Travel Medicine Essentials

Today’s topic is all about a little something that many people overlook when they first start adventuring: the essential travel medical kit. We knew we wanted to prepare the essential list for you ladies, but after further inspection, we’ve decided that there are too many variables in order to be able to give one, finite list. Some women may require extra medications and have other health issues (chronic allergies perhaps) that cause their medical kit to expand, while some ladies might simply be heading across country for a quick 2-week tour of a major city.

Since we can’t give you one fail-safe packing list we are going to give you several recommended items, plus a few tips that can help you to minimize what you actually decide to pack.

Evaluate Needs According to Trip Style

Part of this 30 days project has been for you to recognize your trip style and preferred destinations. These will obviously impact the amount and types of products that will need to go into your medical kit. aking a road trip to major cities across the USA? Chances are you won’t need to pack much into your medical kit since pharmacies and doctors will be accessible (and understandable). Heading to the remote wilds of Central Asia or Mongolia? Then you want to have a mini pharmacy in your bag at all times.

In the same light, those heading to the wilderness for campnig and hiking will likely want a good medical kit that can get them by several hours or days should an emergency arise. People heading to countries where medical treatments and medicine can be seen as “less regulated” will want to be as prepared as possible, and within good reason of course. And, if you’re just heading to a destination where English is not widely spoken, then you will probably want to lessen the chance of pharmacy or doctor confusion by having some supplies with you for your basic needs. Think colds and female issues.

Evaluate Needs According to Personal Health

Before setting off on your travels, you really need to think about your own personal issues and the likelihood that you will need something important in a random country abroad.

For example, are you a female that gets more frequent UTIs? You better pack some medicine for that. Do you tend to get the dreaded yeasty beast on occasion? Yes, pack medicine for that, too! The last thing you want on your Euro Adventure is to be stuck in a doctor’s office getting your hoo-hah checked out by someone you can barely understand!

Pain pills: For the random headache and hangover.

Stomach meds: Think Pepto Bismol or Mylanta. Chances are you might have a few extra drinks, or a few extra servings of delicious food, on your travels that throw your stomach out of whack. Throw in jet lag, and your stomach might be even more confused.

Band-aids: For blisters, shaving cuts and other random small issues that might be in need of a quick fix.

Birth Control: Whether condoms, pills or both, you should always be prepared and stay regular.

Vitamins: A good multivitamin can be your best friend when you travel since our diets often go out the window. Combined with added travel stress, time changes and more public transport use, a vitamin might be just what the doctor ordered.

Extras to Consider

Anti-Diarrhea Meds: For destinations with sketchy food and water. These (think Immodium) can be a lifesaver, but not a cure.

Anti-itch Cream: For bug bites and small skin reactions. If heading to a mosquito prone destination, this is essential.

Cipro: The traveler’s antibiotic. This broad-spectrum tablet can cure a slew of ailments, but only take as recommended by a doctor.

Probiotics: The kind that don’t need to be refrigerated. If you’re in a country that can do a number on your stomach, or if you have to take antibiotics, then these are a great addition.

Antibacterial Gel: For applying to minor cuts and abrasions. When traveling in less-than-fresh locations, a little antibacterial gel (think Neosporin) can make a huge difference.

Motion Sickness Tablets: For boat rides and long bus rides through the mountains.

>>Read more about how to prevent motion sickness here.

Decongestants: Essential if flying with a stuffy nose.

Electrolyte Replacements: Again, essential in places where you might have stomach issues.

Blister Strips: If you’re doing extra walking or hiking, a blister strip can help alleviate ongoing pain and issues.

Wound Cleaning: Alcohol or iodine swabs, gauze and medical tape.

Water Tablets: In many locations it is possible to buy bottled water, but more remote travelers will survive on iodine tablets.

Altitude Sickness Tablets: Certain destinations in mountains can cause altitude sickness without the proper care and attention.

Anti-malarials: Research your destinations in advance so you can be sure to stock up on the correct type of anti-malarial pills. Insect repellent is also important in these destinations.

>>Talk to your doctor about travel vaccinations before your trip.

Yeast Infection Treatment: Go for a tablet instead of cream as it will be easier to carry.

Cold / Flu Meds: Only if you don’t think you can get these at your destination.

Extras: Tweezers, safety pins and mini scissors.

Helpful & more: http://herpackinglist.com/2013/09/essential-travel-medical-kit/