When packing your travel bags, don’t forget the first-aid essentials. Here are a few tips for creating your own DIY travel first-aid kit, plus a printable.
DIY Travel First-Aid Checklist
One thing people often forget when packing their bags for their vacation is a first-aid kit.
I’ve been one of those people. It’s easy to forget first-aid essentials when packing for a fun vacation to a 5-star resort.
I’ve always assumed I would get first-aid supplies from the front desk of the resort/hotel or amusement park.
And yes, while this may be true, I’ve learned over the years to carry my own first-aid essentials.
After having a fun vacation in Florida, one of the twins threw up all over the car on the way to the airport.
Unfortunately, when you’re flying down the highway at 70 miles per hour trying to catch your flight, that’s not the best time to have this happen.
Well, probably NO time is the best time for something like this to happen.
I only had a few napkins and a jug of water, and I found a clean pair of clothes so he could change.
As a Mom, I always keep wipes and extra things in my car. However, I was in a rental car, and this was not something I thought to take with us. Lesson Learned!
I’ve put together a list of essentials you must carry in a travel first-aid kit.
I suggest using a small bag or one of Johnson & Johnson’s First Aid Kit’s.
Be sure to grab the Travel First-Aid Kit Checklist printable to use while shopping for all your supplies.
First, pack your daily medications and a spare prescription. Some people may only take one thing, like birth control or blood pressure medication.
Others may take several routine medications. This includes kids’ medications for allergies, asthma, or the dreaded EpiPen.
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Pack medication in the original bottle or packaging, and leave the prescription label on it. This is because you want that information should you need it in an emergency.
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Pack a spare prescription in case something happens and you lose your RX or stay longer than expected.
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Pack a list with all medication names, dosages, the prescribing physician, and the pharmacy it was purchased from. This will help should you go to the hospital or need to inform medical personnel.
Basic first aid items. Include items like band-aids, antibiotic cream, gauze, and paper tape. Depending on your travel method, you may not want to bring a lot, but you can pack a few essentials in a Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit*.
Items I have included in my First-Aid Kit:
- BENGAY® Ultra Strength Cream 2oz
- Band-Aid adhesive bandage Finding Dory 20ct {one of the boys picked out this one}
- Visine dry eye drops 0.5oz
- Neosporin antibiotic ointment + pain itch scar 0.5 oz
- Band-Aid adhesive bandage Skin Flex™ extra large 7ct
- Band-Aid brand first aid cloth tape, 1 inch
- Band-Aid brand first aid all-in-one gauze pad med 5ct
- Benadryl Ultra tabs 24ct
- First Aid™ Instruments Kit – 3 Count
Be sure to grab your 85 Piece Commuter First Aid Kit and have it ready for your next adventure!
Pack for the unexpected. This doesn’t mean bringing everything from your medicine cabinet.
It does, however, mean you may want to include antacids, anti-nausea medication, anti-diarrheal medication, anti-inflammatories, and antihistamines.
You can find these in small, trial-sized packages to add to your carry-on bag or luggage.
If you are traveling by car, you can just as easily grab your regular bottle and add it to a tub or bag that is easy to access at any time.
Sure, you can grab these things on the road, but it is much easier to stop and grab them from your trunk quickly than to wait several miles for the next gas station.
While many of these items are relatively easy to grab, no matter where you are, they can be very costly and inconvenient.
Designate a specific part of your luggage for these items, and keep them up to date for any road trip or quick getaway.
Better safe than sorry.
Nobody wants their second honeymoon ruined because somebody forgot the all-important pills at home.
This list of what to pack in your travel first aid kit is a great start for any family on the road.
Other things you want to include in your travel first-aid kit:
- birth control {optional}
- feminine hygiene products
- anti-nausea medication
- Motrin Liqui-gels 20ct
- anti-diarrheal medication
- antiseptic wipes
- cotton balls or swabs
- aloe vera gel
- flashlight
- antibacterial soap
- instant cold pack
- thermometer
- triangular bandage
- tweezers
- scissors
- oral pain gel
- cough drops
- hydrogen peroxide
- insect repellant
- heat pack
- additional bandages
These items may not fit in your travel first-aid kit, so look for travel-size varieties or transfer items from their original packaging into smaller containers.
If you use a J&J First Aid Kit bag, it has little pockets and compartments to store items without the packaging.
- You can download this FREE printable to help you prepare your own first-aid travel kit.
Do you have a travel first-aid kit? If I missed something vital, drop me a line below and let me know!
Get more travel tips below:
- Ultimate Guide to Staying Healthy While Traveling + Free Printable Checklist
- How To Afford A Fun Summer + Travel
Cathy says
What great adventures and these are truly good items to have with you when you travel! {client}