holiday travel first aid kit

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Holiday first aid kit essentials

Peer reviewed by Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP Last updated by Danny Chadburn Last updated 19 Oct 2017

Having the right first aid items to hand when you go on holiday can prevent a simple accident from turning into a catastrophe. So what shouldn’t you leave home without?

In this article :

Pain relief, antihistamine tablets and cream, diarrhoea tablets, oral rehydration salts, anti-sickness tablets, indigestion tablets, a mixed box of plasters, antiseptic cream, wound dressings and bandages, instant ice pack, aftersun cream or aloe vera lotion, other items, smart tips for packing.

"For most adults, an off-the-shelf kit with the basics is fine, but if there are young children, older people or anyone with specific needs, it makes more sense to create your own," says pharmacist Sultan Dajani from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society . If you're travelling to remote or undeveloped parts of the world, you may also need items such as malaria tablets, a water purification kit, syringes and a thermometer.

Wherever you're going, never leave out items in the hope of getting them cheaper abroad, as it may be too late. "A first aid kit is for emergencies and prompt treatment can prevent infection or a trip to A&E. Plus, language difficulties could mean you end up with inappropriate medication," warns Dajani.

Here are the basics to include in your holiday first aid kit.

Continue reading below

Ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol will treat headaches and minor pains, but codeine is illegal in some countries and may be confiscated or even lead to your arrest if you don't have proof of prescription. Check the regulations of the country you're travelling to with the embassy in the UK . Also make sure you have something appropriate for everyone, including children, pregnant women or anyone with a specific condition; ibuprofen can bring on asthma in some people and should also be avoided by those with stomach ulcers.

Tablets are a must for allergic reactions such as prickly heat rash or itchy insect bites. Ask for non-drowsy versions, so you don't miss out on your holiday. An antihistamine cream is great for soothing bites or rashes too.

Food poisoning microbes grow and reproduce faster in hot weather, making the holiday trots more likely. However, some pharmacists advise letting the illness run its course, rather than taking tablets, to allow the microbes to pass out of your system.

Take during a bout of diarrhoea to restore the balance of fluids and natural salts in your body. This is especially important for young children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to dehydration.

Whether it's caused by food poisoning or motion sickness, nausea and vomiting are best treated with anti-emetic tablets that dissolve under your tongue. If it's food poisoning, try to wait for a day to allow some of the harmful microbes to leave your body. You could also try travel sickness bands or patches, and remember you may need them for some holiday activities such as sailing or train journeys.

Sometimes confused with heart attack symptoms, indigestion is more likely on holiday as you're eating a lot of different foods.

If you're going to be doing lots of walking, add in a few blister plasters too.

Vital for preventing infection in cuts and grazes, especially in hot environments where germs multiply fast.

Bigger cuts, lacerations and minor burns need a sterile dressing to help prevent infection, while bandages can support sprains or to add pressure to wounds over a sterile dressing, stemming any bleeding.

Pop one into your beach bag or day pack to treat sprains instantly. Prompt treatment can reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is always better than cure. Make sure you have the right level of SPF sun cream for your skin and holiday destination - including appropriate protection for children - cover up with a hat, and avoid the sun when it's strongest. But if you do get burned, try to keep out of the sun, apply aftersun or aloe vera lotion every hour or so, and drink plenty of water.

It's also worth packing scissors (but not in your hand luggage!) to cut bandages or tape, tweezers for removing splinters or grit from a wound, an eyewash solution for washing sand or dirt out of your eye - make sure the solution is in date to avoid infection - and an anaesthetic throat spray to soothe sore throats caused by allergies to pollen, dry air, or a virus.

Check you have enough of any prescription medication - make sure you see your GP well in advance to ask for enough to cover your holiday and when you return - plus proof of prescription from your pharmacy or GP.

Make sure any medication is within the date on the bottle or pack and that it's in good condition. Blister packs are better than loose tablets, which may absorb moisture from the air and become ineffective.

Keep painkillers, prescription meds and a few plasters in your hand luggage and pack the rest in your suitcase. If it goes AWOL, you're still covered.

Make sure your first aid kit is kept in a dark, waterproof container that's out of reach of children.

Get travel insurance. A European Health Insurance Card entitles you to state medical treatment in the EU, but this may only cover basic care and leave you liable for more expensive treatments like X-rays. Check it also covers any activities you're doing, like golf or scuba diving.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

19 Oct 2017 | Latest version

Last updated by

Danny Chadburn

Peer reviewed by

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The 6 Best Travel First Aid Kits of 2024

Be prepared for any situation with a travel first aid kit that provides plenty of supplies stored in a case that won't squish in your luggage.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

In my early travel years, I took more physical risks: I hiked Yosemite’s Half Dome and the Grand Canyon rim to river to rim. (I’d lost both big toenails by the end of it.) Once, I dislocated my thumb whitewater rafting in Bali in the rain — it was all in great fun.

Now that I’m a parent of twins (and, let’s be honest — now that I’m older and just plain soft), I’m more likely to avail myself of the amenities at a five-star resort than I am to engage in risky physical activities. But small accidents can and do happen all the time. And that’s why —  as the daughter of a doctor and a biologist , and a parent to school-aged kids who always get into something — I always travel with some form of first aid kit. For me, it's just a no-brainer. 

For expert insight on what to look for in a travel first aid kit and how to pack and maintain them, I spoke with Dr. LouAnn Giangreco, chief medical officer at American Family Care. Based on my research and experience as well as the doctor’s expert advice, I compared various top-selling travel first aid kits, making sure to consider the overall size, number and variety of items, and specific features like waterproofing. These are my favorite travel first aid kits I'll be packing for my upcoming adventures.

Best Overall

Band-aid johnson & johnson all-purpose portable compact first-aid kit.

This kit has a protective hard case and includes a solid range of brand-name products, so you know the quality you can expect.

The plastic case is bulky, making this a better kit for a car trip than a backpacking adventure.

This compact, comprehensive, and ruggedly packaged first aid kit checks all the boxes. I like that it includes brand-name products brands including Band-aid, Neosporin, and Benadryl, so you know what you’re getting (and can assure your bandage will actually stick to your skin). Plus, the streamlined and refillable hard-plastic case is durable so it stands up well to rattling around on road trips or shoved in amid camping gear . (The red packaging also makes it easy to spot in a hurry.) While I wouldn’t travel with this on a plane — I’m a carry-on only type — I’d bring it on road trips or camping trips.

The 160-piece kit includes all the essentials to tend to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites — all the usual suspects. It has cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch cream, acetaminophen, an instant cold pack, gloves, and more. There’s also a first aid guide included.

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 3.25 inches | 1 pound | Plastic

Best Waterproof

Adventure medical kits ultralight/watertight .9 first-aid kit.

This kit is super light and watertight, so it’s ideal for performance in extreme conditions.

While this kit is watertight, it should not be fully submerged in water.

This lightweight kit is built for performance; it’s ideal for wet, rugged conditions with a zippered ripstop outer bag and two watertight pouches to protect the contents. This kit contains everything you need for basic wound care, a range of OTC meds (for pain, fever, swelling, and allergies), and a solid collection of additional equipment: gloves, splinter picker forceps, irrigation syringe, safety pins, and a roll of duct tape. 

While I’m not a serious hiker or camper anymore, I have plenty of travel uses for a water-tight first aid kit even in the city — like rainy conditions, and even protecting my first aid supplies from from other product spills. ​​I also like that it’s bright yellow, so it’s easy to identify when you need it.

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 2.5 inches | 10.4 ounces | Silnylon | Waterproof

Best Mini Kit

Coleman all purpose first aid kit.

Although small, this case is mighty: it’s ultralight, but well stocked.

This sleek kit is a must-have for all-purpose travel first aid solutions, but it’s not adequate for more serious hazards.

You can’t expect a full first aid inventory in an itty-bitty kit, but this one does a nice job of balancing a super-streamlined profile with the most key essentials for everyday travel mishaps like small cuts or scrapes. It includes latex-free bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and even safety pins. 

The kit is housed in a tin case — picture the size of a tin of mints— which is sturdy and crush-resistant. I’d stash this kit not just in my purse, but in each backpack for the whole family. (Redundancy is the key to preparedness, in my experience as both a mom and as a frequent traveler.)  And the small kit comes with a reasonably small price point, too.

The Details: 0.88 x 2.5 x 3.88 inches | 1 ounce | Tin

Best for Families

American red cross red cross first aid kit.

