Putting Together a First Aid Kit for International Travel

January 5, 2025

Getting ready to head out on a Global Travelers’ trip?

Things can and do go wrong when traveling, sometimes very quickly! And in some countries, finding medical care when you want it is a challenge

So it’s best to tailor a first-aid kit for the countries you’ll be traveling to and for the types of activities you’ll be participating in.

Here are some things to consider bringing along:

Supplies and Equipment

First aid booklet or reference card
Disposable, non-latex gloves
Bandaids in assorted sizes
Moleskin for blisters
Gauze and tape for large wounds
Elastic bandage for sprains
Hand sanitizer or wipes with at least 60% alcohol
Water purification tablets or a filter
Instant cold compress
Thermometer
Cotton swabs
Tweezers
Scissors
Triangular bandage and safety pins to fashion a sling out of cloth
Glasses and contacts plus a copy of your prescription
Masks
Medical alert necklace or bracelet with info up-to-date on your phone
Lancets, assorted syringes, IV cannulas, etc if traveling to countries with AIDS or other diseases communicated with blood (Put in your checked bag)
Antibiotics, if you know none will be available there
Whatever else you might need to manage your health like diabetes supplies, inhalers, EpiPens, etc.

Medications

Pack the following (and anything from the list above that you can’t afford to lose) in your carry-on bag:

Enough prescription medicine for your trip plus extra in case of travel delays
Any supplements or over-the-counter medication you’ll use on your trip
Anti-histamines for mild or moderate allergic reactions
Medication for motion sickness
Decongestant
Antifungal and antibacterial ointments to prevent infection
Insect repellent
Hydrocortisone cream for bites and stings
Sunscreen and gel or lotion for sunburn
Painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin for fever and pain
Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant
Anti-malarial medication
Mild laxatives for constipation and antacids for indigestion
Anti-diarrhea medicine and oral rehydration salts
Medication to treat altitude sickness
Eye drops
Nasal spray
Anything else recommended by your doctor

Review your list with your doctor to be sure that no over-the-counter item is interfering with your prescription drugs

Traveling With Medication, Medical Equipment, and Supplies

Check the TSA’s website for updates on what you can and can’t carry on the plane.

Some things aren’t allowed in other countries. Be sure to check the U.S. Department of State’s country information for the latest. There’s a wealth of information there. While you’re on the State Department’s website, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if you haven’t already done so.

It’s also a good idea to carry your medication in its original packaging, and a copy of your prescription in case customs wants to check it when you arrive.

Traveling internationally comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Being prepared with the best first aid kit can make all the difference in making sure your trip is safe and enjoyable.