From a tiny cold to the dreaded diarrhea (don’t laugh, it’s happened to me every time I’ve been on safari in Africa!), or whether traveling across a state or to a different continent it is important that your travel medicine bag be prepared for when the unexpected might occur.
Your first aid kit and supplies are just as important as your boarding pass! So, here’s the list of what I bring no matter if I am heading out for just a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure.
NOTE: Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication as they may interact with other medications or aggravate existing conditions.
What First-Aid Items do you need when you travel?
Your first-aid kit should have all the essentials to handle those little mishaps and minor illnesses—because let’s be real, no one wants a headache (literally) ruining their trip. But don’t worry, you don’t need to bring your entire medicine cabinet.
You can easily gather these must-have items and use a plastic baggie to keep everything organized. Or steal my technique by using this Travel Pill Organizer and putting all the items into this small travel toiletry bag that never leaves my suitcase.
Here’s what to pack so you’re ready for any minor medical hiccup that comes your way.
PS: If you want to get all the items I have in my kit—you can! Just head over to the Bucket List Journey Amazon Shop.
Basic first-aid items
- Aloe Vera Gel: Sunburn, bug bites, or random skin irritations? This soothes them all.
- Bandages: Paper cuts, blisters, and unexpected scrapes—be ready for anything.
- Face Mask: Protection from dust, pollution, and germs—because travel can be unpredictable.
- Gauze & Tape: Great for covering larger wounds when a bandage won’t cut it.
- Insect Bite Anti-Itch Gel or Cream: Mosquito bites will happen. This stops the itch fast.
- Insect Repellent: Don’t let bugs ruin your adventure—keep them away in the first place.
- Sanitizer: Planes, trains, and public spaces = germs everywhere. Stay clean.
- Scissors: Handy for cutting bandages, medical tape, or even clothing in an emergency.
- Sunscreen: Sunburns can ruin a trip fast. Protect your skin no matter where you are.
- Thermometer: Perfect for knowing if it’s just travel fatigue or an actual fever.
- Tweezers: Splinters, thorns, or tiny debris? These get the job done.
- Tissues: For sniffles, bathroom with no toilet paper, or quick clean-ups.
- Water Purification Tablets: Because drinking unsafe water is not on your bucket list.
Medicines & Creams
- Antacids: New foods, jet lag, and spicy dishes? These help with heartburn and indigestion.
- Anti-diarrhea Medication: Because food adventures shouldn’t come with regrets. You can get a prescription from your doctor, or an over-the-counter Imodium AD does the trick for me.
- Antibiotic Ointment: Keeps minor cuts from turning into major problems.
- Antihistamines: For allergies, bug bites, and unexpected reactions.
- Cough Suppressant/Syrup: A nagging cough can ruin a day of exploring.
- Decongestant: Clears up stuffy noses and sinus pressure fast.
- Eye Drops: Long flights and dusty roads can leave your eyes begging for relief.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: Tames redness, itching, and irritation from bites or rashes.
- Insect Bite Anti-Itch Gel or Cream: Bug bites are so annoying. This stops the itch and soothes inflammation fast.
- Insect Repellent: Keep mosquitoes and other pesky critters away so you can explore bite-free!
- Laxative: Travel constipation is real. Be prepared. Sometimes I just bring some Psyllium husk pills instead.
- Motion Sickness Medication: Car, boat, or plane—these keep nausea in check.
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): A lifesaver if you’re dehydrated from heat, illness, or too much fun.
- Pain Reliever: Headaches, cramps, sore muscles—don’t let pain slow you down.
- Saline Nasal Spray: Helps with congestion from allergies, colds, or dry airplane air.
- Sleep Aid: If jet lag or noisy hotels mess with your rest, this helps.
- Normal Medications and Vitamins: Of course don’t forget your normal everyday vitamins and prescribed medications!
PS: You can get my printable Travel Medicine Kit checklist in my shop: buck & co.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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