You can buy a standard travel kit at stores or online. Medical kits designed for specific types of travel and medical conditions are also available. With a little effort, though, you can create your own senior travel health kit tailored to your specific needs. It may cost less and you'll have just what you need.
Start with the basics
Check with your doctor about which prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplies you should take. The list below can help. Make sure that none will interact with your regular medicines.Also check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) about what you can take on board a plane. The items marked with an asterisk may be allowed in your luggage but not in a carry-on.
- Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine
- Antihistamine
- Decongestant
- Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain reliever/fever reducer
- Mild laxative
- Cough suppressant/expectorant
- Throat lozenges
- Antacid
- Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Lip balm
- Aloe gel for sunburns
- Digital thermometer*
- Basic first-aid items: Adhesive bandages, Antiseptic, Gauze, Nail clippers*, Scissors*, Tweezers*
- Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
- Moleskin for blisters
- Lubricating eye drops
- First aid quick reference card
- Oral rehydration solution packets
- Water purification tablets
- Address and phone numbers of area hospitals or clinics
Prescriptions you may need
You may wish to add items to your travel kit for specific concerns. Your doctor may need to prescribe these items, such as:- Antibiotics, to treat moderate-to-severe diarrhea
- EpiPens, if you have had severe allergic reactions
- Mild sedative or sleep aid
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Medicine to help prevent high-altitude sickness
Bring over-the-counter or prescription medicines with you in their original containers on your trip. Drugs available abroad are not subject to the same controls as in the United States. Some parts of the world also have problems with counterfeit medications.
If you have a medical condition
If you have medical conditions, carry a file with documents that describe your problems. This file should include:
- A letter from your doctor, on letterhead, that describes your condition and prescription medications, including generic names of prescribed drugs
- Copies of relevant medical records, like a recent EKG
- Your doctor's contact information
- A list of medications specific to the trip
Related Articles:
- Enjoy Your Flight With These Health Tips
- Flying With a Medical Condition? Planning Ahead Can Make Your Flight a Breeze
- How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) When Traveling
- A First Aid Kit for Travelers
SOURCES:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's health. Chapter 2 - the pre-travel consultation: counseling and advice for travelers.
- International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. Travel health basics.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safe and healthy travel for seniors.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's health kit.