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The Ultimate First Aid Kit for Travel With Kids: What to Pack and Why
- andrewsco3
- Sep 2
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 4
When traveling the world with kids, minor scrapes, upset stomachs, or fevers are common and often happen at the most inconvenient times.
Trust us, during our 100-day trip around the world with our kids, we ran into all sorts of minor issues; from upset tummies to bruises and scrapes. Thankfully nothing was ever too serious, but it's always good to be prepared.
We do not carry a full pharmacy, just the essentials we know we might actually use, which has given us peace of mind and is enough to handle the most common bumps, bruises, and bites that come our way.
This kit is just as useful for a long road trip, a weekend hike, or local outings as it is for flying across continents.
Jump ahead to see exactly what we pack and how we use our first aid kit on the road with our kids.
Table of Contents
Why Carrying a First Aid Kit is Important
Having a small first aid kit has saved us and others more times than we can count.
On hikes, blister plasters and tape have kept sore feet from cutting the day short. Another time we came across a fellow hiker who was projectile vomiting from the heat and we did not have electrolytes with us to help.
Watching how quickly things escalated made us realize just how important it is to be prepared and it is one of the reasons we take so much care with our kit today.
In Asia, we've had to deal with diarrhea right before a long night bus ride, not fun but much easier to manage when we had the right supplies on hand.
It isn’t just our own family that benefits, either. We’ve seen fellow travelers who fell off scooters and needed their wounds cleaned and dressed before they could get proper care.
Before our 100-day trip we set aside an afternoon to go through everything in our kit and order the items we were missing, making sure it was fully stocked before we left.
That little bit of preparation already feels like one of the smartest steps we’ve taken. Knowing our kit is fully stocked gives us confidence that we’ll be ready for whatever comes our way.
Why We Always Travel With Insurance
A first aid kit is perfect for handling the little stuff, but it’s not a replacement for proper medical care.
If someone breaks a bone, develops a serious infection, or needs emergency treatment, that’s where travel insurance becomes essential.
Medical costs abroad can be high, and without coverage you could end up with bills that cost more than the entire trip. Back in 2006 when we traveled to Hong Kong, Susie spent a day in hospital after catching a virus that was never fully diagnosed. Trust me, having insurance that day was a huge relief.
We’ve learned that having insurance isn’t just about covering the worst-case scenarios. It also means access to doctors and hospitals that know how to handle tourists, translation support, and even help with arranging transport if you need to get home.
That kind of backup is something you can’t pack in your suitcase but makes a huge difference when you need it most.
For families especially, travel insurance gives peace of mind. Kids bounce back quickly from most things, but knowing we can get the care they need without worrying about the price tag lets us all focus on enjoying the trip rather than stressing over what might happen.
What we Carry in Our First Aid Kit
We carry a well-stocked kit when we travel, but the exact items depend on the situation. On longer trips we bring everything, while for shorter outings around town we often pare it down to just the essentials.
Here is a list of the items that we carry in our first aid kit:
Bandaids and Dressings
Kids are always getting minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters, so bandaids are the first thing we pack in our kit and by far the most commonly used item.
We carry a variety of sizes, including standard bandaids, gauze, and blister plasters. Gauze is ideal for larger cuts and can be held in place with self-adhesive tape.
Blister plasters are especially handy because a blister can easily derail a day, whether you are hiking or doing lots of walking around the city.
You can buy bandaids pretty much anywhere, but we find them to be cheaper on Amazon.
Antibacterial Spray
We carried a small 100ml bottle of Betadine antiseptic spray, and even though it wasn’t the lightest item in our kit, it proved useful time and again.
It’s easy to apply, a lot less messy than cream, and works well for quickly cleaning cuts and scrapes. Having it with us meant we could treat wounds properly when soap and water weren’t available.
In Asia especially, where the humid conditions can make infections more of a concern, it gave us peace of mind to know we could clean and protect a wound right away.
