What to Pack in a DIY Travel Medical Kit

While it is impossible to be prepared for every situation we may find ourselves in while traveling, a well-packed medical kit is an essential item everyone should bring with them, regardless of where they’re going.

It’s one of the first things to go in our suitcases and is always kept readily accessible and stocked with items we never think we’ll need, but inevitably do. I tend to pack items I never use at home, but would hate to be caught off-guard without!

Be sure to scroll down for your free printable checklist!

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These relatively inexpensive items we buy at home can be ridiculously high-priced at resort gift shops or stores and pharmacies in tourist hot-spots, or perhaps not carry what you need at all!

This is a general list of what we bring – and depending on what activities you’re doing or where you’re going, you may find you need more or less of certain items. I am by no means a health expert, so please contact your doctor for any advice on health issues or on what medications are appropriate for you to take.

Medical Kit Items

• Advil (or similar): Absolutely the number one item I always have a large stock of. From headaches on the plane to dehydration headaches, it’s an absolute must!

• After-bite/Anti-itch cream: For any adverse reactions to bug bites or plants.

• Gravol: I tend to get car sick if I sit in the backseat, so usually the first thing I do just after leaving the airport is take one of these.

• Pepto: Just because you never know! This covers a few bases, so if you are on a limited budgt and trying to decide which few items to pack, make this a top one.

• Loperamide: More commonly known as Imodium. Trust me, this is one you definitely do not want to forget at home! Between different drinking water to foods we don’t normally eat (or sugary drinks!), your system may be turned upside down. Inexpensive yet effective, I always make sure I am fully stocked!

• Alka-Seltzer: As someone who is prone to getting heartburn, I never leave home without these. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying spicy meals though!

• Claritin/Benadryl/Aerius: One of my worst fears is having an allergic reaction to food or the environment I’m on. I’ve never had to take one of these fortunately, but this is one of those key items I’d be sorry not to have on hand.

• Dayquil/Cold and Flu medicine: I don’t know how many times I get sick on vacation, and it isn’t fun, especially when I lose my sense of taste and smell! Having these on hand can help quell your symptoms. I prefer the packs that contain nighttime pills, so they help me sleep more comfortably.

• Aloe-Vera: We’ve all been there – spending our first day in the sun soaking up the rays, only to pay the price that night after not applying enough sunscreen! The natural aloe vera options may be a bit more money, but there is no dye in them.

• Antibiotic Cream: For any cuts or scrapes along the way.

• Band-aids: All shapes and sizes. Enough to have you covered for burns, scrapes, or blisters.

• Eye drops: For any dryness or irritation from plane travel, wind burn, or general sense of eye tiredness.

If you are traveling with prescription medication, ensure they are left in their original containers and keep them in your carry-on baggage.

Here’s your downloadable checklist!

As you’ll see, many of these items are small and take up little space in your suitcase. Over time you’ll be able to pinpoint what items you really need and can customize your own kit best suited to you. I pack my liquid and cream items in a clear quart bag (so I can toss if something leaks) and so I can easily see what I need to grab. I tend to pack extra for family or friends – so it doesn’t hurt to be overstocked on some things! In my experience, the most-used items have been Advil, Loperamide, and Gravol.

What items do you pack? Let me know if you think of one I should be adding!

Traveling to an all-inclusive vacation? Be sure to grab your printable checklist for what you should (and shouldn’t) be packing!

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