What to include in a travel first aid kit

Packing for a long-awaited holiday can be very chaotic. While some items are never overlooked like sun cream or that floral bikini, others such as a holiday first aid kit can be forgotten until it comes back to bite you in an emergency.

Before you leave for your trip it’s important to know where the closest pharmacies or hospital are to where you are staying, along with having the appropriate travel health insurance. Take a few minutes to look around a map and identify them. This will give you peace of mind before you go.

For smaller incidents, here are some must-haves when you are going on your travels:

Pain relief

We can all get a headache now and again, but there’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a lovely dinner with your head pounding. Make sure you have something appropriate for everyone, including children, people with specific illnesses, and pregnant women.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a fancy name for allergy medicine. You can get them in tablet and cream form to aid irritants from bug bites to hay fever.

Anti-sickness tablets

Whether you are on a ferry or simply on a long car journey, we are all prone to feeling a little nauseous. Ask for non-drowsy travel tablets to avoid unpleasant stomach pain.

Plasters/bandages

This essential is a must in every holiday first aid kit. Include blister plasters for those long hikes and bandages for bigger wounds if you tumble!

 After sun/ Aloe Vera

There is nothing worse than a terrible sun burn ruining your holiday. Having some aloe vera gel or after sun cream will help soothe the skin and promote healing.

Electrolytes

Staying hydrated on a hot, sunny is very important. Young children and elderly are particularly prone to dehydration. These tablets are small and will fit perfectly in your beach bag.

Instant ice pack

Another essential to throw into suitcase is an instant ice pack. There are various sizes and you can even purchase ones that can turn both hot and cold. An ice pack will help treat any strains and reduce swelling.

Heartburn and indigestion relief

Having a medication to treat acid reflux or heartburn after a spicy meal is a must. Consume in either liquid, sachet or tablet for instant relief.

Insect repellent

This is a handy one to have on more adventurous trips. Spray down the kids or use a bracelet to avoid those nasty mosquitoes.

Hand sanitiser

Given the pandemic we have all become accustomed to using hand sanitiser a million times a day. Being on holidays in no different. Stay safe and keep a small bottle in your bag.   

Once you have your bags packed, don’t forget that at Irish Life we want you to be protected whether at home or aboard. As part of your pre-travel checklist make sure you’ve arranged travel health insurance and are familiar with what you are covered for.