How to Pack a Well-Stocked Travel Emergency Kit

Every year, millions of Americans hit the highways, skyways, railways, or waterways to travel, either for business or for pleasure. While a lot of planning goes into most of those trips, there’s no way to anticipate an illness or injury away from home — but having a well-stocked emergency kit can definitely help.

As a leading urgent care clinic in Hawaii, Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy provides comprehensive medical care for residents and vacationers alike. In this post, our expert team offers our best tips on what to include in your travel emergency kit.

Start with your essentials

Begin building your kit with a few first aid and health necessities, like a variety of bandages, over-the-counter pain relievers, tweezers, wipes, gauze pads, and medical tape. Disposable gloves and face masks are good to include, too. If you prefer, you can begin your kit with a basic first aid kit purchased from a store and customize it from there.

Add in personal care items

In addition to general first aid and medical items, it’s important to customize the contents to your unique needs. Include prescription medications (ideally in their original containers), along with any over-the-counter products you use or may need, like vitamins or allergy tablets.

Tailor to your destination

In addition to customizing your kit for your specific needs and the needs of your companions, it’s also a good idea to change up your kit contents based on where you’re going or the type of trip you’re taking. For instance, a beach location calls for extra sunscreen, while a camping trip might benefit from a space blanket and medication for poison ivy encounters.

Include some tools

Your emergency kit is also a good place to stash some mini tools, like a small flashlight with a charger or batteries, a multi-tool or pocket knife, a small pair of scissors, and even a small sewing kit. A carabiner, compass, and whistle may come in handy, too.

Don’t forget your personal contact info

Include a list including your name and names of your companions, along with a list of any special medical needs. Don’t forget to include the names and phone numbers of your doctor and your family members or emergency contacts. A copy of your medical insurance card might also be handy.

Top off with water and snacks

Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially if you’re walking a lot, it’s hot or dry outside, or you’re distracted by the sights and sounds. Always keep bottled water with you, and add in some energy bars, unsalted nuts, or dried fruit for a quick energy boost.

Select the right container

Once you have your items assembled, it’s time to select a container to hold it all. Choose a container that’s durable and easy to access, sized to fit into your luggage. Depending on your preferences, you might also purchase smaller containers or choose a larger container with pockets or dividers.

Consider a “mini kit”

A full-size kit is great to keep in your regular luggage or your hotel room. But for day trips or side excursions, it might be too large to lug around. Consider keeping a smaller kit to tuck into a purse or backpack. Equip it with the bare essentials, including items for basic first aid emergencies, headaches, and allergies, for instance.

Update and restock regularly

Before setting out on any trip, take a quick inventory of your emergency kit. Toss expired medications or any opened products that may have dried out, like wipes or creams. Make sure it includes your most recent medications and curate it to your current health needs and the needs of your travel companions.

Having a well-stocked emergency kit on hand makes any trip more enjoyable and more relaxing. To learn what else you can do to prepare for your trip, book an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.