Travel Size First-Aid Kit [What to Pack & Downloadable Checklist]

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

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When you pack for a trip, especially a trip overseas, it’s easy to forget about medications and first-aid. That’s why you should always bring a basic first-aid kit with you on your travels.

I always keep a pre-packed first-aid kit ready to go so I don’t have to think twice about it when I’m packing. Of course, you may need additional items depending on where you’re going and what activities you have planned. But this first-aid kit packing list covers the basics.

What Do I Need in My Travel First-Aid Kit?

Medication

These everyday medications will take care of most common aches and pains that come with a long day of travel.

Antihistamine
Antacid tablets
Hydration pills or electrolyte replenishers
Cold relief medicine
Sleep aid
Motion sickness relief
Muscle relaxer

Emergency

For minor bumps and bruises, make sure you have these emergency first aid supplies in your medical kit.

Gauze pads
Various sized bandages
Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes
First aid balm or sting relief, anti-itch cream, & antibiotic cream

Other

From treating splinters to sunburns, these miscellaneous items are must-haves in your travel first aid kit.

First-Aid Kit Tips

Flat lay of travel first-aid supplies and medical supplies you should have in your emergency bag or medical kit — New Africa | Adobe Stock

Look in the school supply section of your local drugstore for a small container, or order a small tackle box from Amazon.
Only separate medication from its labeled bottle if you know you’ll be able to differentiate pills.
Keep prescription medications separate from your first-aid kit.
Include over-the-counter (OTC) medication based on your needs; i.e., if you’re traveling on a cruise and need motion sickness pills, make sure to include those.
Pack a natural balm like GREEN GOO First Aid, which can relieve symptoms for dry skin, insect bites, scrapes, rashes, chafing, cuts, sunburns, blisters, and poison ivy.
Include various-sized bandages; they double for blister protection if you plan on doing a lot of walking.
Hand sanitizer, a small tissue pack, lip balm, and sunscreen are also must-haves.
Be sure to fill out the Medical ID on your iPhone and list any allergies, emergency contacts, and your doctor’s information.
Keep a laminated copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card accessible during your travels as well as a photo of your card available on your phone.
Remember to pack extra face masks if you plan on visiting a destination or attending an event where masking is required

Download and print this checklist to make your own travel first-aid kit.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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