Anytime I travel, I create a small first aid kit so I have all the necessary supplies at my fingertips. This is especially useful when my travels take me off the beaten path locations where a drugstore is most definitely not around the corner. Whether it is a scratch, a blister, or hay fever, my kit always has me covered.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional so please speak with someone who is to find the best over-the-counter or prescription remedies for your kit.

What do I bring?

1. Band-aids — I grab various sizes and shapes to cover all types of injuries, especially some of the larger, “knuckle” band-aids which work great for shielding blisters on the back of your foot. Moleskin (sold at drugstores) also works great for blisters.

2. Neosporin – Either a small tube or the individual packets.

3. Antiseptic wipes – If I do get a scratch, I can use these individually-wrapped wipes to clean the area before applying Neosporin and a band-aid.

4. Aloe Vera gel – If time in the sun is on your agenda, bring a small tube of aloe with in case of sunburn.

5. Headache/Pain Relief medication – a small tube will suffice in case of a headache or muscle pain.

6. Stomach Remedies – I always have a small container of Antacid (Tum’s) and Anti-diarrhea medicine (which I only use if I am in a situation without close access to a bathroom).

7. Allergy/Hay Fever medication – I don’t normally have allergies but usually pack Benadryl (or its generic equivalent) as I sometimes will experience mild allergies as I adjust to the pollen/plant life of a new destination.

8. Hydrocortisone cream – Something to help if you get a skin rash.

9. Tweezers – in the event of a splinter.

10. Motion Sickness medication – If you are susceptible to air, sea, or car sickness, add a box to your kit.

Depending on my destination, I may visit my doctor to get a prescription for an antibiotic (Cipro is a common choice among travelers) and/or a Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone is one of the most popular brands). It’s nice to have the Cipro on hand in case a pharmacy is not in close proximity and you come down with a nasty bug. Be sure to reference the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information on staying healthy abroad and a quick guide to when you will need to get Malaria medicine (based on your destination).

Also, worth noting, if you are bringing any prescription medicine with, bring it in its original container that was labeled by the pharmacist. This will hopefully alleviate any concerns if your bag is checked at your destination or a border crossing.

Do you have other items you include in your travel first aid kit? Post them here to share with other readers.

Be also sure to register on the Do It While You’re Young forums to swap travel advice with other readers. Sign-up and post before December 15, 2009 and be eligible for our raffle for a $25 Amazon.com gift card!

If anyone is an expert on getting sick abroad, it’s me. At this point in my life, I have gotten food poisoning, water

poisoning, or motion sickness on every continent (I know, what an accomplishment). Some were dumb mistakes—trying to make a salad with unwashed vegetables while aboard my Nile River cruise boat. And then there are other cases where I still can’t pinpoint what happened. Either way, I have learned from my experiences and have some tips for how you can stay healthy when traveling abroad:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
-Ensure that you are covered by either your regular health insurance or some sort of travel insurance. Most of the time, you will need to pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement when you get home, so be prepared for that scenario. The benefit to getting travel insurance is that it is usually more comprehensive and accounts for other travesties like lost luggage or the need for emergency evacuation.
-Check with the Center for Disease Control (or your home country’s equivalent) for the health recommendations for the countries you will be visiting. The CDC may recommend certain vaccinations or medications. Some vaccinations require multiple booster shots or a certain amount of time before it is active so be sure to plan ahead on this one.
-Create a first aid kit for yourself. The usual suspects like band-aids, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea tablets, and cold medicine will help with basic ailments. If you are visiting a more developed country, these items and others will be readily available. But, if you are going off the beaten path, you’ll definitely want to have your own with you.

WHILE TRAVELING:
-One of the most common illnesses abroad is food and water poisoning. Use common sense and try to avoid common culprits like unwashed vegetables or items made with ice (that came from untreated tap water). For food, I usually stick with cooked meat, starches, and vegetables. For fruits, anything that you have to peel like a banana or orange is typically safe. Beverage-wise, bottled water is typically a must in most foreign countries and other safe bets are hot tea, coffee, and bottled soda.
-Remember to take your medications according to your doctor’s instructions.
-In countries with mosquito issues, always remember your repellant, especially after dark! Other precautions like mosquito nets over beds are also there for a good reason.
-The common cold and a cough are relatively normal in most places as your body adjusts to different air quality or temperature changes. Monitor your symptoms and see a doctor if the condition persists. In many countries, the local pharmacy acts like a doctor’s office and will give you the needed medicine on the spot.

Have other tips for staying healthy abroad? Share them with fellow readers by posting them here. Email kristina@diwyy.com with any other questions.