The perfect travel first-aid kit – what it must contain
- Pain and fever relievers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrheal medication: Imodium/Loperamide, activated charcoal tablets
- Electrolyte solution: powder, e.g., Elotrans (for severe fluid loss/diarrheal disease)
- Disinfectant spray/wipes: for wound and surface disinfection
- Plasters & Wound Care: Plaster mix, blister plasters, sterile compresses, bandages, wound healing cream
- Insect repellent: mosquito spray (DEET), ointment for bites
- Sun protection & after-sun: Sunscreen (SPF 30–50), cooling gel
- Fever thermometer: digital or disposable
- Antihistamine: e.g., cetirizine (allergies, insect bites)
- Travel sickness: e.g. Vomex, anti-nausea chewing gum
- Wound and healing ointment: e.g. Bepanthen for minor injuries
- Nasal spray, ear drops: for flying/swimming
- Tweezers, small scissors, safety pins
- Condoms, lubricant: (for hygiene/safety)
- Personal medication: sufficient for the entire trip in the original blister pack + emergency plan (e.g., asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)
For specific goals (extension):
- Malaria medication (e.g., Malarone), mosquito net
- Antibiotic for emergency use/medical consultation
- Prescription ointments, drops (double pack for chronic conditions)
- Water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts
- Cold protection, heat patches for trekking/cold weather
Tips:
- Transport all medications in your hand luggage and in their original packaging!
- Packing slip/packing list for inspection
- Carry a printed copy of your medication plan and emergency contact information with you when traveling.
- Check important vaccinations and bring documents with you.
Specifically: Traveling with a disability
- Individual long-term medication in double the quantity (main baggage + hand luggage)
- Everyday and emergency aids: spare batteries, chargers, plugs/adapters for assistive devices
- Wheelchair or prosthetic tool set, silicone covers, spare parts
- Prescription & international proof of purchase for medicines/medical devices (English/brought-along doctor's certificate)
- Wound care for pressure sores/injuries (hydrocolloid plasters, pads, ointments)
- Anti-decubitus seat cushions, wheelchair gloves, care creams
- Evacuation and emergency plan, medical contact list at the destination
- Statement on the need for aids for border authorities (accessibility/exceptions/reachability)
- Possibly blood glucose meter, accessories and emergency sugar
Specifically: Seniors
- All regular medications plus reserve in original packaging
- portable blood pressure monitor, spare glasses and reading glasses
- Sedatives/sleeping pills if usual (check with your doctor)
- Medication and dosage schedule, including pillboxes if applicable.
- Compression stockings, vein protection, medication for phlebitis
- Remedies for constipation (natural and medicinal)
- Ointment/cooling gel for joints, mobility aids (cane, support)
- General proof of vaccination (flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19)
- Emergency numbers and medical summary for doctors abroad
Specifically: Pregnancy/Travel with a (small) baby
- Individual pregnancy medications (e.g., folic acid, magnesium, doctor's letter!)
- Documentation of pregnancy (maternity record, ultrasound images, blood type, emergency contacts)
- A supply of proven medications approved for use during pregnancy (for nausea, colds, heartburn, possibly high blood pressure, etc.)
- Gentle remedies for travel sickness (after consultation with a doctor)
- Cream for stretch marks, mild skin care lotion
- Small snacks, electrolyte solution for rehydration in hot weather
- As a precaution, bring a fever thermometer, disinfectant, and masks.
- Research emergency contact information for gynecologists/obstetricians at your destination well in advance.