Are you making your holiday packing list and realised you might need to pack a few First Aid Items? Or, like me – just discovered that half the stuff in your DIY Travel First Aid Kit is out of date or needs replacing?!
If you’re wondering what first aid items to take on holiday – I have put together a list of all the items we take with us. It is a basic DIY Travel First Aid Kit that takes care of common minor ailments that we all suffer occasionally – like the odd headache, tummy upset, insect bites, minor cuts and bruises. It’s designed to be lightweight and compact.
I always take a few items, even for short trips, especially because I find a visit to the pharmacy abroad can end up costing a lot more than it does at home.
You probably have most of these First Aid products at home already – but if you need items in a hurry – I have added Amazon shopping links.
Full Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate – should you make any purchases, I will earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, which helps me to keep writing free, helpful travel content like this!
The Essentials: What to Include in Your DIY First Aid Kit
🧼 Antiseptic Wipes
For cleaning small cuts, scrapes, or surfaces before applying treatment.
🩹 Plasters (Assorted Sizes)
To cover blisters, small cuts, and scrapes – especially useful for walkers and hikers.
💊 Paracetamol & Ibuprofen
Paracetamol for general aches or fever, ibuprofen for inflammation or period pain.
🧴 Antiseptic Cream
To treat minor cuts and prevent infection.
🦟 Insect Bite Cream
Soothes itchy bites and helps reduce swelling or irritation.
🌼 Antihistamine Tablets
For allergies, hay fever, or reactions to insect bites.
🌿 Tiger Balm
Great for headaches, sore muscles, or even motion sickness.
💩 Imodium (Loperamide)
A must-have for unexpected bouts of traveller’s tummy.
💧 Electrolyte Powders or Tablets
Useful for rehydration after too much heat, exertion, or illness like tummy upsets.
🫲 Hand Sanitiser
For when there are no hand-washing facilities available.
🚤 Motion Sickness Tablets
Handy for boat trips, bus rides and long bumpy journeys!
Optional Extras
- Tweezers and small scissors
- Medical tape
- Travel thermometer
- Small roll of gauze
- Child appropriate medicine like Calpol sachets
- Arnica ointment for bruises
- Your Prescribed Medications in their prescription packages.
Packing Tips
- Keep everything in a small, waterproof zip pouch.
- Check expiry dates before each trip.
- If you’re flying, keep blister packs of tablets to save space and reduce weight.
- I prefer sachets to bottles of liquid – as they are lighter, take up less space and make measuring doses on the move easier.
- Check that your scissors are the correct size and shape if taking in hand luggage, otherwise they will need to go in the hold.
- Always keep essential medication in your hand luggage, in case your hold luggage goes missing.
DIY First Aid Kit Amazon Shopping List
Here is a list of all the items you may need for your DIY Travel First Aid Kit with Amazon Shopping links.
- Antiseptic Wipes (Amazon link)
- Assorted Plasters (Amazon link)
- Antiseptic Cream (Amazon link)
- Paracetamol Tablets (Amazon link)
- Ibuprofen Tablets (Amazon link)
- Insect Bite & Sting Relief Cream (Amazon link)
- Antihistamine Tablets (Amazon link)
- Tiger Balm Mini Tin (Amazon link)
- Diarrhoea Relief capsules (Loperamide) (Amazon link)
- Electrolyte Powder Sachets (Amazon link)
- Motion Sickness Tables (Amazon link)
- Small First Aid Pouch (Amazon link)
- Calpol Sachets (Amazon link)
- Arnica Ointment (Amazon link)
- Travel Thermometer (Amazon link)
- Gauze (Amazon link)
- Micro Tape (Amazon link)
- Small Scissors (Amazon link)
Final Thoughts
⚠️ Please note: I am not a medical professional – this kit is what I personally like to bring along for my family trips and is for minor issues only.
It is a good idea to customise your kit based on your destination and personal needs.
Got a go-to item we missed? Let me know in the comments!
Make planning a trip yourself simple and stress-free with our ‘how to’ guides in the DIY Travel Planning Hub for tips on flights, accommodation, transport, itineraries and more – all in one place.
For more tip on staying healthy and safe abroad, read my guide: Staying Safe While Travelling Abroad: A Practical Guide
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