What Should Be in a Travel First Aid Kit?

A complete NHS-based checklist for what to pack in your travel first aid kit—perfect for UK and overseas trips.

A well-prepared travel first aid kit can make all the difference when unexpected injuries or illnesses occur away from home. Whether you're heading overseas or exploring the UK, packing the right medical essentials is crucial. In this NHS-backed guide, we outline what to include in your travel first aid kit—based on the latest UK government advice and real-world travel needs.

Why a Travel First Aid Kit Matters

According to NHS Fit for Travel and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), travellers should always pack a basic first aid kit—especially when visiting countries with limited healthcare access. Even on domestic holidays, minor injuries, allergic reactions, or food-related illnesses can quickly ruin a trip if you're not prepared.

A travel first aid kit gives you peace of mind and the ability to respond immediately to cuts, burns, bites, fevers, and more—without needing to find a pharmacy in an unfamiliar area.

Who Should Pack a Travel First Aid Kit?

No matter your destination, a travel kit is a must-have for:

• Families with children – to handle cuts, scrapes, or fevers on the go
• Solo travellers and backpackers – especially in remote areas
• Elderly travellers or those with medical conditions
• Holidaymakers abroad – where language barriers or pharmacy access may cause delays
• Outdoor adventurers – for hiking, camping, or road trips

Essential First Aid Supplies to Include

1. Basic Wound Care Items

• Assorted waterproof plasters
• Blister plasters (hydrocolloid)
• Sterile gauze pads and non-stick dressings
• Medical adhesive tape and crepe bandage
• Triangular bandage for support
• Safety pins and small blunt scissors
• Steri-strips (wound closure strips)

These are essential for cuts, grazes, blisters, and minor sprains—especially useful on active holidays.

2. Antiseptics and Hygiene Essentials

• Antiseptic wipes
• Antiseptic cream or spray
• Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex-free)
• Hand sanitiser (60% alcohol or more)
• Eye wash solution or sterile pods

These items help prevent infection and maintain hygiene, particularly where handwashing is difficult.

3. Over-the-Counter Medications

• Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (pain relief)
• Antihistamines (for allergies and bites)
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets (e.g. loperamide)
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• Antacid or indigestion tablets
• Motion sickness tablets
• Cold and flu relief (decongestant tablets or sachets)
• Aloe vera or after-sun gel
• Insect repellent (e.g. DEET-based spray)

Ensure medications are clearly labelled and in their original packaging. For international travel, check airline regulations and carry proof of prescriptions where necessary.

4. Instruments and Extras

• Digital thermometer
• Tweezers (for splinters or stings)
• Instant cold pack
• Foil emergency blanket
• First aid instruction leaflet
• Face masks (disposable)
• Earplugs and eye mask

These extras can be vital for fever management, comfort, and emergency situations.

How to Tailor Your Travel Kit

Adapt your kit based on destination, travel type, and personal health needs:

• Going abroad? Include anti-malarials, mosquito nets, or region-specific meds
• Travelling with children? Pack child-safe plasters, liquid medicines, and a small thermometer
• Adventuring remotely? Add water purification tablets, a tourniquet, and emergency contact numbers
• Taking regular medication? Bring spares, a copy of your prescription, and keep them in your hand luggage

Always check NHS travel health pages before travelling to ensure you're medically prepared.

How to Pack and Store Your Kit

• Use a water-resistant pouch or case
• Separate clean items from used ones
• Keep medications cool and dry
• Check expiry dates before every trip
• For flights: ensure scissors are under 6cm and liquids meet airline regulations

Pack your kit in hand luggage where possible, especially when travelling by plane.

Travel First Aid Kit Checklist

Building a travel first aid kit doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should be thorough. By following this checklist—based on NHS and UKHSA recommendations—you’ll be ready for anything from blisters and headaches to insect bites and upset stomachs.

Written by: First Aid Kits UK
Trusted UK suppliers of premium, travel-ready first aid kits for homes, cars, holidays, and workplaces.

Updated August 2025 | Based on NHS and UKHSA travel health guidance

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email