Do you have a travel first aid kit to take along on all of your summer trips? As I type these words, I realized…I don’t have one! And I should.

Luckily, we have the internet, online shopping, and 24-hour drugstores that make it easy for me to put a travel first aid kit together.

One easy trick: Start with an affordable, ready-made first aid travel kit that includes travel-sized essentials like bandages and basic OTC medications, then add specific items that you and your family need. Because who needs more work right before you’re going to leave on a trip?

Here are some suggestions for what you should consider including in your own travel first aid kit, from basics to items you might not have thought of yet.

Happy trails! And I hope you won’t actually need this kit at all this summer.

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Related: 12 summer travel essentials you’ll always find in our handbags

Bandages and Wound Care Suggestions for a First Aid Travel Kit

Summer Travel First Aid Kit Essentials: Bandages and Wound CarePhoto : Brian Patrick Tagalog via Unsplash

  • Adhesive bandages in various sizes
  • Gauze pads in various sizes
  • Non-stick sterile pads
  • Butterfly bandages or other wound-closure strips
  • Gauze pads
  • Medical adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Blister treatment
  • Pre-made finger splint
  • Ace bandage
  • Instant cold compress
  • Burn dressing

 

Medication Ideas for a First Aid Travel Kit

Summer Travel First Aid Kit Essentials: MedicationPhoto: rawpixel via Unsplash

  • Any prescription medications or EpiPens you or your family needs, along with prescription details
  • Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
  • Antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
  • Antacids
  • Anti-nausea medication (you can also try ginger capsules)
  • Insect sting and bite treatment

 

Tool Ideas for a Travel First Aid Kit

Summer Travel First Aid Kit Essentials: ToolsPhoto: rawpixel via Unsplash

Note that if you’re flying, some of these must go in your checked luggage

  • Small scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Small flashlight
  • Travel thermometer or smart thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
  • Small magnifying glass

Other Essentials to Consider


Summer Travel First Aid Kit Essentials: Other EssentialsPhoto: Amanda Dalbjörn via Unsplash

  • Saline solution or eye wash
  • Clean medium-sized towel (Because a clean surface is required while dressing a wound or removing a splinter)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Tick removal kit
  • Feminine hygiene supplies (Besides their obvious use, they’re perfect for controlling bleeding wounds)
  • Basic first-aid manual; or just download this app from The American Red Cross