How to pack a first aid kit for extended international travel
It’s a question that the two 52 Places Travelers have fielded from readers and colleagues alike: How do you stay healthy when crisscrossing the world for nearly 365 days? And what do you pack in case you get sick? Each location has its own set of challenges, recommended vaccines and access to pharmacies.
There’s a thin line between being over- and underprepared, said Rebecca Acosta, the cofounder and executive director of Traveler’s Medical Service. The average globe-trotting traveler does not need IV bags and syringes, she said, though the items are suggested for those trekking in rural areas.
Jada Yuan began her year as the inaugural 52 Places Traveler in 2018 with a first aid kit that was built with the help of foreign correspondents. Twelve months and some 74,900 miles later, Yuan returned with “basically the same amount of medicine,” she said.
This year’s 52 Places Traveler, Sebastian Modak, is having a similar experience. Five months in, his first aid kit has been almost untouched. But it offers enough peace of mind that it’s worth all the space it takes up, he says.
(His top recommendation for staying healthy? Drink clean, filtered water. Lots of it.)
Here’s how to pack a first aid kit, whether you are going around the world for a year or a remote adventure for a week.
VACCINE CHECKLIST
The Centers for Disease Control has a list of vaccines, health notices and packing lists for those traveling around the world. That means accounting for location.
Make sure to look up vaccine requirements far in advance of your travels, as some vaccines may require treatments or doses. Additionally, some nations may require proof of vaccination upon entering customs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you are traveling with a group or on business, you may already have traveler’s insurance that covers medical evacuation. If not, consider buying insurance that includes medevac services, which are recommended when traveling to more rural destinations.
In addition to health coverage, travel insurance covers things like lost baggage and flight cancellations.
A good travel insurance package will also include a support number to call if you need help identifying the severity of your illness, and where to turn for help.
If your health care provider offers virtual doctor visits, you may be able to turn to your regular doctor’s office while abroad, too.
MANAGEMENT VS. PREVENTION
If you have prescriptions, make sure they are filled for the entirety of your travels. That may take some coordinating between a primary care physician and insurance companies if medicines need to be resupplied on the road. Acousta recommends working with a doctor to compile a list of all prescribed medications, in generic form, in case prescriptions are misplaced.
When it comes to prevention, Acousta said, travelers should think of their medicine cabinet. “What are the types of things that you may grab from your medical kit at home? If it’s 1 in the morning and you have an upset stomach or a headache, what do you go for?” Pack those items first.
For Modak that included vitamins. “I take a multivitamin every morning and chew an Airborne vitamin C tablet, too, on top of that,” he said.
BUILD YOUR KIT
“The worst time to go looking for a pharmacy is after you already need one — and that’s especially true when you’re traveling in an unfamiliar place,” said Ria Misra, the travel editor with Wirecutter.
Wirecutter recommends packaging a kit in the Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer; the bag’s roll-up design allows it to pack down significantly. For travelers short on time, some prepacked first-aid kits cover the basics. Wirecutter recommends First Aid Only’s Essentials Kit.
Keep those kits in a carry-on.
MAKE A CHECKLIST
Travelers should create a first aid kit for simple wounds and basic medications to treat stomach issues, colds and allergies. Some products that Traveler’s Medical Service recommends include:
First aid items
• Alcohol swabs and liquid disinfectant solution
• Bandages: Adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, blister pads and bandage rolls
• Topical creams: Antibiotic ointment, antifungal ointments, hydrocortisone cream
• Oral rehydration solution for diarrhea or dehydration
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Lubricating eye drops
• Insect repellent
• Aloe gel
Medications
• Antacids
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions and seasonal allergies
• Bismuth subsalicylate for nausea, gas and bloating
• Laxative/stool softener
• Anti-motility medication for severe diarrhea
• Cough and cold remedies and lozenges
• Pain relievers/fever reducers
• Motion sickness medication