The Ultimate Family Travel First Aid Kit List

Easy to overlook but essential, especially when travelling with kids is a family travel first aid kit. It doesn’t have to be huge and it doesn’t have to take up half of your case but it does need to be thorough enough to cover all eventualities.

Over the years we’ve had numerous accidents on our travels. One year, a very small Noah came down a water slide to his Dad waiting at the bottom. The only trouble is he came down so fast that he somehow ended up headbutting his Dad’s teeth! That was an interesting mark on his head! Lots of cut knees from running along excitedly. We’ve had tummy bugs and very itchy mosquito bites… You name it, we’ve had it.

Apart from the obvious things you need for your holiday- Travel Insurance and a GHIC card if you are travelling in Europe. A good travel first aid kit will help you deal with things right now. This post contains affiliate links, While the price is not extra to you by clicking a link I may earn a small commission. Please see my Legal Disclaimer for more information.

Painkillers

Most parents tend to carry around a pack of paracetamol at all times anyway but don’t forget to pop a pack in your case too. Whatever pain killer you tend to go for, check the travel advice for the country you are travelling to and make sure it isn’t classed as a banned substance. For instance, Tramadol is illegal in Egypt and could lead to prison.

Don’t forget the kid’s painkillers too. The sachets of Calpol are perfect for travelling. They are small enough measures to put a couple in hand luggage. Just don’t forget to put it in your clear bag for scanning with liquids. If your kids are a bit older the Calpol six plus fast melts are really handy for travelling too with no need to measure.

Don’t leave Allergy medication out of your family travel first aid kit

Ok, so you might not be allergic to much, but a small, inexpensive pack of antihistamines are great to keep handy. You never know if something may cause a reaction, especially if you’ve never come across it before. But also, they are great for easing the itchiness of bites and heat rash. Supermarket brand ones are usually enough to do the trick so they don’t have to be expensive.

A good bump kit

Plasters, antiseptic wipes, anti-septic cream and a bandage. Essentials with little kids and clumsy grown-ups! Again, you don’t need a huge amount, it’s unlikely that you’ll be needing them on a daily basis (I hope). Just a selection of plasters a few wipes that usually come in individually wrapped packs and a small tube of antiseptic cream – I find Savlon or Sudocreme has always done the job just fine.

A bandage is handy to have too just in case of a bigger bump, a small roll of microporous tape to help stick it on and you’re ready to take on the world!

Prepare for tummy issues

The likelihood is you’ll all be fine but if something does cause upset tummies it’s better to be prepared than trying to explain to a pharmacist in a different language what the issue is. A pack of anti-diarrhoea tablets, some antacids and some rehydration fluid sachets should be enough to help. If they don’t fix the problem then you might need to see a doctor. It’s not unusual to get a funny tummy on holiday though.

To help avoid it, avoid drinking tap water and wash your hands well. I find with smaller kids especially, giving them a cup of bottled water when brushing their teeth helps in case they accidentally swallow the water. Avoid ice cubes in drinks if possible and beware of the salad (no one ever got a dodgy tummy from chips)

Beware of the mozzies

Mosquito bites are an issue wherever you go, to be honest. If they’re going to get you they’ll get you. I always seem to be the one who gets the most and it’s a blooming pain. I can’t help but scratch and then I end up with lovely scabby legs… sexy! Try and prepare for them and avoid them by making sure you have a good repellant on. As well as traditional sprays and lotions you can now get bands and stickers which are great for kids and get positive reviews.

Some people swear by Avon’s skin-so-soft original oil spray. I know I will get bitten regardless though so I’m always ready for the aftermath. Hydrocortisone cream is handy to have as it’s great for heat rash too, I have always sworn by White Tiger balm since my first visits to Asia in the early 2000s and afterbite is good too… stings at first but stops the itch for a bit.

Other bits and bobs for your family travel first aid kit

To finish off your family travel first aid kit, eye drops are handy to have in case something gets in them and irritates them. Jay once got pecked by a magpie in the eyeball so that was handy that day! A pair of tweezers come in handy for things like splinters. Instant Ice packs for those bumps and bruises. Aloe vera gel is instantly soothing and great for sunburn.

Is there anything else that you swear by? I’d love to know if you think I’m missing something.

Becky x