How to Pack a First-Aid Kit for Travel Abroad
Buying the very simplest medications abroad can be problematic, even when you manage to find a pharmacy that's open for business and where English is spoken. You might want to consider taking an appropriate kit with you.
Suggested Basic Kit
- antacids
- antibiotics for diarrhea
- antimalarial medication (if traveling in a malarial zone)
- aspirin or acetaminophen (a non-aspirin product)
- Band-Aids
- karstic with sunblock
- cotton swabs
- dental floss
- hydrogen peroxide
- insect repellent (with DEET)
- Pepto-Bismol and/or other anti-diarrheal medications (Lomotil, Immodium)
- safety pins
- scissors
- suntan lotion with sunscreen
- thermometer
- topical antibacterial ointment
- tweezers
Reminders
- flashlight
- Swiss army knife
- sunglasses
- extra prescription glasses
- contact lens solution
- copy of lens prescription
- hearing aid batteries
- soap
- medications for chronic conditions and your doctor's phone number
- keep prescription medications in their original containers
- anaphylaxis (allergy) kit if allergic to bee stings or other insect stings
- antihistamines for allergies
- artificial tears
- motion sickness medication
- medication to prevent altitude sickness
- moles skin (for blisters)
- mosquito net, permethrin clothing spray, knockdown spray (if needed for insects...)
- Ace wrap, 3"
- adhesive tape, 1"
- antibiotics for bacterial skin infections
- antifungal topical cream for fungal skin infections
- anti-inflammatory medications
- aspirin or acetaminophen (non-aspirin) for pain
- Benadryl or other antihistamine (for itching, allergies, or sleep)
- betadine swabsticks
- butterfly bandages or steri-strips, tincture