Courtesy of Amazon

For its compact size and light weight, this well-stocked kit is nicely equipped for family travel.

Given its soft and lightweight construction, this soft case is not waterproof or rugged.

This 73-piece kit is robust enough for daily first aid, but compact and lightweight enough to travel with when space is at a minimum. It even fits in a bike bag , or in a backpack for day hikes , and slides right into the door compartment of a car.

All of the contents are latex free, so it’s fine to use for people with latex allergies. The soft-pack kit weighs just over 13 ounces and the longest side is just over 9 inches. It includes a range of bandages, ointments, hand sanitizer, aspirin, a CPR mask, a thermometer (for one-time use), gloves, scissors, and tweezers. 

The Details: 7.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches | 13.1 ounces | Nylon

Best for Outdoor Use

Hart outdoor weekend first-aid kit.

This well-organized kit has clear compartments for quick access.

This kit has a substantial bulk to it.

This well-stocked kit has enough stuff for three people on a weekend trip. And it’s especially well organized, with clear, labeled pockets and elastic loops. Spacious pockets with hook-and-loop closures make it easy to get everything in and out, and to customize the kit for your use. I also like that the list of the kit’s contents is printed right on the back so you can see what you have (and replace anything you’ve used). 

This kit includes medications, wound cleansers, and topical relief products packaged in single-dose packages, plus an array of bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, forceps, and an elastic bandage. And it also includes a plainspoken manual written by a wilderness medicine physician.

The Details: 6.5 x 5.5 x 2 inches | 9.5 ounces | Polyester

Best for Road Trips

Surviveware waterproof premium first aid kit.

This kit is thoroughly stocked in a durable and waterproof case, plus the clear labeling system makes it easy to identify what you need in a crunch-time situation.

The watertight zipper is snug and may require extra effort to open.

Road trips require less streamlined packing than air travels, so this larger 200-piece kit is plenty feasible for the car or RV and comes stocked with all the essentials. Labeled and organized inner compartments make it easy to find what you need at a glance. It includes high-quality versions of the basics of wound and burn care, plus shears, tweezers, splinter probes, and safety pins. It even includes a CPR mask and extra internal sleeves to customize your kit.

Plus, this kit is durable and fully waterproof, with watertight zippers to keep the contents dry; the waterproof feature makes this kit a good match for boaters and severe weather conditions, too).

The Details: 7.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches | 2.25 pound | TPU fabric | Waterproof

Tips for Buying a Travel First Aid Kit

Pack the essentials.

The number one thing to include in a first aid kit is bleeding control supplies, according to Dr. Giangreco. Depending on the size of your kit, this would include bandages, compression dressings, tape, and ointment. She also recommends carrying hand sanitizer and gloves whenever you might be in a situation to care for others.

Obviously, smaller travel kits don’t accommodate a comprehensive inventory of supplies. But this is the full list of tools the American Red Cross suggests for a first aid kit for a family of four:

• A first aid guide
• Absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• Adhesive bandages (of assorted sizes)
• Adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• Antibiotic ointment packets
• Antiseptic wipe packets
• Emergency blanket
• Breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• Instant cold compress
• Non-latex gloves
• Hydrocortisone ointment packets
• Gauze roll (roller) bandage
• Roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• Sterile gauze pads
• A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• Triangular bandages

Don’t forget to refill before every trip

If you’ve used any items from your first aid kit, don’t forget to replace them before your next trip. You should also check expiration dates periodically and replace any expired items. Dr. Giangreco recommends noting the printed expiration dates on supplies such as medications and setting a calendar alert to replace them about a month before they expire. She also suggests opening your kit and checking your supplies before each trip in case any of the contents have been water damaged or affected by temperature variations.

Customize your first aid kit

You should customize your kit with any personal medicines for your group’s specific needs. For instance, if you are allergic to bees, include an EpiPen. If you’re diabetic, include a source of quick sugar. “Think about chronic conditions,” Giangreco says. 

Further, she says, customize your kit to your particular activities and potential hazards. “If there’s a risk of extremity injury, think about things like Ace wraps or splints,” she says. “My daughter is a ski racer — and skis have sharp edges, so they carry tourniquets . Or if you're diving, you may want to think about things like hot packs to denature stings or forceps tweezers to be able to remove spines.”

Make sure you have the training to use your supplies

The items in your kit are only valuable in an emergency if you know how to use them, so make sure you’re first aid trained, Giangreco says. "Take a Stop the Bleed course, learn CPR, learn how to use an AED, and then you'll be better prepared," she added.

Yes, TSA allows first aid kits and supplies. However, some specific rules apply. For instance, TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to the officers at the checkpoint to be inspected. Be sure to take a look at TSA's list of authorized medical supplies before heading to the airport.

You should carry a first aid kit just about everywhere you go, even if you’re just exploring around an urban environment with plenty of resources. “[Then] you’re not trying to chase down a gift shop or pharmacy,” Giangreco says — or overpay enormously for convenience.

You should always carry any necessary medications in your carry-on or personal item bag, in case your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed. Keep medicines in their original containers labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and dosage, according to the CDC’s guidelines .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure?

Alesandra Dubin used her experience as a travel and lifestyle writer and professional product reviewer, as well as research, to highlight the best first aid kits for travel. As a frequent traveler and mom to 9-year-old twins, she regularly encounters minor injuries and discomforts on the road, and always travels with first aid supplies to cover her family’s needs. She also spoke with Dr. LouAnn Giangreco, chief medical officer at American Family Care , to gather the best tips for keeping safe and healthy while traveling.

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Travel Size First-Aid Kit: What to Pack & Downloadable Checklist

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When you pack for a trip, especially a trip overseas, it’s easy to forget about medications and first-aid. That’s why you should always bring a basic first-aid kit with you on your travels.

I always keep a pre-packed first-aid kit ready to go so I don’t have to think twice about it when I’m packing. Of course, you may need additional items depending on where you’re going and what activities you have planned. But this first-aid kit packing list covers the basics.

15 Tiny Travel Products to Help You Stay Healthy on Vacation

What Do I Need in My Travel First-Aid Kit?

These everyday medications will take care of most common aches and pains that come with a long day of travel.

• Antihistamine
• Antacid tablets
• Hydration pills or electrolyte replenishers
• Cold relief medicine
• Motion sickness relief
• Muscle relaxer

For minor bumps and bruises, make sure you have these emergency first aid supplies in your medical kit.

• Various sized bandages
• Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes
• First aid balm or sting relief, anti-itch cream , & antibiotic cream

From treating splinters to sunburns, these miscellaneous items are must-haves in your travel first aid kit.

• Thermometer
• Hand sanitizer

First-Aid Kit Tips

• Look in the school supply section of your local drugstore for a small container, or order a small tackle box from Amazon .
• Only separate medication from its labeled bottle if you know you’ll be able to differentiate pills.
• Keep prescription medications separate from your first-aid kit.
• Include over-the-counter (OTC) medication based on your needs; i.e., if you’re traveling on a cruise and need motion sickness pills, make sure to include those.
• Pack a natural balm like GREEN GOO First Aid , which can relieve symptoms for dry skin, insect bites, scrapes, rashes, chafing, cuts, sunburns, blisters, and poison ivy.
• Include various-sized bandages ; they double for blister protection if you plan on doing a lot of walking.
• Hand sanitizer , a small tissue pack , lip balm , and sunscreen are also must-haves.
• Be sure to fill out the Medical ID on your iPhone and list any allergies, emergency contacts, and your doctor’s information.
• Keep a laminated copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card accessible during your travels as well as a photo of your card available on your phone.
• Remember to pack extra face masks if you plan on visiting a destination or attending an event where masking is required

Download and print this checklist to make your own travel first-aid kit.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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Traveler's First-Aid Kit

What should a traveler's first aid kit include.

The American College of Emergency Physicians and the CDC encourage travelers to pack a first aid kit or a travel health kit for common medical emergencies. Pack the following items in your carry-on bag and keep it with you at all times:

Medicines you take on a regular basis at home. Take enough medicine for the planned trip plus extra in case your return home is delayed. Carry all medicine in their original containers with clear labels that identify your name and dosing schedule. If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, seizures, or allergies, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains

Antihistamines to relieve allergies 

Antacid medicine for upset stomach

Anti-nausea or motion sickness medicine. You may also want to include medicine for altitude sickness if traveling to high altitudes.

Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (should contain 60% alcohol or more) 

Masks, disposable or cloth

Bandages of assorted sizes to cover minor cuts and scrapes

Bandage closures, such as butterfly bandages, to tape edges of minor cuts together

Triangular bandage to wrap injuries and make an arm sling

Elastic wraps to wrap wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries

Gauze in rolls, as well as 2-inch and 4-inch pads, to dress larger cuts and scrapes

Adhesive tape to keep gauze in place

Scissors with rounded tips to cut tape, gauze, or clothes, if necessary. Note that this may not be allowed in your carry-on bag if traveling by air.

Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages

Antiseptic wipes to disinfect wounds or clean hands and tweezers, scissors, or other utensils. Some of these items may not be allowed in your carry-on bag if traveling by air.

Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, and burns

Hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds

Disposable, instant-activating cold packs to cool injuries and burns, as well as for use in strains and sprains

Tweezers to remove small splinters, foreign objects, bee stingers, and ticks from the skin. Note that this may not be allowed in your carry-on bag if traveling by air.

Disposable rubber gloves to protect hands and reduce the risk for infection when treating wounds

Thermometer (no mercury and no glass) to take temperatures in case of illness

Calamine lotion to relieve itching and irritation from insect bites and poison ivy

Hydrocortisone cream to relieve irritation from rashes

Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher

Aloe gel for sunburns

Insect repellent. Those appropriate for use on children should contain 10% to 30% DEET. Those for adults should contain 30% to 50% DEET or up to 20% of picaridin. The chemical can cause harm when absorbed through the skin. Don't use insect repellant on infants 2 months of age or younger. Don't use products that combine DEET with sunscreen.

Medicine to prevent malaria, if needed where you are traveling

Over-the-counter medicine for diarrhea. Talk with your healthcare provider about a prescription for an antibiotic you can take in case of diarrhea.

Cough and cold medicines

Epinephrine auto-injector for people with severe allergies

List of prescription medicines and generic names

Latex condoms

Water purification tablets

Extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses

Follow the same safety measures with the medicines in your first aid kit as you do with all medicines, and use only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Make sure children can't get into the first aid bag. Use child safety caps whenever possible. Also be aware of volume limits in carry-on bags. Some of these items may need to be packed in your checked luggage while flying. Check expiration dates and discard medicine that is out-of-date. If someone has a life-threatening allergy, carry the appropriate medicine with you at all times.

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The 7 Best Travel First Aid Kits for Unexpected Emergencies [2023]

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Table of Contents

Things to consider in a first aid kit, the 7 best travel first aid kits, final thoughts.

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Injuries happen without respect for time or location, and traveling without a first aid kit is asking for trouble.

That’s why it’s important to have a handy and compact first aid kit that includes a wound disinfection component, gauze pads, and adhesive tape to keep the gauze fixed. These elements can help you prevent wound infection if you end up getting a cut while on the move.

To be fully prepared, you need to ensure that your first aid kit is well-equipped, so let’s take a look at what you should look for.

Before buying a first aid travel kit, you should consider a few factors to help you make the right decision. Not every kit is suitable for all types of injuries, so you may have to prioritize.

You should also consider how well the first aid kit fits into your luggage or backpack and whether it has enough space for you to add personal medication .

Finally, the medical pieces included can vary greatly, as some kits mainly consist of gauze pads, while others are filled with items for more serious injuries. Here are some of the main features to consider before buying a first aid kit for traveling.

Compact Size

Every usable travel first aid kit comes with a carrying bag, so consider whether the size of the bag fits into your luggage . It largely depends on the number of items included, as some kits come with 100 medical pieces and others with up to 300.

Bottom Line: To help you decide on your size needs, consider the number of people going on the trip and how long you will be away.

Medical Pieces

There are differences in the contents of each first aid kit, but some items are essential. When buying a first aid kit for traveling, make sure it comes with gauze pads, medical tape, bandages, antiseptics, gloves, trauma dressing, and scissors .

These are just some of the items you can use to disinfect and dress a wound to make sure it’s clean until you get back to your hotel or reach a hospital in the case of more serious wounds.

Number of Pieces

If you are going on a trip for a day or 2, the chances are that basic first aid kits will suffice. However, if you are going on a longer trip, especially with your family or friends, you need to bring a well-equipped kit.

These often include up to 300 pieces in a set and will almost certainly be sufficient for any injury you might suffer. It’s always a good idea to bring a well-equipped kit on trips to faraway destinations — just in case.

If you plan on bringing personal medication in combination with all the medical pieces in a first aid kit, you should put labels on every medication . By doing so, you will prevent confusion if you need to use a certain item in case of an emergency.

Bottom Line: Wherever you’re headed, a first aid kit is part of any list of essentials for camping , hiking , or the beach .

Covering a range of sizes for different lengths of trips, this list includes some of the best medical sets you can use for first aid.

1. Full Travel First Aid Set With 300 Pieces

First aid only all-purpose essentials soft-sided first aid kit.

This set is a complete yet compact travel solution with dimensions suitable for travel at a 9.2-inch length and 7-inch height. The First Aid Only complete first aid kit comes with 300 pieces and only weighs a pound while catering to all sorts of emergencies and smaller injuries .

Because of its size, it’s even a great solution for short trips. It comes with a hygienic medical preservation bag where all the items are stored. The bag also keeps the items inside organized and labeled, so you can easily find whatever you might need.

It fits into a backpack or a travel bag, and some of the most important pieces include adhesive bandages of all sizes, antibiotic ointment, butterfly wound closures, applicators, and gauze pads.

What We Like:

• A compact and complete medical set

What We Don’t Like:

• Doesn’t leave much room for personal medication

2. Complete Medical and Survival Kit for Traveling

Everlit 250 pieces survival first aid kit.

If you are looking for a complete survival set for tackling nature, rather than just a medical first aid kit, the Everlit survival kit is a perfect option. It comes with 250 pieces of medical supplies, including some useful survival kit additions.

It has all the medical essentials like alcohol prep pads, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, safety pins, cotton tips , and cotton balls . You can also find a CPR mask, metal tweezers, scissors, PVC gloves, and other equipment.

As for the survival supplies, there’s a tactical EMT molle bag, disposable poncho, fire starter , tactical flashlight, and a glow stick, in case you plan on spending some time in nature.

• The survival essentials
• The bag might be a bit bulky

3. Small Package First Aid Kit for Short Journeys

Mini first aid kit 110 pieces small first aid kit.

Those in pursuit of a small and compact first aid kit will be surprised at how many essentials can fit into this small package. The mini first aid kit from General Medi has 110 pieces, including some surprising additions like an emergency foil blanket, a CPR respirator, and scissors .

As for the run-of-the-mill medical supplies it contains, there are adhesive plasters, sterile gauze pads, cleaning swabs, a conforming bandage, and a triangular bandage. You can also find alcohol prep pads and antiseptic towelettes among the contents.

The small package made of waterproof nylon with a zip opening ensures that your medical supplies are safe and compact enough for carrying anywhere.

• Small and compact
• No room in the bag for personal medication

4. Mini Kit With 27 Medical Essentials

Coleman all purpose mini first aid kit.

A unique option for those who want only the essentials is the Coleman All Purpose mini first aid kit. This solution comes in a small pack of 0.88 x 3.88 inches, so it can easily fit into any backpack pocket or travel bag storage space.

Despite its tiny size, it provides all the essentials. The kit comes with 27 items, including 2 butterfly bandages, large safety pins, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and 1 razor blade.

This set provides all the basics you might need in case of a small injury, and the embedded cross logo makes it easier to find it in your baggage.

• Its small size
• Limited supplies

5. Mini First Aid Pack With Crush-Resistant Bag

Thriaid mini first aid kit 100 pieces water-resistant hard shell.

If you want a sturdy container for your medical supplies, you can benefit from using the Thriaid mini first aid pack. It comes with a hard-shell carrying bag that’s crush-resistant and water-resistant , so you can feel at ease knowing all your medical essentials are safe.

This pack comes with more than 100 medical necessities for first aid, all inside of a useful bag that can be repurposed. In case of injuries, you can rely on internationally-certified products for wound disinfection and tending.

The contents include disposal gloves, scissors, an antiseptic towelette, different sizes of bandages and gauze pads, and adhesive plasters.

• The crush-resistant shell
• Zipper bag should be sensitively handled

Hot Tip: You may need to check any luggage that contains scissors that are longer than 4 inches from the pivot point. See more details in our guide to the items you can and cannot bring through TSA security .

