Travel Smart: My Travel Medicine Kit for Hassle-Free Adventures
- aliceandmark3
- Jan 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Hello, fellow globetrotters!
As a seasoned travel advisor and an avid traveler myself, I know that exploring new destinations is an exhilarating experience. But it's also important to be prepared for those little health hiccups that can happen on the road. I'm sharing my go-to list of over-the-counter medicines that I always pack to ensure my trips are as comfortable and ailment-free as possible. (A reminder: check with your doctor to make sure they don't interfere with anything you are taking.)
The last 2 out of the country trips we took left either my husband or me in bed for at least a day during a vacation. Both unexpected, so we have some recent experience with travel illnesses.
Travel Medicine Kit Components
1. Pain and Fever Relievers
Why pack them: Whether it’s a headache after a long flight, sore feet after a walking tour or a fever that needs tending, these are a must.
What to consider: Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (Acetaminophen) are popular choices.
My Experience: I generally take a few doses of both with me as well as longer acting like Aleve (naproxen). The less pain, the more enjoyable the trip is.
2. Antihistamines
Why pack them: For those unexpected allergic reactions, be it to a new food or a pollen-filled park.
What to consider: Options like Claritin (Loratadine) or Zyrtec (Cetirizine) are non-drowsy and pretty effective for the short term. Benedryl is also effective but may cause you to be drowsy.
3. Motion Sickness Medication
Why pack them: Perfect for those winding bus tours or choppy boat rides.
What to consider: Bonine (Meclizine) or Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) can be real lifesavers.
My Experience: These are essential for bus tours in places like Italy's Amalfi Coast for instance and for smaller tour boats. People generally ask if they are needed for River Cruises. Generally, no since the rivers are pretty calm and the ships travel at slower speeds than ocean going vessels. Note, Dramamine knocks me out so know how your body reacts before you travel.
4. Antidiarrheal Medications
Why pack them: To combat those unexpected stomach issues, especially in areas where food and water safety is a concern.
What to consider: Imodium (Loperamide) or Pepto-Bismol is a common and effective choice.
My Experience: These are recommended not just for trips to Mexico! Unfamiliar food, water or those beautiful (and multiple) cocktails can upset your body's system. It could also save you when you are down with a virus.
5. Mild Laxatives
Why pack them: Travel can disrupt your regular routine, and it's best to be prepared.
What to consider: Look for gentle options like Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) or stool softeners.
My Experience: I have friends that take one the night prior to a long flight since those flights can be really disruptive to your bodies.
6. Antacids and Acid Reducers
Why pack them: To soothe heartburn or indigestion from trying all those delicious new foods.
What to consider: Options like Zantac (Ranitidine) or Tums (Calcium Carbonate) can offer relief.
My Experience: When you tend to eat later in the night and the food is so good that it is hard to stop, you might need one of these.
7. First Aid Basics
Why pack them: For minor cuts and scrapes.
What to consider: Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and a small tube of antibiotic ointment like Neosporin.
My Experience: New shoes and blisters is what I think about when packing these items. It is easier to ask for bandages and antiseptic wipes in hotels and pharmacies in other countries so I usually go pretty light on these.
8. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera Gel
Why pack them: Sun protection is crucial, and aloe vera is great for soothing any accidental sunburns.
What to consider: Broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and pure aloe vera gel.
My Experience: If you are spending time at the pool or the beach, bring the lotion you are comfortable with. I have allergies to some lotions so I can't rely on stores to have the correct brands for me. I'm a fan of SunBum products.
9. Insect Repellent and Sting Medicine
Why pack them: To protect against mosquito bites, especially in tropical destinations.
What to consider: Repellents containing DEET or Picaridin. After you get stung, anti-histamens (see above) work if you are allergic to the insect bites.
My Experience: We just returned from Mexico, where our resort's 'all-natural' mosquito repellent they provided in the rooms seemed more like an invitation than a deterrent to the local bugs. Spoiler alert: the mosquitoes weren't deterred. We quickly switched to borrowing some trusty Off repellent from the restaurant staff – because sometimes, nature needs help.
10. Sleep Aids
Why pack them: For those long flights or to combat jet lag.
What to consider: Melatonin or non-prescription sleep aids like Benadryl (Diphenhydramine).
My Experience: If you don't get sleep, it will be hard to recover from any of the ailments listed above. In addition to helping with regulating sleep cycles, when you are down with a cold or flu, sometimes you need help overcoming the discomfort to get your rest.
11. Decongestants
Why pack them: A packed sinus cavity or runny nose
What to consider: Sudafed or Afrin spray
My Experience: Flying with a head cold is not recommended but sometimes it's unavoidable. Regrettably, we've found ourselves still battling head colds even on flying day. In these situations, my husband swears by a combo of Sudafed and Afrin spray. They don't make landing a breeze, but they do turn 'unbearable' into 'manageable. I can't recommend that use case but they do come in handy when you develop a runny nose.
A Few Reminders about your Travel Medicine Kit:
Keep medicines in a travel bag or Ziploc so you can easily see what you have and can grab and go.
Check the expiration dates for all the items you take. It's pretty frustrating to have the item but it is not working when you need it when the product is past its prime.
Keep medicines in their original packaging to avoid confusion and ease passage through customs.
If you have prescription medications, bring enough for your trip plus a little extra, just in case.
Always check the regulations for medications in your destination country.
With this travel health kit, you're ready to enjoy your adventures to the fullest!
Safe travels and don't forget to share your amazing experiences with us!
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