When you’re an anxious traveller, sometimes it can be hard to know what to bring in a travel medical kit. My instinct is always to over-pack rather than under-pack, and that can lead to me bringing items I don’t need.
There are some items, though, that I’ll always pack, even if I don’t end up using them. It makes me feel calmer just knowing they’re there, and if a situation arises where I need them, I won’t have to search for them while I travel. These travel medical kit items include:
Compression socks
I used to think that the only people who wore these were little old ladies. Now I know better; they’re a must-have for long-haul flights. My Mum once got stuck in airports for 36 hours, and by the end, her ankles swole up and didn’t go back to normal for days. We were both worried about her circulation, and it meant she couldn’t walk as much when visiting me. These socks help a lot with circulation, so that your feet don’t feel heavy and tired as you get off the plane. Plus if you’ve worked out recently, they help with muscle recovery. They’re just a little thing that help me feel like I’m taking care of myself while I’m sitting for a long time!
Sleep aids
These are a must-have if I’m travelling east over time zones; when I fly from North America back to Europe, especially on a red-eye, I need help telling my body when to sleep. For me, these look like physical aids (a decent sleep mask and earplugs) and medicinal aids (melatonin capsules). I’ve written more about how to get over jetlag here.
Ginger Gummies
I get motion sick easily; in cars, on trains, and in turbulent airplanes. I’ve tried a million things to avoid nausea, but the only think that really helps is ginger candy. I prefer the gummies or lozenges to the capsules; they give me something to focus on internally beyond the nausea. These ones from Sea-Band are my favourite, they’re available at Boots and Amazon.
Pepto Bismol / Bismuth
It’s known by many names, and the reason for needing it isn’t pleasant to think about. But when you’re trying new foods in new countries, sometimes, it’s needed. And you know what’s better than trying to communicate nausea to a chemist who doesn’t speak English? Popping some capsules in your carry-on bag!
Aspirin / Painkillers
This one I’m including because of first-hand experience; a best friend of mine came in from Canada to Greece and was worried she had a blood clot, but because she came in on Sunday morning, we had to wait until the next day to get the only thing that would help—aspirin. So now I travel with painkillers, including aspirin but also paracetamol, for headaches and cramps.
Of course, none of these items are a magic cure for physical ailments. But they add to a sense of calm, because I know if there’s an emergency, I’ll be covered. They also help me feel confident when I travel, which I define as a feeling of “I can handle anything”. The voice that says “what if?” is silenced when I’ve got medical solutions!
What do you like to bring with you while travelling? Let me know in the comments—happy travels!
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