What Medical Supplies Should You Pack For Solo Trips


When travelling solo, especially as an “older” traveller, being prepared is one of the best ways to stay confident and safe on the road. While we all try our best to stay healthy when we’re travelling, there are still times that sickness happens. Even a small headache, a stomach issue, or a minor cut can feel overwhelming when you’re alone in a new place. If you’re heading out on a solo adventure, this post covers all of the medical supplies to pack for solo trips.

Travel medical kits are easy to carry, easy to use, and often needed in order to handle small mishaps without panicking. The items covered in this post are essential to have with you whenever and wherever you travel, whatever type of travel you’ll be doing.

Medical Supplies To Pack For Solo Trips

medical supplies to pack for solo trips should include medications, gloves, mask, and scissors

Why Every Solo Traveller Should Have A Medical Kit

When you’re travelling alone, you’re your own nurse, planner, and problem-solver. If you get a cold or a minor injury when travelling, it’s up to you to figure it out. This is why it’s so important to know what medical supplies to pack for a solo trip. I know many people travel without a medical kit, but having one handy provides so many benefits, such as:

  • reduces stress when small issues happen
  • helps you handle minor issues quickly
  • keeps you independent
  • reduces (or eliminates) clinic visits
  • provides you with peace of mind

If you’re a senior travelling solo, it’s even more valuable to have a well-stocked medical kit.

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What Medical Supplies To Pack For Solo Trips

When planning what medical supplies to pack for solo trips, there are several things that should be taken into consideration. Afterall, you won’t need to pack the same items for a trip to the beach as you would for hiking through the mountains. When deciding what medical supplies to pack, the following should be taken into consideration:

  • Climate: Hot, cold, or humid destinations may affect medications (e.g., insulin storage, meltable ointments).
  • Altitude or Remote Areas: you may need additional medical supplies, especially if help is far away
  • Local Availability: some countries have limited over-the-counter products
  • Type of Travel: for adventure travel, you might want to add blister packs or muscle rub. For urban or resort travel, a basic medical kit would likely be enough.
  • Legal Restrictions: some countries may restrict certain medications, such as strong pain killers or stimulants

Once you’ve determined everything above, the following are some of the items that you’ll want to have packed in your medical kit.

Prescription Medications

First and foremost the most important medical supplies to pack for a solo trip is your prescription medications. Make sure to bring enough for your entire trip, plus extra, just in case there are any type of delays. You always want to be prepared.

Along with the actual prescription medication, it’s also wise to have the following handy – just in case:

  • a written list of your prescriptions
  • if need be, a doctor’s note, which can be helpful for airports and customs
  • copies of prescriptions just in case you need to refill while you’re away

Just One Tip: ALWAYS pack prescription medications in your carry-on or personal item

Over The Counter Medications To Pack For Solo Trips

The over the counter medications that you pack are always your first line of defence in the event a minor issue arises while you’re travelling. The medical supplies to pack for solo trips should always include:

  • pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
  • anti-diarrheal medication
  • antacids
  • motion sickness tablets (especially if you’re going on a cruise)
  • antihistamines for allergies or in the case of an unexpected reaction to something
  • cold and flu tablets
  • sleep aid only if you normally use one

Always purchase travel sized versions to save space in your suitcase.

First Aid Basics

Organized display of medical tools and supplies including gauze, scissors, and bandages on a blue surface.

A small first aid pouch will make common annoyances much more bearable. If you have the proper essentials in your medical bag, you can efficiently deal with cuts, scrapes, or blisters, with ease.

  • multiple sizes of bandaids
  • gauze pads
  • antiseptic wipes and ointment
  • tweezers
  • medical tape
  • blister pads (these are a life-saver when doing a lot of hiking)

Stomach And Hydration Support

New foods, long travel days, and warm climates often affect your digestion and hydration levels. The following are some optional medical supplies to pack for solo trips, especially if you know you’ll be eating a lot of new food or doing a lot of physical activity:

  • rehydration salts or electrolyte powder
  • anti-nausea tablets
  • ginger chews
  • probiotics, which are especially helpful during long trips
  • a small foldable water bottle

