Most travel health problems are small and predictable: fever, diarrhoea, a minor cut, motion sickness. A well-planned pouch-sized kit solves 90% of them — and more important still: your personal medicines and their papers.

In short — what to pack for the trip

  1. Your regular medicines in quantities for the trip + spare days, in original packaging, with a medical report or prescription (some countries ask at the airport).
  2. Fever reducer and pain relief (paracetamol ± ibuprofen) in adult and child doses.
  3. Oral rehydration sachets (ORS) — the single most valuable item when travelling with children.
  4. Plasters in several sizes, gauze and a bandage, and a small wound antiseptic.
  5. A thermometer, and motion-sickness tablets if you're prone.
  6. Sunscreen, and a soothing cream for insect bites.
  7. Your usual allergy medicines — and anyone with an epinephrine pen carries it in hand luggage, never checked baggage.

This topic’s video is coming soon on our channels — follow us

@lahzaem
Medicines always in hand luggage — and ORS is the top item when travelling with children
Medicines always in hand luggage — and ORS is the top item when travelling with children
The full details

The essential travel kit

  • Your regular medicines in quantities for the trip + spare days, in original packaging, with a medical report or prescription (some countries ask at the airport).
  • Fever reducer and pain relief (paracetamol ± ibuprofen) in adult and child doses.
  • Oral rehydration sachets (ORS) — the single most valuable item when travelling with children.
  • Plasters in several sizes, gauze and a bandage, and a small wound antiseptic.
  • A thermometer, and motion-sickness tablets if you're prone.
  • Sunscreen, and a soothing cream for insect bites.
  • Your usual allergy medicines — and anyone with an epinephrine pen carries it in hand luggage, never checked baggage.

Golden rules for the plane and airport

  • ALL important medicines go in hand luggage — checked bags get lost and delayed.
  • Diabetes: insulin stays with you in the cabin (the hold freezes), with a snack and fast sugar within reach.
  • Check the destination country's medicine rules before flying (some painkillers and sedatives are banned in certain countries).

Seek care during your trip if

  • Fever beyond 48 hours or bloody diarrhoea.
  • Dehydration in a child: little urine, lethargy, crying without tears.
  • Chest pain, breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg after a long journey — do not postpone.

Doctor's tip

Photograph your prescriptions, reports and insurance card and keep them on your phone and email — a digital copy in the cloud has rescued many travellers who lost their bags.

This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.

← All topics