When you finally take a well-deserved vacation, the last thing you want is an injury or illness that spoil your enjoyment. Yet, far from home, every traveler know that small health concerns can quickly turn into big problems.
So it is essential to stock your first aid kit properly.
You might also want to know the 10 Mistakes To Avoid On Your First Trip.
1- Before you go on a trip
Before you go on a trip, first visit the Center for Disease Control website. It offers country-specific advice, including a list of possible health risks, the vaccines you should receive and even a list of items you should take with you.
Second, visit your physician, if you have health concerns. And ask him about specific medications you might not find in your exotic destination. Then pack your travel first aid kit accordingly.
2- For the trip, bring your prescription drugs
If you need to carry prescription drugs, take them in their original containers. That will help border security to control what they contain at first glance. This will prevent delays or confiscation at the airports.
Next, make sure to get smaller labeled bottles from your pharmacists. Especially if your regular bottles are too big.
And remember to take more medication than enough in case you get held up.
Amanda Smith, a nurse specializing in emergency measures in Los Angeles, also recommends that people who regularly take medication should write down the names of their usual medications. They should include also, their dosage and their doctor’s contact information on a keep-safe list.
She also advices to keep this useful list in your wallet. So when needed, the first responders can use it quickly to find out what medications you’re taking. »
3- Don’t forget medication for digestive problems
According to doctors, digestive problems are among the most common ailments during vacations.
So be prepared.
You don’t have to go searching for a doctor in a foreign country because you tasted some delicious local food.
Eating and drinking in unfamiliar places can sometimes cause diarrhea or upset stomach.
So, antacids for indigestion and heartburn, diarrhea medication and rehydration products should you be on the top of your first aid list.
Eat some of these vegetables to improve your digestion (and your health).
4 -Bring good sun protection
For Amanda, sunburn is also one of those risks to consider during holidays. It can have quite serious consequences on your health.
« Always bring your personal sunscreen. No less that 15 SPF. Higher is better. » she suggests.
One natural protection you should not overlook is a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. You can add a soothing after-sun cream if you have abused the sun.
Get also rid of these 12 Habits That Damage Your Skin.
5 -Don’t forget painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers will easily help you overcome minor pain. Take some acetaminophen and ibuprofen in your baggage. However, double check for your codeine-based meds, as they are illegal in some countries.
Hint: Some generic medications are cheaper than brand name drugs, and they are just as effective. You can easily read the labeling to make sure that the active ingredients are the same.
6 -Bring some bandages.
Vacations are for fun and adventure.
And then AIE!
A cut here, a scrap there…
You will need to cover minor cuts and scrapes (yours, or your children’s) with a bandage until they heal.
Remember! In tropical climates, the slightest cut can become infected very quickly.
So, plan a good variety of dressings as well as sterile gauze and small bandages. Tape to hold a dressing, and the scissors can be a bless in those moments.
And yes, don’t forget an antiseptic cream! You’re probably need it, believe us. often. On superficial and benign wounds (scratches, scratches, scratches), this cream kills germs. Very useful in tropical countries!
« During my travels I had a lot of small wounds that I couldn’t have healed on my own without this cream. » says Kevin Bradly, globe trotter.
7- Keep insects away
When travelling in African countries or South America (e. g. Peru, Bolivia or Costa Rica), insects can be part of your daily life, especially mosquitoes and flies.
Of course, there is nothing more annoying than having these insects around. Think about an effective non-toxic repellents. You should forget that in some countries, mosquitoes and flies can transmit very serious diseases. Of course, this does not apply if you visit cities like Paris, Amsterdam or Berlin.
8- Bonus Ideas
It depends on your destination, but here are some additional ideas that’s going to help:
Gifts to offer to the hotel employees. They appreciate children’s clothing, caps, used cell phones, cosmetics, etc.
A few snacks on the plane, in case of unexpected waiting times or as an aperitif. There is almost always a small shop in the hotel, but paying $5 for a bag of chips is sometimes hard to digest…
A logbook or travel diary
2, 3 plastic bags of the Ziploc type can be very useful.
A thermos glass for those who like to drink their drink cold on the seaside
Tender bars or juices for those who have cravings at night or wake up early in the morning
9- Buy or create your kit?
Our answer? Create your own kit!
Honestly, we didn’t find a complete first aid kit. The contents of a healthy travel kit purchased in a store are usually basic and drug-free.
So, we suggest you buy a kit first, so you can use the bag and the basic contents. Then, you will then have to add what you need.
The model we use is the Easy Care brand first aid kit from Canadian Tire. The bag has compartments according to the type of intervention or the bobo. So it is practical in the middle of the action.
Do you take all the kit on a trip? In a reduced version.
A smaller bag and you only take the bare essentials. For example, instead of bringing the entire jar of pills, you might take 10 tablets of each medication and put them in one small jar.
The name is usually on the tablet, if not, don’t mix them. Don’t forget to put them back in their respective jars when you return from your trip, so you can keep an eye on the expiry dates.
Next >> Check out the 20 Time-Consuming Mistakes To Never Make At The Airport
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