One of the most important things I pack for every trip—besides snacks and a portable charger—is my travel medicine bag. It’s not glamorous, but it’s saved me more times than I can count. Over the years (and many random travel mishaps), I’ve fine-tuned what I bring and why. So here’s a peek inside my medicine bag—complete with personal stories and a few product links in case you’re building your own!
ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications or supplements. This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my adventures!
🩹 Band-Aids
If I don’t pack Band-Aids, I always end up needing them and paying way too much for a single one at a convenience store. Whether it’s a blister from walking all day or a random scrape, these are a must-have in my bag.
🤢 Sea-Bands
If you learn anything about traveling with me, it’s that I get motion sick quicker than just about anyone. Cars, buses, planes, boats—you name it. I always travel with Sea-Bands to help manage it, and I really do think they make a difference. They’ve saved me from more than one rough ferry ride or twisty mountain drive.
✨ Dramamine
When the Sea-Bands just aren’t cutting it, Dramamine comes to the rescue. I keep a couple tablets tucked in a side pocket just in case things get really rough. Bonus: some types help you sleep on long flights, too!
💊 Tylenol, Ibuprofen & Tums
The holy trinity of travel meds. Between headaches, sore muscles, random fevers, indigestion, and jet lag body aches, these have helped in more ways than I can count.
✨ Charcoal Pills
These are a non-negotiable after a rough bout of GI misery in Israel. We had a multi-day camel ride tour planned, and I wasn’t sure I could make it—Pepto wasn’t helping and I felt awful. A girl we met offered me charcoal pills, and I felt better within a few hours. Since then, I never travel without them.
🐜 Cortisone Cream
I got destroyed by mosquitoes in New Zealand. I was so grateful I had cortisone cream with me to calm the bites—it made the difference between a good night’s sleep and wanting to scratch my legs off.
✨ Benadryl
For unexpected allergic reactions, Benadryl has come in clutch. I always keep a couple in my med bag just in case.
🔥 Aloe
Despite being diligent with sunscreen, I somehow always end up getting sunburned on the first few days of a trip. Aloe is my go-to for relief—especially after beach days or long hikes.
🔍 Tweezers
I don’t know what it is, but I manage to get splinters everywhere I go. Tweezers are one of those things you forget you need until you desperately do. They’ve saved me in forests, beaches, and even hostels.
👁️ Lumify Eye Drops
My sister got me hooked on these, and honestly, they work better than any others I’ve tried. They reduce redness fast and make me look way more awake after long flights or dusty days.
💊 Pill Organizer
I usually try to consolidate my meds into a small pill box to save space. But depending on the country, I sometimes bring the original packaging—some places require proof the meds are prescribed or allowed. Either way, keeping everything organized helps a ton when you’re hopping around cities or countries.
🧳 My Med Bag
Okay, full disclosure—I actually use a nursing pouch my friends gave me, but if I were buying one for travel, this one would be my pick. It’s compact, organized, and super cute.
Every trip teaches me something new about what I need to bring, but this kit has become my core list. I hope it helps you build your own travel med bag—and saves you from some of the headaches (and stomach aches, and sunburns…) I’ve experienced along the way.
What’s the one thing you always pack in your travel medicine bag—or wish you had on your last trip? I’d love to hear your must-haves (or travel oops moments) in the comments!
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