21 Items to Put in Your Travel First Aid Kit

Posted on: Sep 23, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

21 Items to Put in Your Travel First Aid Kit

Travelling is fun as it is the best way to get away from the mundane life and also to spend quality time with family and friends. When travelling having travel insurance is a must to ensure in case of a mishap or a medical emergency, things are taken care of and there is no financial strain.

While packing for your holiday, two things are very essential which you might tend to miss. First is a travel insurance cover and secondly a travel first aid kit. For the former, it is easy to buy international travel insurance online and for the latter, is not tough if you know what to pack. While being on excursions and trips or some adventure sports, there are chances of getting hurt and this is when a travel first aid kit becomes essential.

The kit should be carried when travelling domestically or when travelling abroad. Having immediate access to a medical facility is not always possible, and thus, the first aid kit comes to the rescue. It is confusing to know what to pack in your travel first aid kit and what not to. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know while packing your kit.

What Should You Pack in Your First-Aid Travel Kit?

The basic aim to pack a travel first aid kit is that it should have all the essential items that will be needed to take care of minor injuries and illnesses. For bigger issues and ailments, travel insurance is a must as this will take care of medical expenses in case hospitalisation is needed. The best way to ensure you do not carry your entire medicine rack is to try and travel with travel-size bottles and options. Secondly, have a small box or bag with a zipper to keep these things in one place. This not only saves space but also makes sure that everything is organised and in one place so that when needed it is easily accessible.

Basic Items that You Must Pack

The following items must be packed in a travel kit:

1. Hand Sanitizer:

After the pandemic, we all know how important sanitiser is. Also in case of cuts or injuries, a sanitiser should always be used before touching the affected area to avoid any infection.

2. Wipes:

Antibacterial wipes are great for cleaning hands and other things as they kill germs and reduce the chances of infection.

3. Pain reliever:

When on a holiday, pain can be caused due to several reasons like a sprain or a headache. A pain reliever like ibuprofen or any other that suits you must be kept in the kit.

4. Cold Pack:

Instant cold packs are easily available and they come in very handy for quick relief from a burn, bruise, or bump.

5. Self-adhesive wraps:

Injuries can cause sore ankles and knees and these wraps give support. As they do not need pins or clips, they are easy to use.

6. Scissors:

Scissors are needed for doing any dressing in case of hurt or even to open medicines. If you are travelling by air, ensure you do not carry them in your hand baggage and keep it in checked-in bags. And always have travel insurance to ensure you have lost baggage cover. If you are busy with other things, buy travel insurance online easily from the comfort of your house.

7. Thermometer:

Especially when travelling with kids, carrying a thermometer is a must. They tend to get a fever in a slight weather change also. Carrying it is helpful to monitor and also ensure you clean it with antibacterial wipes after usage.

8. Tweezers:

Ticks, splinters, or bee stings can be painful, and thus, carrying a tweezer for removing them is important.

9. Bandages:

Bandages in all sizes must be kept in a first aid kit.

10. Gauze:

A roll of gauze and pads must be packed as they are needed for an injury which is big for a bandage.

11. Surgical Tape:

With gauze, you need tape so that it is easy to hold it to the skin.

12. Antiseptic:

Wipes or a spray thatis antiseptic are important to clean injuries and cuts.

13. Antibiotic Ointment:

Before putting a bandage on any wound or cut, in order to heal it faster and avoid infections, an antibiotic ointment must be applied. The same must be done when changing the dressing.

14. Antacids:

We do tend to eat and try new things when travelling and thus, it is common to get indigestion or heartburn. For such times, having antacids is recommended.

15. Anti-diarrhoea Medication:

While travelling, it is often seen that some food does not suit and causes diarrhoea. Due to this medicines for the same must be carried and one must ensure they stay well hydrated in case something like this happens.

16. Cold Relief Medications:

Headache, cold, cough, and stuffy nose are common and they need medication to provide relief. Medicines to use during the day and night should always be carried for adults and for kids.

17. Anti-allergens:

Medication to take care of seasonal allergies must be carried in the first aid kit.

18. Saline nasal spray:

Congestion and allergies can cause a blocked and stuffy nose and can be very uncomfortable when enjoying your vacation. Ensure to carry a saline nasal spray to provide relief.

19. Cough remedies:

Syrups or lozenges can be carried to provide relief from cough as they help in suppressing the cough and help in soothing the throat.

20. Motion sickness:

Many people are prone to motion sickness and thus, carrying medication for this helps in enjoying the journey.

21. Prescription Medicines:

The above are medications to treat minor things for which doctors are not needed. However, always carry extra doses of your prescription medicines in your kit to be prepared for any emergency like a delay in flight.

The above is a list of the common medications that you must carry when travelling. Before you travel you must visit your doctor and ensure all vaccinations are up to date and also if any other medications should be carried. Some additional tips to follow are:

● Ensure you have your travel insurance cover in place with the right coverage for any bigger medical emergencies.

● Always know the right dosage of the medications you are carrying in your bag an

● If you leave a kit packed for travel, check the expiry dates of the medicines before you travel

● Keep medications in their original packing to avoid confusion later

● Carry your prescription in case asked for

FAQs

1. Is a travel medical kit allowed on flights?

Generally, you are not allowed to carry your travel medical kit in your cabin. However, if you have vital medicines to take on time, you can selectively pick and keep those with you. But there is nothing to worry about as the airline keeps all the possible first aid items to serve their passengers in need. Keep your travel medical kit in your check-in luggage and fly worry-free.

2. What medicine should I pack for travel?

You should pack essential medicines such as pain relievers (Ibuprofen), cold relief medications, anti-diarrhoea medication, antacids, and motion sickness remedies. Additionally, include first aid items like bandages, hand sanitiser, and antibiotic ointment. Ensure you have prescription medicines and consider carrying allergy medication, saline nasal spray, and cough remedies for comprehensive coverage. Don't forget to tailor the kit to your specific health needs and consult your healthcare provider if necessary.

3. What antibiotics are used for travel?

Trying different food items is common while travelling, but this may attract some illnesses, especially traveller's diarrhoea (TD). That is why you must pack some essential antibiotics. Oral antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or azithromycin are the best way to fight these unwanted situations. It can be a traveller's diarrhoea, sinusitis, or a urinary tract infection; you can efficiently fight them on your trip- consult your doctor in advance and be on a short medication course.

Conclusion

Travelling is fun and the best time to enjoy and unwind with family and friends. However, any medical issue can spoil the trip and put a break in the enjoyment. For many concerns, while travelling a travel insurance policy is important, but for minor things, a first aid kit is what you need. Pack it carefully and be stress-free to enjoy a lovely vacation.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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