Health Items For Seniors Travelling Alone

Seniors should pack extra items in their medical travelling kit when travelling solo, such as daily vitamins and an extra pair of reading glasses

If you’re a “mature” solo traveller, packing a few extra medical supplies will make all the difference if you end up being sick. In addition to all of the basic supplies noted above, older solo travellers should also consider packing:

  • an extra set of reading glasses (if you wear glasses)
  • compression socks for long flights. I recommend flights over 3 hours
  • a small pill organizer
  • travel size hot or cold packs
  • any daily supplements that you take
  • a list of medical conditions and emergency contact numbers

Hygiene Essentials

The best way to reduce the risk of getting sick while travelling is prevention. In order to do this, you will want to keep things clean. Packing the following items will help you do this:

  • hand sanitizer
  • travel tissues
  • antibacterial wipes
  • a small pack of disposable masks. This will help keep you healthy when in crowded spaces or an area with a lot of pollution

Skin And Sun Protection

Woman applying sunscreen on her legs at the beach, enjoying a sunny summer day. Protect your skin from the sun when travelling solo

Other than dehydration, the most common illness is heat stroke – especially when travelling to tropical destinations. This can be avoided by limiting your time in the sun. But did you know that even in winter or when visiting cloudy destinations, exposure to the sun can also make you ill if you don’t take precautions?

In order to avoid getting sick from sun exposure, I recommend packing the following medical supplies:

  • sunscreen – minimum SPF 30+
  • lip balm with SPF
  • aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion (apply even if you don’t appear to be burnt)
  • bug bite cream
  • insect repellent

Just One Tip: If you’re travelling to a sunny destination and plan on doing a lot of swimming, pack a rash guard which will ensure protection from the sun

Digital Health Tools

None of these digital medical supplies to pack for solo trips are mandatory, but they are important if you have any pre-existing conditions. Some digital items to take into consideration when packing your medical kit:

  • digital thermometer
  • portable pulse oximeter (this is especially useful for seniors on an active trip)
  • mini hot-cold USB heating pad
  • a small flashlight for nighttime emergencies

Emergency Documentation

These items are important for all travellers to have on hand, but it’s exceptionally important when you’re travelling solo. Make sure that you have these items in your medical kit, or tucked away safely in a waterproof pouch:

  • travel insurance information – solo travellers – DON’T leave home without purchasing insurance!
  • emergency contacts
  • list of allergies
  • address of accommodations
  • local emergency numbers

All of this information is essential in the event that you need help quickly. Make sure that you have it all together stored in one place.

Comfort Items That Make A Big Difference

CBD soft gels and black eye mask laid on brown fur promoting relaxation and sleep, are medical supplies to pack for solo trips

These items aren’t medical, but they can make a huge difference if you start feeling sick while you’re travelling.

  • herbal tea bags. I recommend ginger, peppermint, or chamomile.
  • reusable heat wrap
  • small essential oil roller – either lavender or peppermint
  • soft eye mask

It’s these little comforts that will help to ease stress and help you have a good night sleep after a long day of exploring.

How To Pack All Your Medical Supplies For Travel

I don’t recommend packing all of your medical supplies in one large bag. Dividing the items into categories in separate zippered organizers makes it much easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Keep everything accessible in your daypack or carry-on so you can reach it quickly if needed.

Contact Kelly, a Licensed Travel Agent, to book your next dream vacation

Medical Supplies To Pack For Solo Trips: In Conclusion

Having a well stocked travel health kit is one of the smartest things you can bring on a solo trip. You will be prepared to handle any minor health issues that may arise without stress.

When considering what medical supplies to pack for solo trips, think about what kind of travel you will be doing. But remember, whether you’re exploring the backroads at home, laying on a beach, cruising in the Caribbean, or strolling the cobblestone streets in Europe, sickness does happen, so it’s always best to be prepared.

Healthy Travels 🙂

Travel Solo Like a Pro!

AIRFARE:

♥  CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:

♥  I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US

ACTIVITIES:

♥  Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun

BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:

♥  BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.

CAR RENTAL:

♥  Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals

AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:

♥  Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station.  Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.

CRUISES:

♥  Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

♥  Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials.  It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.

SAVE TO BUILD YOUR TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT

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