When planning your getaway, it pays to be prepared for medical emergencies so minor mishaps don’t ruin your vacation. In addition to the basics, you’ll want to have crucial items on hand, depending on where you spend your time. The potential health hazards when you’re camping or hiking in the wilderness are different from what you’ll encounter at the beach, on a ski trip, or at a theme park.

One helpful tip: the pencil boxes kids use in grade school make great containers for homemade first-aid kits. Make up three or four, which can then be stored at home and in a car and then packed with additional trip-specific items when you’re leaving on a vacation. Whether you travel by car, plane, or boat, never leave home without a well-stocked first-aid kit.  

Click here for a printable shopping list. 

The Basics

 Small pair of scissors for cutting bandages
 Nonstick gauze bandages
 Band-Aids of varying sizes
 Antibiotic ointment
 Tweezers
 Over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen)
 Hydrocortisone cream
 A topical antihistamine or anti-itch cream for bug bites and poison ivy
 A thermometer
 Hydrogen peroxide
 Chewable antihistamine pack
 Electrolyte-replacement drink to treat dehydration and diarrhea

Safeguards at Theme Parks

Most theme parks have first-aid stations, but they can be crowded in the summertime. And cuts and scrapes and forgotten Rx meds are the top complaints, but you can avoid the first-aid line by stashing these essentials in your backpack:
 Antiseptic wipes to clean minor abrasions
 Sanitary towelettes for cleaning hands in case you can’t get to a rest room right away
 Blister relief pads
 A small bottle containing prescription pills — you don’t want to be forced to leave the park to get your medicine
 Healthy snacks, such as a box of raisins. Keep them with you to tide over a child: children can’t go without eating or drinking as long as adults can

Extras for the Beach

 Distilled white vinegar stored in a plastic bottle for jellyfish stings and sunburns
 Sunscreen at SPF 15 or higher
 Aloe vera gel to soothe sunburns
 Ear drops, such as VoSol, to prevent swimmer’s ear
 Saline eye drops to wash out sand in your eyes
 A motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine, for fishing trips or tour boat rides
 Ivy block to help prevent poison ivy, which may grow in scrub areas leading to some beaches
 OTC astringent rinses to ease itches and skin irritations
 Insect repellent

Snow Bound

Most mountain resorts have ski patrol stations at key spots in case of serious accidents, and normally there are medical service huts near the lodge at the base of the mountain. For minor mishaps, however, bring these along: 
 Chapstick with sunscreen
 Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to protect against sunlight reflected off the snow
 Backup hand warmers to prevent frostbite if you lose your gloves
 Moleskin to prevent blisters

Camping, Hiking, & Fishing Adventures

Your needs will vary depending on whether you’re camping in a national park or hiking into the back woods. But generally, you’ll need the following:
 Insect repellent
 Elastic bandages to be wrapped for support or to reduce swelling
 Compression bandage of at least 5 by 9 inches
 Several 4-by-4-inch sterile bandages
 Moleskin to prevent blisters
 Insect sting relief pads
 Emergency fish hook remover kit 

Adventure Trips to Remote Areas

 Duct tape, which can be used to temporarily close wounds or make a sling
 Mylar blankets for warmth (or pack a black trash bag, as the dark color traps heat and it can double as a rain poncho)
 Butterfly closures
 Waterproof bandages

Traveling Abroad

Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. These vaccines are necessary for protection from diseases that are still common in many parts of the world even though they rarely occur in the United States. If you’re not sure which vaccinations are required for your tip, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

What Else?

 Bring a one-page sheet for each family member that lists vaccination records; doctors’ phone numbers; all prescription pills, OTC medications, and supplements; and the name and location of the ER at your vacation destination.
 Pack copies of your family’s medical and dental insurance forms.
 Be sure to refill prescriptions before you go, especially if you’re traveling abroad. It can be nearly impossible to get needed medications in a foreign country, particularly in exotic locales.
 Take some form of identification for each child that lists his or her name and address and the phone number of the person to call in an emergency. ID stickers worn inside a child’s shoe are available through
sol-id.com.

Drink plenty of water to prevent the dehydration effects of altitude sickness. Acetaminophen can relieve mild symptoms, such as headaches and queasiness. If you have little to no experience with high altitudes, check with your doctor on what you can do to prevent high-altitude sickness.

Bring a basic medical ID card, which lists your family members’ names, address, medicines, medical conditions, and allergies. If something life threatening happens, it may be the only way to communicate with medical personnel.