Nobody plans on getting sick or sustaining an injury on vacation. However, the unfortunate truth is that accidents happen all the time. It’s better to prepare for the worst and not need the resources than the alternative. While gathering your essential travel supplies, take some time to assemble a first aid kit.
Having the right necessities for your travel first aid kit can make or break your experience. Whether you’re exploring abroad or staying stateside, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Do some prep work and pack your kit with essential items so that you’re ready for anything the world gives you.
Moleskin
Most people do a lot of walking while on vacation. It’s common to spend a lot of time on your feet observing monuments and hiking through your destination’s iconic scenery. Don’t forget to pack some moleskin in your first aid kit to protect your feet.
Blisters are painful and will slow you down on your journey. Products like moleskin create a barrier between your skin and shoes. This way, you can stroll around as long as you’d like without developing foot pain or worrying about infections.
Prescription Medications
Depending on your location, finding a pharmacy that carries your special medications might get tricky. This is especially true if you’re traveling overseas or to a remote destination. Prescription medications are travel first aid kit necessities to keep you well on your adventures.
Ask your doctor to prescribe enough medicine to cover your vacation. If you’re not taking a controlled substance, you might consider bringing extra in case you lose some of your belongings. Of course, be sure to check out travel laws regarding medications to ensure you’re always following the rules.
Water Purification Tablets
Remote destinations often have limited access to vital goods and materials. Not only will you need food and medications, but you’ll also need a clean drinking source. If you’re going off the grid, bring along some water purification tablets in your first aid kit.
Drinking contaminated water is gross at best. At worst, it can cause debilitating health problems that will derail all of your plans. Water purification tablets will ensure that you always have clean drinking water at your disposal, no matter where you are.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Prescription meds aren’t the only things you’ll need while traveling. If you’re going to a bustling city, you might be able to find common drugs at the local pharmacy. However, if you’re going off the beaten path, these drugs might be more difficult to come by.
Plan to bring a collection of over-the-counter medications. OTCs are among several African safari essentials since travelers are usually far away from major populations. Painkillers, antihistamines, digestive medications—all of these things will help you have a smooth vacation.
Various Bandages
It’s easy to sustain an injury while traveling the globe. If you’re trekking through rough terrain, this risk only increases. Pack various medical bandages and dressings in your travel first aid kit to cover any cuts and open wounds.
Band-aids are a good start, but you’ll need other options to prepare thoroughly. Bring gauze, elastic bandages, and surgical tape to secure and protect large injuries. You should also carry disinfecting materials in your outdoor travel backpack so that you’re ready at a moment’s notice.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
