Everything You Should Pack in Your Travel First-aid Kit

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.

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

• 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

• 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.

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