As a traveler to 50 countries, including numerous lesser developed countries, I’m often asked what I take on international trips. One key element for those kinds of trips is a well stocked first aid kit. I usually keep a few emergency meds for upset stomach, allergies, and cold symptoms in my toiletries kit, but for longer adventure trips I take along a beefed up first aid and emergency kit. With two trips of safaris in Africa and trekking to Machu Picchu a month apart, I prepped my kit for both. Here’s what I packed in my first aid kit for adventure travel.

First Aid Kit

I start with a small Johnson & Johnson first aid kit and add extra alcohol wipes, bandaids of various sizes, and steri-strips along with an antiseptic spray. I stuff the box. It goes in my daypack because you never know when you need a bandage for a cut, scrape, or blister.

Something for Sleep

One way I fight jet lag is taking something so I’ll stay asleep. I typically don’t have problems falling asleep while traveling, but staying asleep past 3am can be an issue. Taking 1 Tylenol PM for a couple of nights typically helps that issue.

Build Your Own First Aid Kit

In a reusable clear baggie, I put: bandaids, Cortizone (lotion and roller), Neosporin, some steri-strips, a small package of bandages of various sizes, some waterproof blister bandages, Tylenol PM, alcohol wipes, Gas-X tablets, Immodium, and some of the presciptions I take along just in case.

Gut Check

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common unwelcome visitor while traveling, especially to lesser developed countries. I carry multiple things to combat it and any digestive issues that may rear their ugly heads. I have Gax-X and Pepto Bismol tablets for upset stomach. While it’s usually best to let the diarrhea run its course, if it last over 12 hours I’ll take Immodium.

DiaResQ is great to take too. You get 2 packets in a vial. If you need to stop diarrhea for trekking or a flight, this is a lifesaver.

I always have packets of Emergency-C, but also take Nuun hydration tablets to rebalance electrolytes.

Clean Hands and Water

I always have multiple Purell wipes and single hand sanitizer packets. I’ve found those work best for me over carrying a bottle. I always have a filter water bottle. Two of my favorites are Waatr’s CrazyCap Pro and Sawyer Bottle Water Filtration System. When packing I use the space of the Sawyer bottle and put the Purell packets inside so they don’t accidentally open in my suitcase.

Prescriptions

I get a Z-pack just in case I need it while traveling. I also have a prescription for nausea since I have a wonky digestive system. If I’m going to an area where mosquitos are high I also get a prescription for malaria pills. Make sure you take the prescription label with your name on it too.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

While not emergency supplies, sunscreen and insect repellent are two items you need to have for any adventure trip. Sawyer makes a wonderful sunscreen and insect repellent, in addition to the permithrin I spray on my clothes before packing.

Happy traveling…which is always better when you’re prepared for mishaps.

Author Jennifer Broome has traveled extensively to lesser developed countries and on multi-day adventure trips as trekking to Everest Base Camp.