6. Bandage and Pain Relief Balm Pack

Welly first aid travel kit bravery balm kit.

Welly’s Bravery Balm travel kit includes just enough items for 1 person to use to tend to cuts and abrasions while traveling. The set includes 1 small tin box that’s 4 inches long and 1.7 inches wide, and everything fits right into it.

The pack includes 13 essentials such as Bravery Balm triple antibiotic and pain relief ointment . The Welly set also includes 12 flexible fabric bandages of standard sizes.

• Perfect for solo travel
• Lacks some medical equipment like scissors and gloves

7. Great for Minor First Aid Interventions

Johnson & johnson first aid kit travel size pack.

If you’re looking for a small first aid kit that’s great for minor interventions, this Johnson & Johnson kit likely has just what you need. It’s small enough for traveling and comes in 3 identical small medical packs.

While this set might not be enough for treating major wounds, you can treat small injuries perfectly well. The set comes with 12 pieces in each pack and includes hand cleansing wipes, gauze pads, band-aids, and adhesive plasters . These sets fit into any travel bag for easy portability, even on short trips.

• A carrying bag isn’t included

Your choice of first aid kit all comes down to the type of travel you are planning in terms of the length of your trip and the number of people that will use the kit.

All of the listed options are great for minor interventions, while sets like the First Aid Only 300-piece pack serve as a more comprehensive solution. The size of a kit is also a factor to consider, as you will need one that fits easily into your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a first aid kit.

The most important medical supplies you should have at your disposal while traveling includes gauze pads, bandages, antiseptics, and antibiotic ointment. You might also need medical tape and tweezers. Keep in mind that a first aid kit is only meant to treat minor injuries.

How many items should be in a first aid box?

It depends on your needs, including the length of your trip and the number of people in your group, but they range from 12 pieces to over 300 pieces. You should always opt for a compact kit that still has as many supplies as you need.

Do first aid sets include CPR essentials?

Some better-equipped first aid kits include CPR masks along with regular medical essentials but most mini travel first aid kits do not.

What’s the best first aid travel kit size?

If you are like most travelers, chances are you don’t have much room to spare in your luggage. So look for a compact solution, some of which can fit more than 100 pieces in a bag or case no longer than 10 inches.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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How To Pack A Professional Travel First Aid Kit

I get a lot of questions about health care on the road. Since I’m not a doctor, I don’t like giving medical advice beyond a few general tips so I’ve asked Mike Huxley, a registered nurse, to share his expert tips and advice when it comes to packing a first aid kit for your travels.

I have been traveling the world for over fifteen years now, and in that time I have patched up more travelers’ scrapes and sprains than I can remember.

Thankfully, pretty much all of the incidents I have dealt with so far have been minor. Even during my time spent volunteering as an expedition medic in the Sahara, the jungles of Kalimantan and Borneo, and many other amazing places, I have been able to deal with most accidents and injuries that have crossed my path.

I have only been able to do all of this, however, because I have always packed my trusty first aid kit. It has evolved and been refined over the years, but I have always carried one.

As any experienced traveler or health professional will tell you, things can and occasionally do go wrong on any trip , and taking a well-stocked kit with you is always advised.

When I first started traveling, I did what most sensible people do and carried a commercially available emergency first aid kit .

However, over the years, and with a lot of experience and my nursing qualification behind me, I have refined my own kit to reflect what I will use out on the road and what I know will make for a much better first aid kit for the average traveler too.

The best first aid kits are simple but varied and have a variety of dressings and equipment to deal with the basics. More importantly, they can be used with little or no training. So, what items should you include? Here are my picks for the essentials:

1. Band-Aids/Plasters It goes without saying that these are absolutely essential in any first aid kit. The most common form of minor injury is a cut or a graze, so it is always a good idea to carry a handful of Band-Aids in a variety of sizes .

If you think you will be doing a lot of trekking on your travels and you aren’t used to that form of exercise, then some blister plasters are a good idea.

It isn’t necessary to go overboard and carry so many you could start your own tiny field hospital; just a few of each type will do, as you can always restock when you pass a pharmacy.

2. Gauze Gauze is the medical jack-of-all-trades. I never carry a first aid kit without a supply of gauze in it, and I can’t tell you how many times it has come in useful over the years. It can be used to apply pressure to a wound, clean an injury, soak up blood, help stop bleeding, and even form part of a basic dressing for small-to-medium wounds.

A clean wound and a layer of gauze kept down with either tape or an adhesive bandage is often enough to allow time for you to go and get it looked at by a professional.

The best type of gauze to carry in a first aid kit is individually wrapped sterile squares. This eliminates the need to cut them to size when you need them quickly and obviously makes it easier to keep the wound clean and sterile.

3. Crepe bandages (ACE or elastic bandages) For when you have something a bit bigger than a cut, basic crepe bandages are useful for keeping small dressings clean and in place until you can get some medical attention.

Remember, you’re only going to use them in an emergency, until you can get some professional medical care (ideally covered through the travel insurance that you got in advance of your trip). You don’t need too many of these, just one or two at most.

4. Surgical tape Surgical tape is one of those essential emergency items for when you need to apply and secure gauze or a bandage to a wound, although Band-Aids can do the same job if need be.

5. Small scissors These come standard in any commercially available first aid kit (although you can buy them separately too) and are obviously useful for trimming gauze or bandages to size. Just be careful if you do carry scissors to ensure that your first aid kit goes in your checked bag when you are in transit or else airline security will take them off you.

If you’re flying carry-on only, small scissors (max 4 inches/10 centimeters) are permitted according to the TSA. If you want to be on the safe side, get ones with rounded tips. Also, remember that you don’t need to bring them from home — most grocery stores or stationery shops have them as well.

6. Tweezers Tweezers are another item that often comes standard in most first aid kits and can be useful for pulling out splinters, getting out little bits of stone or dirt when cleaning a wound, or any number of other practical uses.

7. Antiseptic wipes For some reason this tends to be the one thing most people overlook when thinking of first aid, but antiseptic wipes are an absolute essential in any good pack. No one wants a cut or wound to get infected, and antiseptic wipes are perfect for cleaning it before applying a dressing.

Just a small handful will suffice for most packs. Like most basic items, they are easy to replace at any pharmacy when you run low.

8. Condoms Apart from the obvious benefits (staying sexually safe), these handy little items can be used as emergency water carriers or even filled with ice as an emergency ice pack. I’ve personally never had any call to use them in that manner, but it is a handy bit of information to keep in mind.

9. Pain relief medication A small pack of basic acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) or any of the associated brand names ( like Tylenol ) is usually sufficient, but ibuprofen or other similar medications are fine too. It doesn’t have to be fancy — basically whatever you normally take for pain relief when you have a headache or minor pain.

10. Loperamide tablets Also known under a variety of brand names such as Imodium , this is useful for stopping diarrhea for short periods when you need to catch a bus or train. Remember, these are for those emergency moments only when you are actually in transit, as they do not cure diarrhea and shouldn’t be used when you can rest up for a couple of days. (Normally the best way to treat diarrhea is to let everything pass through your system normally and drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.)

If you use them sparingly, properly, and as directed on the pack, loperamide tablets can be useful additions to any travel first aid kit.

11. Antihistamine cream It happens to all of us on our travels: we get bitten by some form of insect and end up with a painfully itchy bump or rash. Don’t worry, the absolute majority of the time the bumps and stings aren’t anything to worry about at all, but they are damned annoying! This is why a good antihistamine cream is a useful addition to help control itching and swelling.

12. Antibacterial creams It’s also a good idea to carry antibacterial creams like Neosporin for any cuts and scrapes you get. This will help heal them faster as well as prevent any possible infections.

Obviously, this list can be tailored or added to depending on your trip needs (a tropical jungle trek will require different planning than a city break in Europe ). Any good first aid kit should also include any specific, individually prescribed medication or antimalarial prophylaxis.

For the majority of travelers, however, the items and kit listed above will cover the majority of basic incidents and accidents. You’ll also want to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance as well to protect you against unexpected costs that you might incur should an emergency happen.

For any injury, illness, bang, or scrape that requires more than the basics and cannot be covered by the kit above, you should seek professional medical attention. Unless you are extremely far off the beaten track, you should be able to seek out professional assistance to deal with medical emergencies pretty easily if something happens you can’t handle yourself.

So go pack up your own little first aid kit and keep it stashed in your pack for emergencies. Odds are you will probably never use it — and I hope you never need to — but if you have one, at least you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and be safe in the knowledge that you are prepared.

