It takes one time to get sick abroad for you to realize just how vital a medicine bag is when traveling and yet, it’s something that people often overlook.

Sure, it’s true that for the most part, medicine is remarkably easy to find. 

But that’s not always the case and the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling miserable is to find medicine. Not to mention, it can take a huge amount of time if you’re staying in a rural part of the world. It’s best to travel prepared.

Here’s What You Should Consider Before Packing A Travel Medicine Kit

Evaluate Your Needs Based On Your Trip Style

If you are planning a trip where you plan to be physically active, including hiking or camping, then you want to make sure you’re packing a medical kit that can be used for several says in the event of an emergency.    Think of items such as wrap bandages, pain relievers, and disinfected spray for cuts and wounds.

Evaluate Your Personal Health

From allergies, lactose intolerance, to UTIs,  be sure to think about your own personal issues and the chances of needing something important when abroad. 

What Should Be Included In Your Basic Kit?

Medications that you absolutely need- including prescriptions and special medications for your destination (like something to help with altitude sickness);

First Aid items you commonly use- band-aids, anti-itch cream, and pain relievers like ibuprofen that can work as an all-purpose drug for fevers, muscle soreness, and headaches, anti-itch creams, cough drops, first aid balm, oral rehydration salts (for food positioning or overexertion); and antiseptic wipes;

Items you can’t easily obtain at your destination- think anti-diarrhea medication and motion sickness tablets. 

Packing Tips

When you can, choose tablets over liquids, gels, and creams as some countries will limit the number of creams you are allowed no matter if it’s a travel size or not.

Look for travel size packaging at your drug store or ask your doctor for a sample. Most of the time, the travel packaging will come in flat packets instead of tubes and bottles to allow you more space in your carry-on.

If you do take pills, you can always take a pill organizer to reduce the amount of space as well.