This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
Often when we travel, we do so with a sense of joyful abandonment. No rules, no schedules, no work to slow us down. It’s exhilarating. However, that freedom from our “regular” life sometimes includes ditching our established health routines too.
I discovered quickly that maintaining my health while traveling is essential to my wellbeing. If I eat poorly, or stop the supplements, I can quickly feel bad. And that’s not the way I want to spend my trip…feeling bad or experiencing pain.
I carry specific health related items with me when I travel. And I only travel with a carry on, so I’ve pared down what I take with me to the most important to keep my health and energy at optimal levels.
Check out how to create a travel medical kit, personalized to your needs, that can see you through the days of travel.
Possible Items for a Travel Medical Kit
These are possibilities for creating your own kit. Important questions to ask yourself…
Am I traveling solo? Who is traveling with me? Are children traveling with me too?
Here is a broad list of possible items to consider for a travel medical kit:
- pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, tension relief
- sleep aids, eye mask, melatonin gummies
- CBD products
- essential oils
- herbal supplements, multi-vitamin, Voke Superfoods
- prescription meds
- over the counter meds – sinus meds, allergy meds, UTI meds, decongestant, eyedrops, cough drops, cough relief, menstrual cramp relief, salves
- sunscreen, sunburn relief
- insect repellent, bug bite ointment, anti-itch ointment
- bandaids, bandages
- antibacterial ointments
- hand sanitizer
- sanitizing wipes
- face masks
- tweezers, small scissors, nail clippers
- digital thermometer, blood pressure cuff, blood glucose monitor
- antacids, heartburn relief, diarrhea meds, motion sickness tabs, upset stomach meds
- rubbing alcohol, Witch Hazel, peroxide
- cotton balls, cotton swabs
- soothing lotions – eczema cream, diaper rash lotion, rash relief
Create a Travel Medical Kit That Meets Your Needs
Of course, you probably don’t need to pack all of the above items. Choose what is most important to maintain your health. Everyone’s needs are different.
I travel light. Currently, I don’t take any prescription meds. A friend of mine, however, travels with two suitcases. One carries her clothing and the other, all of her meds and supplements. That’s what works best for her.
Depending on suitcase space and your health needs, choose the items that are essential. I don’t group my essentials together in a separate bag or container. Instead, I tuck items among my clothes, into shoes and alongside toiletries. Whether I’m traveling through Italy for 12 days or spending a long weekend somewhere, my essential health items go with me.
My Travel Medical Kit
Here are the items that I consider essential for my health and wellbeing. These items accompany me on all trips.
Pain Relief
- ibuprofen
- acetaminophen
- Hilma Tension Relief
- Hilma Indoor/Outdoor Relief
I carry travel sized ibuprofen and acetaminophen in my purse. I occasionally have severe headaches. Years ago, my dentist gave me a valuable tip. For moderate to severe pain, take a combination of three ibuprofen and two acetaminophen. The combo works like a pain pill for me, but without the drowsiness or side effects.
And I love the Hilma products. They provide natural relief, for tight muscles or tension headaches. And the indoor/outdoor relief is wonderful for natural sinus congestion and allergen relief. Click links above to order Hilma.
Supplements
- Cat’s Claw
- MSM
- Magnesium
- Comfort Guard
- GLOW Complex
I take more supplements than these when at home. These though support joint and muscles health. After many years of chronic sciatica, I can still experience stiff, tight muscles in my legs, especially when walking for hours. The first four supplements listed above keep my legs working well and comfortable. The Comfort Guard is THE best supplement for reducing pain and inflammation. I love the combination of turmeric, ginger and boswellia.
And GLOW Complex is an amazing plant based collagen builder that also supplies a host of essential vitamins and minerals including B12, which is so important to keep my energy up.
Order Comfort Guard and GLOW in the links at end of post.
Over the Counter
- Witch Hazel (carried in a small TSA approved bottle)
- bandaids
- antibiotic cream
- Prid (a soothing drawing salve)
- sunscreen
- cotton balls and cotton swabs
Witch Hazel makes an ideal soother for scrapes, insect bites and cuts. Plus I use it for a toner after washing my face.
Prid is a drawing salve that I don’t like to be without. It relieves bug bites, spider bites, boils and ingrown hairs.
Protection
- cloth face masks
- SkinShield2 hand sanitizing lotion
I’m fully vaccinated. Otherwise I wouldn’t be traveling at all. I still take cloth masks wherever I go, for the best protection. And in addition to social distancing and washing my hands frequently, I use SkinShield2, a protective antibacterial skin barrier lotion. A small amount of lotion kills germs, viruses and bacteria on contact and protects my hands for hours. Click link above to order yours.
Miscellaneous
- peppermint tea bags
- Incrediwear knee sleeve
My favorite tea goes with me. I tuck a few tea bags in my purse and more in my carry on. Peppermints soothes the whole digestive system and boosts spirits and mood.
The Incrediwear knee sleeve is a “just in case” item. Occasionally I twist my left knee and it reacts immediately with pain, swelling and inflammation.
Incrediwear products work by increasing blood flow to the injured joint, to reduce inflammation and swelling. They also relieve pain and accelerate recovery. Rather than using compression, Incrediwear products incorporate semiconductor elements within the fabric that release negative ions when stimulated by body heat. Read more about this amazing sleeve HERE.
What Will Go in Your Travel Medical Kit?
While it may look like a lot of items to carry, my essentials fit easily within my carry on and purse/backpack. I feel good knowing I have what I need to support my body and health during my travels.
What health items are essential for you? Do you have a standard set of items that go wherever you go? Share them in the comments!
Want to Know How I Pack a Carry On?
Check out this post for my packing tips, to travel light.
Health Boosting Finds for Travel from Amazon:
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.