Important Note: When carrying any generic medication, it is essential that it is kept in its original packaging when you are traveling in case customs officials need to check it. The information provided here is for general travel health advice and information only. It is provided by a qualified nurse, but it is not a replacement for a personal consultation with a travel nurse specialist, your GP, or a doctor specializing in travel medicine who can tailor advice to your individual medical history and needs.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

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DIY Mini Travel First Aid Kit

What is the best travel first aid kit? The one you make yourself! Outlined below are simple steps to make your own mini travel first aid kit. I also provide free printables for both a travel first aid kit checklist and labels for your kit at the bottom of this post.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

I love a good DIY project and they do not get much better than a DIY first aid kit. You might discover that you already have everything you need to make a mini first aid kit perfect for travel. In fact, I did not have to go out and buy a single item! Best of all, you will be able to tailor your first aid kit to your specific needs and wants.

What’s in a travel first aid kit?

So what should a travel first aid kit contain? Honestly, it is a bit subjective. But below are my 12 essentials for a travel first aid kit and the things I like to have on hand when I go on vacation:

• Three (3) bandages
• One (1) alcohol wipe
• One (1) antibiotic ointment package
• Six (6) pain relievers (specifically ibuprofen)
• Two (2) allergy pills
• Two (2) anti-diarrheal pills
• Four (4) sleeping pills
• One (1) antacid
• One (1) cold/sinus pill
• Two (2) cough drops
• One (1) anti-itch ointment package

I have yet to use every one of these items on a trip, but I like knowing I have them just in case. They do not take up much room and are there for you in a pinch. I figure I can always buy more (and possibly better) medications while on the road if I need them. But I still feel better about packing just a few necessities. Take a look at your medicine cabinet. That should give you a good idea of what to put in your travel first aid kit.

Where to find travel-sized first aid items

Your other option is to buy full-size bottles of your preferred medications (assuming you do not already have them at home like I did) and just pack a few pills. If you do this, you will want to make sure you label your pills and possibly write down some basic instructions.

Where to buy a travel first aid kit

A container for your mini travel first aid kit

I like a small first aid kit (hence the word “mini” in the title). Be sure to scale to your comfort level, but I stay small because I rarely need more the 12 items listed above. I also like to pack light.

There are many options for the right container to put your mini travel first aid kit items into. Before you go out and buy something, take a look around your house. I was surprised at the number of things I could repurpose to use for a first-aid kit. Some were more practical than others, but all made viable options. Best of all, I had a plethora of sizes and shapes to choose from.

Ideas for mini travel first aid kit containers:

• Tin container. I had a mini tin in my craft supplies. It is flat and sturdy. I also found an Altoids tin and a Sucrets tin. Both are a good size and have a hinged lid.
• Prescription pill bottle. My dad gave me a bunch of his empty prescription pill bottles to use for DIY projects. You want to make sure to scrub off the label, but then they are good to go. I have several sizes for different needs. Best of all, these are semi waterproof!
• Plastic baggie. Easy and cheap. This is what R has used for years. There are plenty of sizes to choose from and if your bag rips or tears, you can easily replace it.
• Zippered pouch. These have all sorts of intended uses: make up, coins, pencils, etc. But they make a great option for your mini travel first aid kit. You can find different sizes and really fun colors and patterns. I like that they lay flat.
• Drawstring pouch. Perhaps you do not have various drawstring pouches just sitting around like I do (#craftproblems), but I find them so useful. For this exercise, I decorated my pouch with a red and gold cross symbol. It is adorable.
• Plastic container. I found several plastic containers among my travel accessories. One was even made for pills! Reusable food containers are also an options, provided they are small enough.
• Wrap your first aid items up in a bandana or piece of material. The bandana itself may even come in handy in a first-aid situation!
• If you have the skills, why not make your own container for your mini travel first aid kit? You could sew, crochet or knit a small bag. I do not sew, but even I managed to create a cute pouch from some felt, embroidery thread and leather.

Get creative

There are so many possibilities for your mini travel first aid kit. Although I carry the same items on my trips, I sometimes change out the container I pack them in. With cheap DIY options available at your fingertips, I say why not!?!

What not to include in your mini travel first aid kit

I have not included items like medical tape and butterfly bandages. That is my personal preference and a good example of tailoring your mini travel first aid kit specifically to your needs. I have never used nor needed medical tape, so I will not be putting it into my kit. Perhaps you find all sorts of uses for it. Then I recommend you add it. Just remember that the more prepared you are, the more items you will have and the bigger your travel first aid kit will be. If you want to keep it mini, you will have to keep your items to a minimum.

Free DIY mini travel first aid kit printables

It is easy to forget something important while packing (been there, done that). In an effort to help you not forget key first aid items, I have put together a first aid kit checklist and provided it as a free printable. Of course, feel free to use it as a start and make it your own:  DIY Mini Travel First Aid Kit Checklist

In addition, I have designed a couple of labels for your DIY mini travel first aid kit. This free printable has two different first aid kit labels in five different colors. The document mostly fits to Avery 5663 label template. I had to do a little trimming on some of them. You can also print to a regular piece of paper and glue, tape or mod podge to your heart’s content (that is the beauty of a DIY project):  DIY Mini Travel First Aid Kit Labels

What is the best first aid kit for international travel?The one you make yourself. We recommend you pack a few basic first aid items and medications. Your mini travel first aid kit does not have to be fancy. Simply throw a few things together, label them properly and hit the road. Tell us what you pack in your travel first aid kit!

Related posts you might like:

• What to do if you get sick on vacation
• DIY travel spice kit
• DIY airplane facial kit

Or if you want to see all of our posts, visit  Past Posts .

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What to Pack in Your Holiday DIY First Aid Kit

When planning a holiday, I always find packing one of the hardest parts. I always over pack and my case is filled with items for every eventuality – just in case! Whilst I can share with you my packing lists , always adapt these to suit your family as I don’t want you to miss something out that is important, just like your travel DIY first aid kit – do you have one? 

Travel First Aid Kit

Has it even crossed your mind to bring a travel first aid kit with you on holiday? I won’t leave home without ours, especially as we travel so much with the children. We have always used something in it on every holiday. Is should be a priority, regardless of your travel destination, you never know where the nearest pharmacy is, or you may need something in the middle of the night. 

Saying that, my first aid kit is always fairly well stocked, no matter where in the world I am. Whether I am on a farm stay in Devon , a  family friendly beach holiday in Lanzarote , in the French countryside or on safari in Africa , we have it with us.   I will share what we pack in ours with you now, but do adapt it for your family and their needs too and if you are travelling to countries that require jabs and malaria tablets, be sure to do your research well in advance before you go.  It is essential to know how and when to use the first aid supplies in your kit.

Use this checklist to prepare for your next holidays and add to your DIY Travel First Aid Kit:

For Emergencies

Tweezers   – this helps remove splinters.

Plasters – used for minor cuts or skin injuries. 

Eye drops  – used for removing foreign objects from the eye.

TCP  – Use for disinfecting and cleaning wounds

Antiseptic Wipes  – To clean grazes or skin injuries

Digital thermometer  – Avoid bringing those with mercury besides a digital one is more accurate and can be easily read

Scissors   – Helps to cut bandages

Bandages   – Support to strained limbs, reduce swelling or hold dressings in place. 

Adhesive Tape – Used to hold dressings 

Medication to Take On Holiday

Pain killers for Children – Calpol / Ibroprofen

Paracetamol

Cough Mixture

Anti-Diarrhea Medicines – I always bring Imodium for emergency purposes when an unwanted call of nature comes along the way!

Rehydration sachets – Dioralyte

Cold & Flu Tablets – Due to exposure to foreign microbes, there is a good chance that you will get a cold at some point during your travels. There are tons of Cold and Cough medicines and may have different usage, I advise you to bring what could be very helpful for you.

Anti-Histamine for children and adults – One of the important things I usually bring in travel is anti-allergy meds. 

Anti sting & bite cream

Witch Hazel

If we are in Africa , I also take a malaria testing kit with me for emergencies. You are often far away  from a doctors and if you do get Maleria, you need to know and seek medical help urgently.

Be sure to follow the same precautions with the medicines in your holiday first aid kit as you do with all medicines.

In addition to the above list, your first aid kit should also contain a contact and information card that can be easily accessed and is legible in case of an emergency.

