers, scissors and nail file - will surprise you how often you will use these three
Charcoal tablets – for conditions such as travellers diarrhea or a hangover. These are a natural alternative to tablets such as Imodium
Electrolytes – great to drink for re-hydration or in the case of diarrhea or a hangover
Probiotics – keeps my gut healthy and my immunity up while you are away. I take this at least two weeks before travelling to prepare my gut flora
Multivitamin tablets and Berocca – incase I’m lacking energy throughout the day
Tea tree oil – to clean any cuts or grazes
Condoms – never know when the opportunity may arise. If it’s not on, it’s not on
Roll of toilet paper and packs of tissues – I find accommodation don't always provide tissues these days. No doubt I will have to blow my nose at some point. Toilet paper is super handy when travelling in third world countries and for ‘on the side of the road’ jobs
Instant hand sanitiser – clean those germs away quickly, after being in public places, before and after eating or shaking someone's hand. Prevents you from getting germs from these places. I carry a small bottle in my everyday carry bag. It is small enough to go through security without any issues
Wet wipes – I wipe down regularly touched surfaces in my accommodation, e.g. doorknobs, air conditioning and television remotes. This will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria
Magnesium - eases cramps after wearing hiking boots all day
You can almost always visit a pharmacy anywhere around the world to get what you need, should something come up. They are usually well lit up and identifiable by a green cross or something similar, are open late and are central to town.
But why not save time, stress and money by travelling prepared? What do you pack in your first aid kit? Is there anything you would add to my first aid list? Let us know in the comment section below.