Alcohol Wipes
These little packets are cheap, lightweight, and surprisingly useful. We use them for cleaning small wounds or our hands when we’re on the move.
They take up almost no space in the kit and are especially handy as an alternative when we don’t have hand sanitizer with us.
Pain and Fever Relief
We carry both kid and adult versions. Junior Advil for the kids and paracetamol or ibuprofen for adults. Fevers and headaches can strike at the most inconvenient times, and having the right dose for everyone in the family means we can manage symptoms quickly without scrambling to find a pharmacy in a new country.
Always take tablets in the original packaging if travelling in Asia, just to be sure you have no issues at the border.
Stick-On Thermometers
We don’t want to carry the large thermometer we have at home, so we use stick-on Fever Bearz thermometers instead in our travel first aid kit.
They are lightweight, easy to apply, and let us check kids’ temperatures quickly without any fuss.
They aren’t as precise as a full digital thermometer but perfect for travel when you just need a quick idea if someone has a fever.
Diarrhea Tablets
Nobody wants to talk about diarrhea, but unfortunately it is a reality when traveling. Sometimes it passes on its own, but if you have a flight or night bus the next day, having medication to stop it quickly can be a lifesaver. It has saved us on more than one long journey.
Guidelines suggest that children under 12 should not take Imodium. We generally only give it to kids if it is really necessary, otherwise we focus on keeping them well hydrated.
Electrolyte Powder
Electrolyte powder is one of those small items that can make a big difference when traveling. We started carrying it after coming across a fellow hiker on a hot trail who was projectile vomiting from the heat. We didn’t have any electrolytes with us on that day, but seeing how quickly things escalated was a real wake up call, and made us realize just how important it is to be prepared.
We always carry a few sachets in our kit now. Mixing a sachet in water helps replace fluids and salts quickly, keeping energy levels up and preventing dehydration from turning into something more serious.
This is especially important in Asia, where the high humidity makes you sweat more and lose fluids faster, even on ordinary days of exploring.
We have used both LNMT and Hydrate Powder and have been happy with both. LNMT is better but more expensive.
Self-Adhesive Tape
Self-adhesive leukotape is a travel essential for us because it sticks to almost anything, even when sweaty or damp. It’s perfect for holding gauze in place over cuts or scrapes without needing extra clips or pins. Its versatility makes it useful in a wide range of situations.
We also use it for blister prevention on long days of walking or hiking. A small strip in the right spot can make a huge difference in comfort as your skin doesn't stretch (which is what causes blisters).
Here’s a tip: pre-cut a few strips and place them on self-releasing paper. This makes them easy to grab and apply quickly when you need them.
Vaseline
A travel-sized tin of Vaseline is surprisingly versatile and one of our must-pack items. It helps with chafing, cracked lips, dry skin, minor scrapes, and even babies’ bottoms, making it a simple solution for a range of small discomforts while on the move.
It’s lightweight, takes up very little space in the kit, and can be used by both kids and adults. Having Vaseline on hand means you can quickly prevent or soothe irritation before it becomes a bigger problem.
Water Purification Tabs
Water purification tabs are one of those items you hope you never need, but when you do, they can be a lifesaver. We always carry a few in our kit as a precaution in case we find ourselves somewhere with unsafe drinking water.
They are especially useful if you plan on hiking during your travels or visiting areas where water isn’t safe to drink.
We use Pristine Water Treatment Tablets as you get 50 tablets for just over $10 which equates to 50l of water!
Sore Throat Relief
We pack a few kids’ throat sweets for minor sore throats. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and help ease discomfort during flights or long road trips.
While throat sweets are generally easy to find around the world, kid-friendly versions aren’t always as easy to find, so we bring a few with us just in case.
Sunblock
We always take sunblock with us and top up as we go. For the face, we use a small pot of Sun Bum SPF 50 cream. It applies well, smells great, and we make a habit of putting it on every day.