If you are interested in reading more about our holidays, then why not take a look at these articles below;

Kenya with Kids

Nairobi with Kids

Safari with Kids

Safari Packing List – To Follow

O ur Favourite Holiday in Lanzarote with Young Children

Glamping with Kids in the UK

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Hi, I’m Anna, a travel loving wife to Tristan and Mother to 6 year old twins Poppy and Tabitha, their 3 year old sister Matilda, and together we are Twins and Travels.

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Use this checklist to prepare for your next trip abroad. Make sure to bring items with you, since quality of items bought overseas cannot be guaranteed. Not all of these items may be relevant to you and your travel plans.

Pack for a Healthy Trip

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions
• Travelers’ diarrhea antibiotic
• Medicines to prevent malaria

Medical supplies

• Glasses and contacts
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace
• Diabetes testing supplies

Over-the-counter medicines

• Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
• Antihistamine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant
• Decongestant
• Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
• Mild laxative
• Mild sedative or sleep aid

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) or antibacterial hand wipes
• Water purification tablets
• Insect repellent (with an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin)
• Sunscreen (with UVA and UVB protection, SPF 15 or higher)
• Sunglasses and hat

First-aid kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial or antifungal ointments
• Digital thermometer
• Oral rehydration salts
• Antiseptic wound cleaner
• Aloe gel for sunburns
• Insect bite anti-itch gel or cream
• Disposable gloves
• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
• Copies of your passport and travel documents
• Copies of all prescriptions (medications, glasses, or medical supplies)
• Health insurance card and documents
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination (if required for your trip)
• Contact card with the street addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of: Family member or close contact in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Lodging at your destination
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

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• Check the Transportation Security Administration website for updates on permitted and prohibited items, including medicines that you are allowed to carry onto an airplane.
• Some items may not be allowed in other countries. It is a good idea to check the  Customs and Import Restrictions section of the U.S. Department of State Tips for Traveling Abroad.
• Enroll in the Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get the latest safety updates and help in an emergency.

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Must-Have Items to Pack in Your Carry-On First Aid Kit

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I recently wrote about my experience getting sick upon returning home from our incredible Caribbean cruise. It's no fun to be sick but it's especially bad when you're on the road. While Covid, flu and RSV cases spike in the winter months, it's smart to be prepared no matter what time of year you're traveling. RELATED: Why You Should Add These 8 Health Items To Your Toiletry Bag When You Travel

I keep mine in my carry-on bag so that when it's time to pack, I don't have to pack everything over and over again, item by item. But, it's smart to check your kit regularly and make sure that you replace anything you may have used up and to make sure that nothing is expired.

I thought you might be interested in what I always have packed in my travel first-aid kit. I've listed everything below but you can also check out a more exhaustive list prepared by the CDC here .

-Tylenol (this is key if you develop a fever)

- A pocket thermometer

-Nasal spray

-Anti-diarrhea pills

-Decongestants

-Antacid tablets

- LiquidIV to fend off dehydration (here's more info)

-Allergy pills

-Antibiotics (ask your doctor for a prescription)

-An inhaler (I used to have asthma)

-These Italian cough drops you can get on Amazon

- Pulse oximeter (I added this to my travel bag at the start of the pandemic and it's great to have and know when your oxygen levels drop. My doctor says it's the new thermometer and I've had to use mine multiple times on my travels.)

- BugBite Thing

-Polysporin or other antibiotic cream

-Sterile gauze pads

-Bandage roll

- Covid antigen test

I carry all of this in a dopp kit like this one from Bagsmart . You can get most of these items on the road, but why wait? And trust me: When you get sick you’re going to wish you had packed all of this stuff before you left home. Here’s a variety of pre-packed first aid kits you can buy on Amazon but they might not have everything you need.

This post was updated on January 25, 2024. It was originally published on June 25, 2022.

KEEP READING:

• Create an Emergency Kit for Your Car
• 11 Tips For Traveling During Cold and Flu Season
• Why You Should Add These 8 Health Items To Your Toiletry Bag When You Travel
• An Easy Way to Get Healthy Right Now
• Warning: These Common Over-the-Counter Drugs Are Illegal in Some Countries

Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to  Johnny Jet’s free newsletter  and check out these popular posts:  The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and  12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees . Follow Johnny Jet on MSN ,  Facebook, Instagram ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube  for all of my travel posts.

Team Wanderlust | 13 August 2019

6 of the best first aid kits, tried and tested.

Vital if you need it, extra bulk if you don't, but always necessary when you travel. Get the lowdown on the humble First Aid Kit and the basic essentials it should contain...

How we did the test

We asked gear manufacturers to submit the first aid kits that they felt were most suitable for travellers. Our gear expert Phoebe Smith then delved into the top six to see which offered the best balance of weight and contents at a comparatively good price.

The kits covered here are all ‘Wanderlust Approved’, with a ‘Value Buy’and overall ‘Best in Test’ being indicated where applicable.

1. Ultralight/Watertight .3, from £13

The smallest and cheapest of all the kits here, this one hits the scales at just 56g.

It’s made for a single person to take with them on a multitude of activities as a small ‘just in case’ option, rather than an all-singing, all-dancing fix-any-injury bag. On the outside is a lightweight water-resistant ripstop fabric, which is closed with a zip (coated).

However, inside – containing all the contents – is a tough, fully waterproof press-shut plastic pouch that ensures it packs down small.

Tiny and light it may be, but it still contains an impressive array of items as standard: two butterfly closures, a roll of medical tape, eight plasters (three specifically for knuckles), four sterile gauze dressings, two safety pins, three antiseptic wipes, one sting-and-itch relief wipe and 11 moleskin blister plasters.

Not bad considering the price, and, at this size, you can take it practically anywhere – and probably will.

The verdict: Light and with a small number of items – but each one is useful. A great ‘just in case’ option for the single traveller.

Find out more from Adventure Medical Kits .

Check prices on Amazon

2. Lifesystems, Traveller First Aid Kit, from £29

More cash and more weight also means the number of accessories increases, too.

This kit features four dressings, two packs of assorted plasters, three wound closure strips, ten gauze swabs and six antiseptic wipes, a crepe bandage, a woven bandage, an advice leaflet on primary care, some microporous tape and some zinc oxide (good over blister plasters) tape, duct tape, scissors, tweezers, a pack of six safety pins, two pairs of vinyl gloves, a spot-check thermometer as well as packs of paracetamol and loperamide (antidiarrhoeal) tablets.

Not only does it pack in a lot but it arranges it all into three handy sections, so you can find everything you need super fast; plus it also hangs up like a bath bag.

The fabric is robust and ripstop but not waterproof (though the zip is). All this does come at extra weight (354g), making it the third-heaviest here.

The verdict: A great all-round kit that comes well organised and is easy to use, but the overall lack of waterproofing coupled with a heavy weight may turn some people off.

Find out more from Lifesystems .

3. Ortlieb, First Aid Kit Medium, from £35

The first thing you notice about Ortlieb’s kit is the bag. Made from sturdy, waterproof fabric, it is essentially a dry bag that folds and clips shut, ensuring all the contents remains dry and – importantly – usable.

Inside, there’s a fair amount of useful items rolled into a removable inner pocket, which also helps organise supplies and can be hung up, too. These include a pair of surgery gloves, 5m of sticking plaster, two wound pads, a set of plaster strips, a gauze bandage, a rescue blanket and first aid instructions in several languages.

It’s not got as much in it as the Lifesystems kits, but is clearly targeted at those on the move in outdoor scenarios where weatherproofing is vital.

The weight is also good given the size of the bag – which, if sold alone, costs in excess of £20. Coming in at just 286g, it’s also the third-lightest here and has room inside to make additions.

The verdict: Excellent weatherproofing and a fair amount of contents. This is a good choice for those heading to places where bad weather is often expected.

Find out more from Ortlieb .

4. Adventure Medical Kits, Ultralight/Watertight .7, from £24

Coming in at the same price as Ortlieb’s Medium kit, AMK offer an even lighter option for a group size of one-to-two people (for up to four days).

Expect the same layout as the smaller model (a press-shut waterproof pouch within a water-resistant ripstop bag), but lots more contents.

Inside are: three butterfly-closure fabric bandages, a roll of medical tape, eight plasters (three for knuckles), five various sized gauze dressings, two non-adherent dressings (to avoid sticking to the wound), an elastic bandage with a hook and loop closure, six antiseptic wipes, three sting-relief wipes, sterile gloves, 14 moleskin blister plasters with preparation wipes, a tick/splinter remover, three safety pins and some duct tape.

