How To Create a Super Practical DIY Travel First Aid Kit

Traveling with family and maintaining your health while on the go requires careful planning, especially when preparing for unexpected situations. One essential item that should be at the top of your packing list is a well-equipped DIY travel first aid kit. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a practical and comprehensive first aid kit tailored to your travel needs, ensuring peace of mind no matter where your adventures take you.

Finding a pharmacy or clinic at odd hours or even at all can be tricky and time-consuming. Preparing yourself for simple medical issues while traveling saves time and money; therefore, you should always plan for any ailment that may be remedied with basic first aid essentials.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Why a DIY Travel First Aid Kit is Essential.

When you’re away from home, access to medical supplies and healthcare can be limited. A DIY travel first aid kit allows you to handle minor injuries and illnesses, providing comfort and safety for your family. It’s especially crucial for family travelers and health-conscious individuals who want to be prepared for any situation.

Imagine hiking in the mountains and suddenly needing a bandage or dealing with a sudden headache miles away from the nearest pharmacy. A well-prepared first aid kit ensures you’re ready for these scenarios and more, making your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Tips to Maintain Health and Wellness While Traveling.

Remaining healthy while traveling is of the utmost importance. You don’t want to miss any of the fun activities planned, and you don’t want to feel terrible when the rest of the family is having a blast. There are many ways to stay healthy and prevent illness from happening while exploring the world. Here are a few tips to prioritize health and wellness while you hit the road.

• On travel day (your first day of vacation), start the day healthy. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and if you have time, sneak in a walk or gym time.
• Stay hydrated.
• Don’t overdo the booze.
• Take precautions for DVT (deep venous thrombosis) with long-haul travel.
• Pack hand sanitizer and use it.
• Get your sleep.
• Eat a healthy breakfast every day.
• Pack healthy snacks.
• Walk everywhere when possible.
• Combine a workout with sightseeing, such as kayaking, horseback riding, cycling, or stand-up paddleboarding.
• And pack a DIY first aid kit.

Essential Items for Your DIY Travel First Aid Kit.

Creating a comprehensive first aid kit involves including a variety of essential items. Here’s a detailed list to help you get started:

**The checklist does not include any emergency-type medication (except the epinephrine). In the event of an emergency, seek medical attention immediately.**

How to Pack and Organize Your First Aid Kit

• Choose the Right Container: Use a clear bag or a packing cube so you can see your items quickly when you need them. Opt for a sturdy, waterproof container that can withstand travel wear and tear. Consider transparent pouches or compartments for easy access to items.

• Organize by Category: Separate items into categories such as bandages, medications, and tools. Keep similar items together in labeled ziplock bags or small containers.

• Check Expiration Dates: Regularly check and replace expired medications and supplies. Keep a list of expiration dates and schedule reminders for replacements.

• Waterproofing: Use waterproof bags or containers to protect items from moisture. Consider vacuum-sealing certain supplies to save space and ensure dryness.

• Accessibility: Place frequently used items at the top, like bandages and antiseptic wipes. Ensure that the kit is easily accessible in your luggage.

Properly packing and organizing your first aid kit saves space and makes it easier to find what you need quickly, which is crucial in an emergency.

Wound care items you need in your DIY First Aid Kit.

• Gauze squares in different sizes and gauze wraps.
• Coban or elastic wrap.
• Bandaid tape.
• Scissors.
• Alcohol swabs.
• Band-Aids in various sizes.
• Butterfly sutures.
• Triple antibiotic ointment.
• Instant cold compress.
• Elastic bandages for sprains.

Medications to include in your DIY First Aid Kit.

• Stomach medications: Imodium, Pepcid (or any of the “purple pills for heartburn”), Pepto-Bismol, and TUMS. We will also include ondansetron, a prescription anti-nausea medication for motion sickness.
• Motion Sickness: We spend a lot of time sailing, so I always have multiple remedies for motion sickness, including ondansetron, ginger candy, scopolamine patches, and sea bands. Don’t forget your motion sickness bags. Ginger beer and peppermint essential oil are both helpful, too.
• Aches, Pains, and Fevers: Pack acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor aches and pains, including headaches.  These are also fever reducers.  Include both adult and kids doses.
• Allergies: My daughter has multiple food allergies, so we always travel with liquid Benadryl and two EpiPens.
• Ointments: Always bring Benadryl and Cortisone Ointments for bug bites and rashes.  Include Aquafor for dry, cracked, or irritated skin.  Aquafor is a skin protectant and is great on burns as well.
• Cold/cough: Pack a decongestant and some cough drops, just in case.
• Basic First Aid Items: You can purchase a Basic First Aid Kit on Amazon.  Or you can add some Bandaids, gauze, tape, disinfectant wipes, wound closure strips, and maybe even some liquid bandage to a large ziplock bag.
• Specific items for Pediatrics: Pediatric pain relievers. Children’s antihistamines. Pediatric electrolyte solution

Essential miscellaneous items to include in your DIY First Aid Kit.

• Tweezers ~ For splinters and ticks.
• Hand Sanitizers.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Alcohol wipes.
• Eyewash.
• Thermometer.
• Liquid bandage.
• Aquafor or another skin protectant.

Including these items ensures you are prepared for common travel-related health issues, from minor cuts and bruises to allergies and digestion problems. Tailor your kit to meet your family’s specific needs, especially if traveling with children who may require additional supplies.

Tailoring Your First Aid Kit to Your Destination.

Your travel destination and planned activities significantly influence the contents of your first aid kit. Here’s how to customize your kit accordingly:

• Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Include blister treatments, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Pack extra bandages and antiseptic wipes for minor injuries.
• Beach Vacations: Add waterproof bandages, aloe vera for sunburn relief, and hydrocortisone cream for insect bites. Include anti-nausea medication for boat rides or beachside activities.
• Personal Health Needs: Pack any prescription medications you or your family require. Consider any specific health conditions and include necessary supplies.

By tailoring your first aid kit to your destination, you ensure you’re prepared for the unique challenges and health concerns you may face during your travels.

Management of the Most Common Travel-Related Ailments E-Book.

Purchase from Wander Well Printables on Etsy for $7.

This thorough e-book includes everything you need to travel with your family in a healthy, peaceful, and confident manner.

You can’t always avoid experiencing travel-related illnesses. Knowing how to recognize and manage the symptoms is essential to your peace of mind.

The ailments included in this E-Book are the most common issues travelers face, including:

• Airport Anxiety
• Jet Lag
• Seasickness
• Altitude Sickness
• Insomnia
• Heat-Related Illness
• Traveler’s Diarrhea

Covered topics include the cause, symptoms, and treatments of the illness. Plus, preventive measures you can begin to prepare for during the planning phase of your adventure.

Purchase from Wander Well Printables on Etsy for $7.

Travel Insurance: Purchase or Not?

Here is my simple answer: if you are going on a weekend not far from home, I would say no. But, if you are going to spend the week on a ship in the Galapagos or touring through Iceland, yes, you should.

Creating a DIY travel first aid kit is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience. By including essential items, organizing efficiently, and tailoring the kit to your destination, you can handle minor health issues with ease and confidence.

Preparedness is vital to any successful trip. Don’t leave home without your customized first aid kit. Please share your tips, experiences, or questions below to help fellow travelers stay safe and healthy on their adventures.

Click here for a printable version of the First Aid Kit Checklist.