For the body, we prefer spray sunscreen and usually take a bottle of Sun Bum SPF 30 spray. Once it runs out, we buy more as we travel. Spray sunscreen is convenient, and it’s easy to find almost anywhere in the world.
Insect Repellent and Bite Cream
We always carry insect repellent with us, especially in Asia where mosquitoes are very common. Our kids tend to freak out when they see one, as they get bitten a lot during our Canadian summers, so having repellent on hand keeps the kids calmer!
Antihistamines
We carry antihistamines for both our kids and adults. Junior Reactine for the kids and an adult version for Susie, that is actually a prescription.
We find them essential for dealing with mosquito bites, allergic reactions, or sudden hives, especially for Susie, who can react to minor bites and allergies.
Eye Drops
Evelyn wears glasses and Susie wears contacts, so we always carry a few eye drops in our kit.
They’re incredibly useful for flushing out sand, dust, or other irritants that can build up during long travel days outdoors.
Eye drops are also handy after long flights, bus rides, or days in dry climates when eyes can feel tired or irritated.
Even if no one in the family has contact lenses, a small bottle of eye drops is a lightweight, and well worth carrying.
Motion Sickness Medication
We’ve learned the hard way how rough travel can be on kids - I remember the time Jess puked over 10 times on a 4 hour journey to Wales in the UK! Since then we've always carried a few children’s Gravol to help if she starts to feel uneasy.
Other Things in Our Pack
We also carry a few versatile tools that come in handy for minor fixes, outdoor adventures, or everyday needs:
Tweezers
Safety pin
Nail file
Scissors (good for cutting self adhesive tape)
Vinyl Examination Gloves
Pencil and paper
Whistle
Compass
Flashlight
Spork for eating or taking medicine
lollipop stick (finger splint)
Vaccination card and travel medical documents
These items take up hardly any room and are useful for a range of small travel challenges, from minor repairs to outdoor adventures and everyday needs.
Things we Don't Carry (But you might want to Consider
Melatonin
It's not something we have ever given our kids, but it is useful for helping kids adjust to time zone changes and getting to sleep on long flights or after jet lag.
Just be careful as it's considered illegal in some countries and there are strict rules in others - that's why we decided to give it a miss
Prescription Meds
If anyone in your family takes prescription medications, it’s important to plan ahead before leaving. For example, I take gout tablets and was able to get an extra 90-day supply to ensure I had enough for the trip.
Depending on your destination and the length of your travels, you may need a doctor’s note or prescription to be able to restock while on the road. Planning ahead prevents interruptions and ensures you have the medications you need without stress.
Digital thermometer
As mentioned above, we like using stick-on thermometers for the kids while traveling because they are lightweight and take up very little space. If you have younger kids this may be more of a concern for you to have a more accurate reading with a proper digital thermometer.
Baby Supplies
If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, it’s worth adding a few baby-specific items to your kit.
Essentials might include diaper rash cream, small packs of wipes, and baby-safe pain relief.
Situation Specific Items
Depending on your destination and activities, you might consider adding a few situation-specific items to your kit, such as a tourniquet for remote hiking or adventure activities where serious bleeding could occur.
It’s helpful to think through what you’ll likely be doing in each country and what risks could come up while planning your kit, so you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Final Thoughts on First Aid Kits When Travelling With Kids
Traveling with kids comes with its fair share of surprises, but a well-prepared first aid kit can make all the difference. It’s not about carrying everything, but having the essentials you know you’ll actually use and a few extras for specific situations.
If you’re curious about where we’re headed next, check out our 100-day trip around the world to see our full itinerary.
You can also visit our travel planning page for other tips, guides, and posts that might help inspire you and get you ready for your own adventures.
For families planning long-term trips, we have a post on saving money for traveling that can help you budget for essentials like a first aid kit, and our 20 tips for hiking can help get kids excited to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Being prepared lets you enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing you can handle most bumps, bites, and minor illnesses along the way.
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