You’d think this would all add a lot of weight, but at 172g it’s the second-lightest on test, though the downside is not having any separate pockets to help you find things fast.

The verdict: Well-stocked, if less easy to organise than others, the handy size makes this a great option when weight is a priority.

5. Lifesystems, Solo Traveller First Aid Kit, from £39

If you’re heading off to developing countries (where the risk of infection is high) or for a longer trip, then you really couldn’t ask for a product to offer more for your money.

This one features all the same items as the £25 model but adds: a pack of ibuprofen tablets, an extra pack of medium dressings, a small plaster fabric strip (though fewer gauze swabs and plasters), as well as a whole array of sterile apparatus, including six hypodermic needles (in four different sizes), an IV cannula, five syringes (in three sizes), a scalpel and a synthetic suture (for stitches).

Once again, it’s broken down into four easy-to-find compartments, and can be hung up like a bath bag.

As with the other model, it isn’t fully waterproof (though its fabric is ripstop), but it does offer all you could need for a host of adventures, and all at a weight of 471g – second heaviest on test.

The verdict: If you want the full range of options, this is a great starter bag that you can adapt to each trip – though do buy a dry bag for it if heading somewhere wet!

Find out more from  Lifesystems .

6. Ortlieb, First Aid Kit Trekking, from £46

For an extra bit of money, you not only get a good range of accessories – in a fully waterproof bag – but you can also get a kit where the contents have been specially selected for your chosen activity – cycling motorbiking, horseriding, canoeing and trekking – at both high and ultra-high safety levels.

This one is the high-risk trekking model, so, as well as the items from the £35 kit, it includes: one sterile dressing bandage, a pack of eight plasters, scissors, an elastic dressing, an elastic bandage with its own closure, tick tweezers, five blister plasters and five blood lancets (to be used for blood tests/malaria tests).

There’s also room inside for you to add personalised extras. Together with a waterproof pouch, it comes in at 510g – the heaviest here – but all that extra waterproofing will come in handy for those embarking on multi-day trekking trips.

The verdict: Good, targeted contents for hikers that will stay usable in all conditions, albeit those not heading into the wild may prefer a lighter weight and broader selection.

Find out more from  Ortlieb .

Discover the best insect repellents here

Important things to consider before you buy....

You’ll need a tough pack to withstand the rigours of travel, so robust and ripstop (resistant to tearing and ripping) materials are best. If using it when heading outdoors (hiking, cycling, canoeing, etc), look for waterproof – or at least water resistant – packaging with coated zips.

Also think about ease of use. Some have internal organisers, so finding what you need is fuss-free, but others that focus on reducing weight may compromise on handy, easy-to-find compartments.

Let’s be honest, the most common injury you get when travelling is a small cut or scrape, so plasters, butterfly closures (to hold together larger cuts), sterile gauze and medical tape are all vital.

These will help stop bleeding as well as prevent dirt from getting into any wounds. If hiking, you can’t beat bringing a pack of good blister plasters, too – your feet will thank you.

Not all kits will come with these as standard, but they are great for removing not only splinters but also troublesome ticks, too.

Antiseptic wipes

These are endlessly handy for cleaning wounds or relieving insect bites, and are even good for cleaning your hands after administering first aid.

Weight and bulk

This will change depending on what you add or remove from your kit. The heaviest bag could well be the best, depending on your situation and personal needs.

Think about the activities you will be doing and countries you will be visiting, and adapt accordingly. If you’re going to a developing nation with questionable healthcare, don’t leave without sterile needles or water purification tablets.

But if you’re going to a place with good hospitals, it’s not worth the weight.

Useful additions

You can add anything you want to your kit, but particularly useful are painkillers and rehydration salts that you can take after being sick or after a bout of diarrhoea.

Check out more of our expert-reviewed gear round-ups:

5 of the best sleeping mats on the market, the 12 best reusable water bottles, the best wheelie suitcases for travellers, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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Travel First Aid Kit: What Should You Take in Yours?

Travel first aid kits are not always at the top of your packing list, especially if you’re going to a destination with an excellent healthcare system in place.

But if the country you’re travelling to doesn’t have great healthcare or you’re getting off the beaten track, then it’s a good idea to pack your own travel first aid kit and is one of our top holiday packing tips .

Even if there is excellent healthcare where you’re going, you will probably want to pack your own mini travel first aid kit so that you don’t have to navigate buying plasters or paracetamol in a different language.

We once had issues trying to buy a hydrocortisone cream on our Cape Verde holiday . It was frustrating and stressful, and as the information on the product was in Portuguese, I wasn’t even sure we had the right cream.

We have learned over many trips what is essential in our travel first aid kit and what isn’t.

What should be in a travel first aid kit?

Obviously, space might be an issue so when you’re thinking about the contents of a first aid kit, think about your first aid kit essentials in your home first aid kit. Start making a travel first aid kit list.

Travel first aid kit checklist

• Plasters of varying sizes.
• Swiss army knife – some have scissors and tweezers
• Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
• Anti-bac hand gel
• Antihistamine
• Insect bite cream
• Antiseptic cream – we like Savlon and a small tube of Sudocrem
• Painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen/cold and flu)
• Aloe gel for burns (including sunburn)
• Dioralyte – for rehydrating after an upset stomach

Something that always makes it into our first aid travel kit is our Swiss Army Knife. We may not end up using the tweezers or the scissors, but we’ll usually need it for a bottle opener or to cut up fruit from the market! Don’t underestimate how handy they can be.

 Children’s first aid kit

If you’re travelling with kids, you don’t need to have a separate first aid kit but there are a few extra items that you should consider including.

• Calpol and Ibuprofen – If you’ve taken the bottle out of the box to save on space, remember to pack the separate syringe.
• Thermometer- young children can easily spike a temperature out of nowhere and it is useful to have a thermometer to check the severity of it. We use an ear thermometer but a forehead thermometer is more recommended for young babies as it’s less intrusive.
• Baby Vicks – we like to keep a small tub of this in case of a persistent cough as it works wonders when rubbed on the soles of their feet.  It’s not something I could even begin to explain in another language.
• Mosquito repellant – not all mosquito repellants can be used on kids. If we’re not in a malarial area, we use natural repellants such as Vie or Incognito
• Travel sickness aids – we find that motion sickness bands work best for us or there are tablets

Sterile first aid kits

For most European countries, North America and Australia/New Zealand, basic first aid kits would do fine but if you’re travelling to a country where the level of medical hygiene may not be what you’re used to, you may want to consider a travel first aid kit with syringes.

There is a range of sterile first aid kits containing basic sterile medical equipment. In case of an emergency, this should be handed to a qualified medical person.

Where to buy first aid kits

You can make up your own travel first aid kit or you can buy ready-made travel size first aid kits. We prefer to make up our own as the ready-made ones are quite basic, but if you want to buy one, then here are some of the best travel first aid kits.

Amazon travel first aid kit

Boots travel first aid kit

Travel with prescription medicine

We haven’t touched on prescription medication as this is entirely personal to your own medical needs but one thing we will say about this is that you should keep the medication in the original packaging so that it is easily identifiable going through customs. This goes for any medication, even over the counter medication.

It is also worth mentioning that you should check the guidelines for the country you are visiting to make sure that the medication is not on their banned list. For example, the UAE has strict rules and includes apparently innocuous medication like common cold remedies and anti-anxiety drugs like diazepam.

If you’re travelling there with medication, you need to complete an online form to declare this but it is worth reading their guidelines for travellers so you are fully up to date with the current situation. If you fail to do this you can risk imprisonment.

A final tip for your travel first aid kit

Finally, something we do to make sure we have what we need in our first aid kit when we travel is to keep two first aid kits. This means that we keep a home first aid kit and a travel first aid kit.

We don’t dip into the travel kit at home and it’s kept at the back of the cupboard for our next trip. If we use something from it on a trip, we replenish it when we get back home so the kit is complete and ready for our next trip.

If we don’t do this, there’s always a risk that we’ll forget to replenish it and the kit is incomplete.

It’s not the end of the world as you can pop into the pharmacy at the airport before you depart, but that’s only if you have allowed yourself time at the airport to do this. We’re usually cutting it quite fine!

**We are not medical professionals. The above list is what we use and we’ve based it on the NHS Travel First Aid Kit Guidelines . Not all medicines are suitable if you have a particular medical condition. With all medicines, you should always read the instructions for use and determine suitability yourself **

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That makes sense that you want to have extra prescription medicine in your kit. My son is diabetic and needs to have insulin around at all times. I’ll have to update our travel kit before we head to Italy this summer.

