Now that most airlines charge for checked bags, it makes sense to think about carrying your first aid kit with you on the plane. The right kit depends a lot on where you’re headed. A weekend trip to the beach looks very different from a year in the Peace Corps. Still, there are some basics worth considering.
Headaches, stomach upset, and minor aches are common on the road. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with headaches or muscle pain. For heartburn or indigestion, travelers often bring something familiar such as famotidine or omeprazole. If you’re prone to motion sickness, an over-the-counter option like dimenhydrinate can prevent a miserable flight or bus ride.
Blisters are another frequent problem. A few squares of moleskin or blister pads can keep you walking instead of limping. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also essentials, especially if you’re outdoors a lot. I usually suggest packing an antihistamine like diphenhydramine. It works for allergies, bug bites, and sometimes helps with sleep if you’re stuck in a noisy hotel room.
Bring your daily prescription medications in your carry-on. Bags get lost, and it’s not worth the risk. Keep pills in the original bottles with your name and pharmacy label. If you’re traveling with controlled substances, a letter from your doctor on letterhead is a smart idea. Some countries restrict narcotics, even if you have a prescription, so check local regulations before you fly.
Simple supplies round out a kit. Adhesive bandages in a few sizes, medical tape, and a small tube of antibiotic ointment cover most cuts and scrapes. Anti-itch creams are handy for mosquito bites. Pack hand wipes or sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol for times when running water isn’t available. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair.
Travel sometimes means unique risks. At high altitude, acetazolamide may be prescribed to prevent sickness. In malaria regions, prophylaxis may be recommended. Water purification tablets are also helpful in areas where drinking water isn’t reliable. And it’s smart to carry a contact card with your emergency numbers, your healthcare provider’s information, and the location of nearby hospitals or clinics. Many travelers also write down the local U.S. embassy contact information.
Insurance is another detail that people often overlook. Before you leave, call your insurance company to see if your policy applies overseas. In some cases, buying a short-term travel policy provides coverage and peace of mind.
I once spoke with a couple who traveled to rural South America with nothing more than sunscreen and bandages. After the first week, one developed severe diarrhea, and they had no loperamide or oral rehydration solution. They ended up driving two hours to find a clinic. They told me later that if they had packed a simple kit with a few basic medications, the whole ordeal might have been avoided.
Travel is unpredictable. Having a small kit in your carry-on won’t solve every problem, but it gives you control in those first uncomfortable hours before you can reach care.
This is for general information only and not intended as medical advice for an individual patient. If you have questions about what to bring on your trip, talk with your healthcare provider.
Wishing you the best of health,
Scott Rennie, D.O.
Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always consult your own physician before making changes to your health, medications, or treatment plan.
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