Preparing your Travel Health Kit
Packing a travel health kit helps keep a minor discomfort from becoming a major headache! Bringing some basic supplies can also save you time and money when you are away from home.
Your pharmacist can help you tailor a health and first-aid kit that best meets your travel needs by taking into account medical conditions, medications and trip-specific health risks.
Basic Travel Health Kit
Not sure what to include in your travel health kit? Consider packing these items:
- Adhesive bandages
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Antiseptic wound cleanser
- Blister pads or moleskin
- Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
- Gauze and adhesive tape
- Safety pins and scissors
- Tensor bandages
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Hot and cold pack
If you take non-prescription medications on an as-needed basis, such as an antacid or pain reliever, make sure you bring enough for your whole trip. These could come in handy, since your preferred products may be difficult to find or sold in conditions that you find questionable. Language barriers may also complicate access to health care and products when travelling.
Items you May Need Depending on your Destination
In addition to “the basics” and the products you usually use, depending on your destination, you may find it useful to pack these items as well:
- Aloe vera gel, in case of sunburn, windburn or other skin irritations
- Contraceptives
- Ear plugs
- Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses (or a copy of your prescription) and contact lens solutions
- Insect repellent
- Mosquito net
- Saline eye drops
- Sleep mask
- Sunscreen
- Water purification filter or tablets
- Wraps and tapes to support muscles and joints during hikes and treks
Non-Prescription Medications to Include
Consider customizing your travel health kit to include some non-prescription medications too. The items will be convenient, trustworthy and likely less expensive than having to purchase them while travelling.
Your pharmacist can recommend products for conditions such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Motion sickness
- Cold sores
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Coughing
- Pain
- Diarrhea or dehydration
- Seasonal allergies
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sinus congestion
- Dry eyes
- Skin infection
- Ear pain in airplanes
- Smoking ban or cessation
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Heartburn
- Urinary tract infection
- Hemorrhoids
- Vaginitis
- Itching
- Yeast infection
Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist about the best products to take to your specific destination and how to use them effectively. Your pharmacist will not only provide you tips on these products, but also take your medication history into account, ensure you have enough medication for your entire trip duration and have a host of advice on how to manage your medication while away.
Discover other tips about travel health
The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.