Are you planning on adventuring in another country or a rural area? Although often overlooked, you can’t forget about medical supplies you may need on your trip. In many places, some medicines are not available over the counter like they are in the U.S., the packaging is in a different language, or may not be available at all. Other times there may be an emergency and if you’re unfamiliar with the city you’re in you may not know where the closest pharmacy or hospital is. What makes a good first aid kit is preparation. Buying one from the store works just fine if you’re not a worrywart or prone to accidents, but making one can be just as easy. Tailoring it to your needs makes it an invaluable piece of your luggage. If you’re prone to any kind of infections, take the solvent with you in a small spill-proof bottle. That’s the thing about emergency kits, the more personalized they are, the better. So although I will provide two sample lists of first aid kits, it should just be a jumping off point while you are making yours.
Basic: Used for hikes, trips to the pool with children, short camping trips, weekend trips, your car, boys- a mix of small, medium and large-sized good quality Band-Aids (10), extra large Band-Aid (4), Neosporin (1 small tube), small bottle of aloe vera, small flashlight.
Advanced: Used for living in the dorms, living in your Greek housing, living in an apartment, extended camping trips, full semester abroad- a mix of small, medium and large-sized good quality Band-Aids (10), extra large Band-Aid (4), Neosporin (1 small tube), ibuprofen (1 bottle), Excedrin Migraine (1 bottle), allergy medicine (1 pack), runny-nose medicine (1 pack), pack of stuffy nose medicine (1 pack), sore throat medicine (1 pack), cough drops (1 package), ice pack (1), small bottle of aloe vera, small flashlight.
To many people reading this, both of these lists will look ridiculous and that’s fine. But when your keeping the entire hostel up cause you can’t stop coughing at night, or your foot is bleeding all over trail, or you’re miserable in Paris cause you’re unexpectedly allergic to the pollen there- don’t come crying to me. It’s perfectly ok to feel like a loser mom (not a cool mom) and bring a overstuffed first aid kit. It’s a surprising comfort that has very real practical value.
