The way we travel has changed so much over the years. Instead of just worrying about our passport and luggage, we also now need to pack a travel health kit to make sure that we stay safe while we’re on the road. Aside from masks, alcohol, and wipes, here are five necessities that you should have in your kit:
- Prescription medications. If you or any of your companions have prescription medications, it’s vital to pack enough to last for your entire trip. You’re not sure if these medicines are available in your destination or how much they cost, so it’s best to have them on hand.
- Emergency medications. Aside from your prescription medications, it’s also smart to have some emergency medications handy. You need Esomeprazole tablets for heartburns, antihistamines for allergies, antacids for acid reflux, decongestants for colds, fever and pain medicines, cough drops, and some sleep aid if you ever get jet lag. You could also invest in some inhalers and EpiPens, especially if you’re travelling with someone who has allergies.
- First-aid supplies. You’ll never know when you or someone else gets injured while on the road, so it’s important to pack some essentials that will allow you to administer first aid in case accidents happen. These include antibacterial wipes, antibacterial ointments, a digital thermometer, antiseptic wound cleanser, aloe gel, disposable gloves, bandages, cotton swabs, and eye drops.
- Prevention supplies. A lot of things can happen when you’re travelling, which is why it’s also crucial to pack some supplies to help prevent illnesses and injury. For instance, you can pack some vitamins and supplements to last your entire trip. You should also have some insect repellent, sunscreen, earplugs, and know some basic water purification methods, especially when travelling with kids.
- Documents. Aside from the essentials, you also need to pack some very important documents as part of your travel health kit in case you’ll need them while you’re on the road. For one, you need copies of your passport and travel documents, copies of all your prescriptions, health insurance cards, contact card with your complete address, email address, phone numbers, and family member in your home country, proof of yellow fever vaccination, contact numbers of emergency services, clinics and hospitals in your destination and the consulate or embassy of your country.
So many things can happen during your trip, so it’s best to be prepared all the time. Having a travel health kit gives you more peace of mind knowing that you will have something to use in case of any emergencies while you’re on the road.
Make sure to pack this kit properly and do your inventory after every trip, so you can replenish stocks that have been used up during your trip. This way, you can easily grab and pack your travel health kit whenever you need it and not have to worry about anything but having fun while you’re on the road.