Build Your Travel First Aid Kit With These 8 Essentials

Irrespective of whether you’re getting out of town for a weekend, a quick business trip, backpacking adventure, family holiday or destination wedding, no one is invincible when hitting the road – this is precisely why it is important to travel with a First Aid kit.

Cuts. Wounds. Sprains. Illnesses. Sudden one night stands. Early onset of periods. Anything is possible when traveling, because it puts us in unfamiliar situations. Do the best you can to be prepared to handle unexpected, unpleasant situations by packing the following 8 essentials into a small, waterproof travel kit {yes, it is important to pack your own First Aid kit so you know where everything is actually kept}.

1. Medication & Medical Equipment – If you are already on medication, carry enough for your trip plus ½ as much additional in quantity {in case you ever get stranded}. If you have a history of migraines, motion sickness, nausea, diarrhoea, altitude sickness, asthma, etc. then keep that medication and equipment {i.e. an inhaler} handy, as well, as a precaution. It is also important to carry pain relief, cold and flu and allergy medication. Throw in a few cough drops and a small Vicks inhaler, too. Benadryl is also handy to stock up on since it doubles up as a sleep aid. If you’re on particular vitamins, keep those ready, too. And, if you are visiting a country that puts you at malaria risk, you should carry tablets.

2. Thermometer – Especially important when traveling with young ones who are susceptible to falling ill, a thermometer helps you monitor temperature in the event someone feels feverish.

3. Adventure Trip Essentials – If you are exploring the great outdoors, your First Aid kit will require a few additional supplies – bug spray or patches, antibacterial cream, antihistamines and water purification tablets. Pack a small flash light, as well, in case you don’t have access to light/electricity. Check out the Mosquito Zapper Lantern here – this innovative product will protect you from pesky mosquitoes in your tent or room and ensure a good night’s sleep. For road trips, have a look at our Car Safety Kit that includes a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, a portable pump and puncture kit, towing cable, jump start cable and other essentials, all available to rent for Rs 110/day

4. Paperwork – Jot down a few emergency numbers to store in your First Aid kit, especially if you are traveling solo. Carry a copy of your prescription(s) and any important medical documents you might need, such as a copy of your travel insurance and recent EKG if you suffer from heart problems.

5. Personal Essentials – Some countries do not use toilet paper commonly, so keep an emergency stash {tissues are a handy substitute, too}. And, ladies, carry a pack of Pee-buddy, that allow you to stand and pee thus avoiding contact with dirty toilets and reduce chances of UTI.

6. First Aid Kit Essentials – Cuts. Scrapes. Bruises. Blisters. Splinters. You never know what might happen while you’re out and about. Get ready to tackle these potential issues by carrying plasters, bandages, gauze, surgical tape, disposable gloves, small scissors, tweezers, safety pins and antiseptic wipes. Vaseline also helps with reducing the intensity of bleeding for minor injuries {and, nosebleeds!}.

7. Eye Care – Keep a spare pair of spectacles if you have poor vision. Also, a small bottle of eye drops can be handy.

8. Electrolyte Powder – If you are traveling to a very hot and humid area, electrolyte powder can act as a huge blessing in the event you experience dehydration; this is especially important to carry if you are going on a camping or hiking trip.

A word of caution – in case you are boarding a flight, make sure you check-in your First Aid kit in your luggage, because a lot of these products – such as scissors and tweezers – won’t be allowed in your carry-on!

We hope you travel safely and smartly with our First Aid kit checklist. Do check out the safety and security products available right here on Bragpacker – to Rent or Buy.