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What to put in your family holiday first aid kit

Being on holiday with children provides a whole new opportunity for various bumps, cuts and scrapes to occur. When bringing the whole family abroad it is a good idea to have a fully stocked first aid kit with you that will allow you to tackle most situations. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but having a properly stocked first aid kit can help make sure your family is healthy and well, and can get straight back to having fun.

Plasters should be a staple of any first aid kit. A majority of injuries people deal with abroad are minor cuts or scratches, and plasters are the perfect tool for covering them and allowing them to heal. There are various types available, including hypoallergenic, if your family have sensitive skin or allergies, or waterproof plasters, which are a good idea as it means you won't have to worry so much when the children go swimming. Make sure to pack a good number of these, particularly if your kids are accident prone - you never know how many you could end up using!

For injuries a little more demanding you may need to have some dressings ready. Dressings can be used for a number of purposes, such as covering burns or wounds, cutting off excess fluids or as a makeshift sling. For some injuries that require dressings it may be best to get them checked out by a doctor or medical professional, but dressings can be invaluable in assisting healing in the short term.

Eyewash is a beneficial thing to have in your first aid kit. If you get anything irritating in your eye, such as suntan lotion, seawater or chemicals, wash it out with eyewash immediately and don't leave it to sit in your eyes for too long. If irritation persists then seek further medical attention, but eyewash should be able to remedy a lot of the pain that can come from getting something unwanted in your eye.

Antiseptic lotion

Antiseptic lotion can be used in conjunction with plasters to treat any wound or cut that you or your family suffer on holiday. The outdoors often houses bacteria and viruses our bodies may not be used to, so by using antiseptic lotion it will help you keep the wound clean and make sure it doesn't get infected.

Antihistamines

If you have any allergies or hayfever then make sure you pack some antihistamines in your first aid kit. You may not always know all of some food's ingredients when you are dining on holiday, so it is best to be prepared just in case. There may also be the situation where your body reacts to something something that it has never come into contact with before, and antihistamines are also beneficial when it comes to dealing with reactions to insect bites and stings.

Latex gloves

Latex gloves are incredibly handy (sorry) for making sure that, in the unlikely event that you are interacting with any hazardous materials or bodily fluids, you are protected from dangerous germs and bacteria. They can also prevent any bacteria on your hands from transferring to a wound if you are helping to dress it.

Good for splinters or getting any thorns or animal stings out from the skin, a pair of tweezers is often a great thing to bring along in a first aid kit, just incase you need them.

Travel sickness pills

Travel sickness can be really unpleasant, and people who suffer from it may be greatly affected by traveling long distances. Make sure you have some travel sickness pills to prevent and curb any afflictions and make traveling easier for your whole family.

Paracetamol or other pain relief

When it comes to general pain relief, paracetamol or equivalent should be included in your first aid kit. If you have younger children then make sure it is acceptable for child consumption, or stock up on a child-friendly alternative like Calpol. Pain relief medication can also be useful when you are dealing with the unfortunate fallout of jet lag.

Insect repellent

If you are visiting a country with a hot climate or sleeping in an open environment, bring some insect repellent to help keep the local bug population at bay. There are a wide variety on the market and in many different varieties, but it can be best to speak to a health professional about their recommendations depending on the country or area you are visiting.

Diarrhoea pills/ rehydration pills

Unfortunately diarrhoea can be an issue on some holidays, depending on where you are visiting. Following travel recommendations on drinking local water and common things to be aware of can make it easier to avoid, but it is always better to be prepared. Having anti- diarrhoea pills can help relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea, but many should not be given to children. Rehydration pills are a good way of reversing the toll that diarrhoea or vomiting can take on the body, and are another great inclusion in a travel first aid kit.

Whilst this list includes a lot of the more common and effective means of treating difficult situations you may experience on holiday, you should speak to a medical professional if you have any specific medical requirements or queries. Your first aid kit won't be able to give you all the help that a doctor can provide, and they should always be your first port of call if you are worried. What it will provide you with is some much needed peace of mind, and it can help you deal with a lot of the more common injuries, illnesses and accidents your family could experience whilst travelling. Better preparation means less stress, and more time enjoying your adventures with your family.

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Travelling with Medication

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Accessing medical care during travel can prove challenging in some countries, it is therefore advisable to carry appropriate first aid kits.

A good first aid kit can help you self-manage basic health problems and help avoid buying potentially dangerous medications abroad.

Basic First Aid Kits

The contents of any first aid kit should be tailored to your individual itinerary, taking into consideration the type of travel you are undertaking, your destination, the duration and any existing medical conditions you have.

Basic First Aid:

• first aid quick reference card
• disposable latex-free exam gloves
• adhesive plasters in assorted sizes
• hydro-colloid blister plasters
• adhesive first aid tape
• elasticated bandage wrap for sprains and strains
• steri-strips
• cotton swab.
• antiseptic and antibacterial (to prevent infection) such as iodine or alcohol based preparations
• saline sachets to wash out wounds
• aloe Vera gel for treatment of minor burns
• topical corticosteroids for symptomatic relief of bites, stings and other skin irritations
• thermometer
• if undertaking remote or high risk travel then consider taking sterile equipment such as: lancets, assorted syringes, needles, IV Cannula, dental needle*

*Note all sharp items should be carried in checked baggage to avoid being confiscated by airport or airline security if packed in carry-on bags.

Advanced Medical Kits:

If you are venturing to remote or extreme areas, you may wish to consider carrying a more advanced medical kit and/or customised kit based on your specific travel needs. There are many companies that can assist you in preparing advance or customised medical kits and the following list of companies is not exhaustive: 

• All medication should be kept in original packaging regardless of whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter purchases, this helps keep medications easily identifiable for officials at ports of entry.
• If you have existing medical conditions ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip and additional supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended. 
• Consult the healthcare practitioner managing your existing medical condition before travel, they are usually best placed to advise about medication management.
• Carry copies of all prescriptions, including generic drug names; this may help you to replace medications in the event they are lost or stolen.  

For detailed information on travelling with medicines please refer to the  Travelling with Medicines  advice page.

• Adequate supply of regular medication (for duration of trip and additional in case trip unexpectedly extended).
• If you have a history of severe allergic reaction carry Epinephrine auto-injectors; these should always be carried on one’s person in case immediate treatment is required. This products often have a short expiry date.
• If required, antimalarial tablets. For detailed information please see the  Malaria  advice page.
• Anti-histamines for symptomatic treatment of mild or moderate allergic reactions; consider both oral and topical preparations. Oral anti-histamines may also be used to treat motion-sickness.
• Painkillers to treat pain and/or fever such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin (providing there is no medical reason for you to avoid these drugs).
• Travel, unfamiliar diet and change in routine can upset the digestive system; a supply of mild laxatives for treating constipation and antacids for treating indigestion can prove useful.
• Medication to manage travellers diarrhoea; oral rehydration salts for hydration, anti-diarrhoeal agents for symptom management of mild and moderate diarrhoea.
• If required, medication to prevent or treat altitude illness. For detailed information please see the  Altitude and Travel  advice page.

Antibiotics

Unless travelling to a remote area where medical facilities are difficult to access antibiotics should not be part of a first aid kit.

• Antibiotic resistance is widespread globally, and local knowledge of the correct antibiotic treatment to use is important.
• Antibiotics use increases the chances of resistant bacteria establishing in your gut, which you may bring back to the UK and spread to others. It is important that antibiotics are only used when strictly required.

If you have a hidden medical condition, such as allergies or diabetes, consider wearing medical alert jewellery.

Water Purification:

Water can contain not only visible debris and harmful microorganisms, but also chemical pollutants. Water should only be drunk if its purity is known. This also applies to water used for making ice cubes and cleaning teeth. For detailed information please see:

Insect Bite Avoidance:

Insects can transmit dangerous disease causing parasites, viruses and bacteria between humans or from animals to humans. For detailed information about how to avoid insect bites please see:

• Insect Bite Avoidance 

Sun Protection:

Some sun exposure - below the level of sunburn - can be beneficial through helping your body create vitamin D and promoting feelings of general well being. However, excessive sun exposure is associated with:

• skin cancer
• photosensitive rashes
• aggravation of existing conditions such as rosacea and eczema
• premature skin ageing

For detailed information about sunscreens please see:

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• Disease Prevention Advice