Everything You Should Pack in Your Travel First-aid Kit
What to bring, whether you’re traveling for a month or a weekend.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Advertisement
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
When you're packing for a trip, there are a few items you'll never want to leave behind. Beyond the obvious — phone, wallet, and passport — a compact yet well-stocked first-aid kit is a must-have. Of course, you can buy a premade kit with all the essentials in miniature size, but if you're building your own first-aid kit, we've compiled a list of the most important items you'll want to fill it with.
Related: More travel must-haves
Keep reading for our travel first-aid kit packing list, including the essentials, supplies specifically for children, and must-haves for adventure travelers.
The Essentials
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
- Hand sanitizer
- Hydrocortisone cream, for rashes and bug bites
- Pain and fever reducer, such as Tylenol or Advil
- Bandages
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Medical tape
- Alcohol wipes
- Gauze pads
- A copy of a recent EKG, if you have heart problems
- A list of your prescriptions, in case you lose them
For Traveling Abroad
- Travel insurance: Compare different types of plans on sites like InsureMyTrip or SquareMouth, and check out our full travel insurance guide.
- Antibiotics: Ask your doctor for a prescription that will address diarrhea from bacterial infections.
- Rehydration powder: If you spend half of your trip in the bathroom, you’ll need to rehydrate.
For Kids
- Pedialyte: Children are prone to dehydration from gastrointestinal illnesses, especially during travel. Don't forget to buy a powder form for easy transport.
- Extra antihistamines: Bring a kid-friendly antihistamine if your little ones get seasonal allergies.
- Cold medicine: Always pack children's cold medicine in your luggage, especially during cold and flu season.
- Digital thermometer: Be sure to check the battery before you leave home.
For Seniors
- Spare eyeglasses: Lost or broken eyeglasses will make you even more vulnerable in an unfamiliar place, so make sure you carry an extra pair.
- Extra medication: Pack an extra week’s worth. (This holds true for travelers of all ages.)
- Antibiotic cream: Older skin tends to be drier and thinner, so be sure to pack an antibiotic cream to avoid infection if you experience any cuts or scrapes.
For Adventure Travelers
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
- Backup power: If you plan to venture off the grid, take a portable power pack, which is solar-powered and can juice up your phone or tablet.
- Blister care pack: Just in case you haven't fully broken in your hiking boots, blister bandages will come in handy.
- Iodine tablets: That bottle of water won’t last long if you’re stranded unexpectedly; pack iodine tablets to purify water in an emergency.
- Dramamine: Bumpy roads or rough water can make even a seasoned traveler queasy.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.