When planning your next travel adventure, getting hurt or sick is usually the last thing you want to think about, but planning and packing a medical kit is a smart idea to keep you safe and on the road.

While most of the items listed below can also be found abroad, when you find yourself needing these items it may be urgent and stumbling around a new city to find what you need is less then ideal.

The size of your medical kit will depend on your time spent on the road and the places you plan to visit, although there are some basic items that should be in every medical kit:

• Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin (cuts)
• Ibuprofen such as Advil (general pain reliever and anti-inflammatory)
• Acteminophen such as Tylenol (general pain reliever and fever reducer)
• Antihistamine such as Benadryl (allergic reactions)
• Bismuth Subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismul in tablet form (general gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach and diarrhea)
• Loperamide such as Immodium (diarrhea)
• Laxative (constipation)
• Antiseptic towellets
• Hydrocortisone cream (skin irritations, swelling, itching)
• Alcohol prep pads
• Band aids of various sizes and/or liquid bandage (liquid bandage works great and takes up less room, but not recommended for large injuries)
• Mole skin (help blisters if you plan to go hiking or walk a lot)
• Pocket knife (with small scissors)
• Ace Bandage
• Hand Sanitizer

For extended travel in more remote or underdeveloped places it may be smart to bring a few additional items along. The items needed may also vary based on the regions in which you plan to travel. Which items you opt to take may also depend on your previous health conditions. If your region is high risk of malaria, see our Malaria, Why Care? article.

• Digital thermometer
• Aloe vera (burns)
• Sterile gauze pads
• Ciprofloxacin (or other general antibiotic)
• Dimenhydrinate or diphendydramine (motion sickness)
• Malaria pills
• Rehydration tablets
• Duct tape
• Latex gloves
• Mosquito repellent (containing deet)
• Eye glass repair kit (screws, small screw driver)
• Anti fungal cream
• Antacid tablets such as Alka Seltzer (to lower acid levels in stomach)
• Eye drops
• Dental floss
• Cold medicine and sore throat spray
• Condoms, birth control, and/or feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, keeper)
• Tweezers
• Tincture of iodine (for major cuts and water purifier)
• Water purification tablets (iodine works in nature, not big cities)
• Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide)
• Decongestant
• Sewing kit (needle and thread)
• Throat lozenges

Another important thing to keep in mind is any prescribed medications you may be taking. It is generally recommended to bring the quantity that you will need when you are abroad, but on an extended journey this may not be possible. In many countries restrictions on prescription drugs are more laxed and it may be possible to get them through customs, but this may not always be the case.

It is also important to remember that you do run the risk of getting counterfeit drugs in less regulated countries. Bring a copy of your prescription along written with the generic name of the medicine (ask your doctor). If necessary you may need to see a doctor while abroad and have them write you a new prescription.

Also be aware that countries may have restrictions about bringing in certain prescribed medications and require more than a prescription from the doctor. The first thing to do is research with the Consulate of the countries you will be visiting if your medications have restrictions.

Getting sick is inevitable especially when on the road, but with a little preparation getting sick will only be a minor bump on a long exciting adventure!