Traveling is all about fun and having a good time however there are cases when injuries or health issues arise. This is where travel health kits come in. When packing for your trip, you need to include your own health kit. You may or may not have access to health supplies in the specific Southeast Asian country you’re planning to go to so it’s always better to be prepared. What should be included in your kit? If you can include all the items listed below then it’s more than good enough.
Medications
Regular/Prescribed Medications:
If you have a medical condition and need to take regular/prescribed medication then include them. Your health comes first. Having your medications with you will make you feel safe even when on vacation. Make sure to bring a copy of the prescription as it will help a lot if you run out of supply and need to refill it. Also, customs may not know the medications you’re bringing into the territory so a copy of the prescription can be presented. Try to leave a copy of the prescriptions at home too. In case you lose your copy you can call home and ask for it.
Over-the-Counter Medications:
Anti-inflammatory – You can suffer from body pains while on vacation. You’ll probably be on foot a lot going to several attractions with a bag or two. If the pain becomes too much you can take anti-inflammatory medicine for relief. You can also develop a fever while traveling. Having a fever will limit your vacation activities as you’ll be lying down most of the time. Take an anti-inflammatory medication to prevent this from happening. Bring one that works best for you.
Anti-diarrhea – A lot of travelers suffer from diarrhea especially when vacationing in remote areas where supply of drinking water is scarce and unclean. It’s uncomfortable to have diarrhea while on vacation so an anti-diarrhea medicine is a must.
Medicine for motion sickness – You’ll be using several transportations when traveling – plane, bus, train, ship, etc. It can be frustrating when you always experience nausea or vomiting each time so it’s better to have your motion sickness medication with you.
Antacid – Stomach acidity can also occur while you’re traveling. Don’t forget to include Antacid in your kit.
Decongestant – It’s easy to catch a cold when you’re in a new environment and you’re trying to get used to the weather. A stuffy nose is not life-threatening but it’s really uncomfortable to have one while on vacation. Also, your body will feel heavy and you’ll have headache. It’s better to take a decongestant the moment you start experiencing symptoms. Decongestants come in liquids, pills, nasal sprays, or nose drops. Pick one you’d like to include in the kit.
Cough suppressant/expectorant – If you catch a cold while traveling, you might develop a cough. You can take cough suppressant/expectorant for relief. There is also cough drop, which you can dissolve in your mouth to help stop cough temporarily. It can also soothe the irritated throat.
Anti-fungal/anti-bacterial ointments or creams – Don’t forget to include this in your kit. If you develop fungal or bacterial skin infection and start experiencing itchiness, swelling, and redness while on vacation, you can use anti-fungal/anti-bacterial creams for fast relief.
First Aid Supplies
Basic first aid items (Antiseptic, Gauze, Bandages, Scissors, Tweezers, First-Aid Reference Card) – Make sure to include these first aid items in your health kit. When you’re traveling, you or someone you’re with might get injured so it’s always a good idea to have these items available to be able to provide the necessary assistance.
Others
Mild sedative/sleep aid – Some people have a hard time falling asleep in a new surrounding. In this situation, a mild sedative/sleep aid can help. Also if you have insomnia and in need of sleep to recharge your energy, you can take a mild sedative.
Water purification tablets – A lot of travelers choose to bring water purification tablets when vacationing in remote areas where the water source is not clean. Using this can help prevent diarrhea so this is a must.
Anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitizer – You’ll be getting down and dirty while on a trip so a hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes will come in handy.
Sunscreen – In tropical countries, it can really get hot during summer or dry season. Since you’ll be on the move during your whole vacation, you’ll get a sunburn if you don’t apply sunscreen. Protect your skin and put on sunscreen.
Insect repellant – Backpackers and even travelers staying in upscale travel accommodations can get bitten by mosquitoes. Equip yourself with an insect repellant. You don’t want to wake up the next morning with insect bites all over your body. In some tropical countries, dengue is still prevalent, so don’t forget to bring this to protect yourself.