What to pack in your travel first aid kit

As someone who worries about being ill and wants to be as prepared as possible, I definitely took more in my first aid kit than I needed to. Better to be safe than sorry right?

Here I’ll tell you the essential things that you need to take with you when you go travelling, whether that’s for a week or months. Every thing else you can find at a pharmacy or even just a convenience store.

Although you can buy everything listed below at pretty much any pharmacy, it’s a good idea to have a supply of it ready to use. If you become unwell then the last thing you want to do is to drag yourself to a pharmacy.

Travel sickness tablets- I don’t get travel sickness very often, only really on planes and boats, but I made sure to take travel sickness tablets with me from home. I knew the ones I took with me worked for me, and they have given me peace of mind for travel days.

Imodium (lots of it)- Imodium has been an absolute lifesaver several times while we have travelled South East Asia. We’ve both had a nasty stomach infection on days we have to travel between places, and I dread to think how those days would have gone without Imodium. I always keep some Imodium in my bag so we have quick access to it. Don’t get caught out.

Hand sanitiser- another essential that I always keep in my bag. Use this before you eat or drink anything to reduce the risk of getting ill.

Sleeping tablets- I took Nytol one a night tablets with us because I knew these sleeping tablets worked for us. We haven’t used them often but they have been handy if we have stayed in particularly noisy accommodation.

Painkillers- it’s always a good idea to have a supply of painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen etc) ready to use when you need it. If you have a headache you don’t want to have to wait until you can get to the nearest chemist to feel relief from it.

Plasters- I didn’t take many plasters in my first aid kit but I have found it useful to just have a few for when one of us has cut ourselves or got a blister. These can easily be restocked as you’ve used them.

Bite relief cream- this is an absolute essential if you’re travelling to a country where there are lots of bugs that will bite you, or you’re just someone who seems to get bitten a lot. Again this is something I keep in my bag to use when I’m out and about.

Antihistamines- these are another essential if you get bitten a lot by bugs. Be warned though they can make you drowsy. I hadn’t taken any antihistamines before going to South East Asia so didn’t know this would happen. I always make sure to take them at night now!

Rennies– heartburn can strike at any time, especially if you’re eating lots of spicy food like we have been. Rennies are good to have to use as and when you need them.

Deflatines– these are handy if you’re feeling a bit bloated. Just chew two tablets and you should be feeling better in no time.

Charcoal tablets- these are another good item to keep in your bag at all times. If you ever feel a bit nauseous after eating then take a couple of charcoal tablets. You should be feeling right as rain within 30 minutes. Charcoal helps to settle your stomach.

Rehydration sachets- these are great if you have had a stomach upset and have lost a lot of fluids from your body. They are a quick way of rehydrating. They can also be used if you’ve lost a lot of fluids through sweating if it’s been very hot.

Thrush tablets and cream– having these in my first aid kit has been a lifesaver. I took a couple of tablets and some cream with me, and I have been able to use them immediately when needed. You can buy both the cream and tablets at most pharmacies but they’re good to just have on hand.

Important to remember…

Some of these are over the counter medications meaning you can’t just buy them off the shelf. Always make sure that you check you are fine to take medication. Follow advice from your GP, pharmacist, and the instructions that come with the medication.

I have linked some of the medication that I purchased from Boots. It can be purchased from most pharmacies and drug stores. Some can even be purchased on Amazon.