My Travel First-Aid Kit: What Really Belongs in the Suitcase

Why a small, well-thought-out travel first-aid kit makes sense

I never pack my first aid supplies at the last minute. Of course, plasters are essential — but I also value sachets for diarrhea, a cooling gel for sunburn and something for nausea. On Mallorca I learned: the next open pharmacy isn't always around the corner, especially when you're hiking in the Tramuntana early in the morning or end up in a cove late at night.

Basic kit: What I always take with me

Basics: various plasters, sterile gauze pads, elastic bandages, disposable gloves. Plus a small disinfectant spray — it has helped me out more than once, for example when a stroller screw came loose.

Medications: painkillers and fever reducers, a remedy for gastrointestinal complaints, an antihistamine for allergic reactions and a mild antiemetic for motion sickness. If someone takes medication regularly, I pack an extra two days' supply — in a labeled bag.

For special situations

Destinations vary. On mountain hikes I add elastic bandages, blister plasters and cooling pads for calves. By the sea I rely on after-sun lotion, ointments for jellyfish stings and a small pair of tweezers for splinters. And yes, insect protection: in some places a spray is enough, in others I use a special treatment to impregnate clothing.

Climate, shelf life and form

I make sure that ointments and liquid medicines are not left in direct sun — in the backpack many items stay fresh longer, but tents can get very hot. Keep tablets in their original packaging, and carry prescriptions and a doctor's note for prescription medicines in your carry-on. For children or seniors I consider liquid alternatives or drops.

Practical everyday tips

Label everything with name and date, put the kit in a waterproof bag and pack important medications in your hand luggage when flying. A small note with emergency numbers, the name of your health insurance and the address of the nearest clinic at your destination (yes, I write it on the back of the sunscreen) helps in stressful situations.

Mini-checklist

Plasters, disinfectant, painkillers, anti-diarrheal medicine, antihistamine, motion sickness tablets, sunscreen, after-sun, personal medications, prescriptions, waterproof bag.

Being a little prepared means spending less time in panic and more time on what really matters: the sea, the mountain air and the afternoon ice cream.