Since our children were babies, road tripping' has been one of our favorite activities. Whether it is a day trip, a visit to Grandma's house, a weekend getaway or a week long family vacation, you will find us traveling many times a year. We never leave home without our Traveling First Aid Kit. Every traveler needs one, and this is especially true of family travelers. Here is our list of simple, effective, and essential first aid supplies that should be in every traveler's first aid kit.

Hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and alcohol preps (those little wipes that
already have the alcohol on them) or a bottle of alcohol and some applicators (for
cleaning hands and the cuts and scrapes that need to be cleaned, also for cleaning up
hands after touching, picking up or petting animals)
Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids), Gauze, and first aid tape (to take care of minor or
major cuts)
Hydrocortisone (for rashes)
Antibiotic ointment (for cuts, scrapes, minor burns)
Benadryl (bee stings, and other allergy symptoms)
Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) (for pain relief)
Antacid tablets (Tums, Rolaids, etc.), Medication for Nausea, upset stomach or
diarrhea (Pepto-Bismol or Imodium)
Aloe Vera (for sunburns)
Burn ointment (for burns) if you don't have this cool water is the best relief (not
ice)
Scissors, Tweezers
Instant Ice Packs (for sprains)

To this list you need to add specific first aid items for your family. For example, we have to take my son's seasonal allergy medications with us. You made need epinephrine (an Epipen) prescribed by your physician if one of your travelers is allergic to bee stings. If you know you will be at the ocean, white vinegar will soothe minor jellyfish stings. If you are heading out for hiking, then a poison ivy, oak, sumac remedy should be packed for your excursion. Remember when preparing your travel first aid kit, that every family first aid kit must be customized because each family has unique needs. Our list is general and our first aid kit does get additions depending on where the road is leading us. Just remember, every traveler needs a kit with at least the general first aid items in it and. Replenish it as needed before each journey.

This article is not intended to be medical advice; these are just the items that in our experience have helped us with minor injuries while traveling until we could get medical attention as needed. Please seek proper medical attention in case of any emergency situation and always seek out a physician when you are in doubt as to what type of care is necessary.

Learn more about this author, L Crawford.
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