A First Aid is a Must when traveling, whether you buy one or build your own. If you’re really ambitious and want a chance to teach your kids about first aid treatment at the same time, here’s a great way to Build A First Aid Kit! The kit doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You might want to start with a water proof container (e.g. nylon material) like the case to the left.
This one has a semi-soft exterior to protect the items inside. It’s quite durable as well. You can buy this one at LuTreks Travel Shop by clicking on the link below it. With a few bits and pieces that can help you out if you have an accident and need a temporary bandage or pain killer until you can locate where the nearest source of medical attention is.
Especially if you’re traveling with children, it’s critical to keep a basic first aid kit on hand. While assembling your kit, if the kids are old enough, show them what items you’re putting in the kit, what they’re used for and how to use them!
In this article, on this page, I’ve listed several products worth considering in either building your first aid kit, or simply buying a well equipped and organized first aid kit, ready to pack up and take with you!
Headaches and aches and pains will happen — even on vacation! Some form of aspirin or Tylenol can help reduce fever or relieve headaches and or muscle strains from sports your body is unaccustomed to.
If you know that you intend to take part in water sports or new activities you may want to consider a pain relieving cream (or spray if you can find one that isn’t aerosol based – keeping in mind airline regulations!).
An anti-bacterial cream to deal with any grazes or cuts that you may get taking part in activities, or even just walking on the beach if you stand on a sharp shell.
Hay fever medication is important to include, even if you aren’t known to suffer from hay fever, putting a packet of anti-histamines in your first aid box is just insurance against you finding out that you are allergic to a certain type of pollen.
Insect repellent! Anything that contains DEET should work fine. Pack this close to the top of the first aid kit, and also carry one in your on-flight luggage in case it is a while before you get your bags!
Sun block! Again this should be a spare for the one you have in your on-flight luggage.
Anti-diarrhea medication. As with the hay fever medication, you probably won’t need it but itÃs better to take it and not use it, than not to take it and need it!
Bandage, and plasters for cuts and sprains. Take the ìone size fits all variety so that it doesn’t matter where you hurt, your bandage or plaster will fit!
Thermometer – even one of those little forehead strips that you can get for kids to check for fevers will be good enough to tell you if you’ve got a temperature or if you’re traveling to warmer weather, then just have it in case you’re just a little unaccustomed to the tropical heat!
You should also pack any prescription medication you take, along with any syringes you need for taking it. Mark the prescription medication carefully, and include the prescribing doctor’s name in case you are questioned over it at customs and immigration.
Always carry two sets of prescribed medication, one in your carry-on luggage and one in the checked luggage so that you are sure that even if one set goes missing, you have a back-up.
Taking a first aid box on your vacation isn’t planning for the worst, it’s providing insurance. You pay for it and you don’t intend to have to use it, but it’s just good to know that it’s there just in case!
You’ll notice a general travel safety theme in my articles throughout this site and the LuTreks Travel Shop. Most people are so focused on the fun stuff in planning a vacation, they forget about basic safety prep. Every time you plan your travel, I’d recommend including a first aid kit, list of emergency contacts, back-up plans, medical information, and insurance. More on this coming soon.
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