Reiseapotheke zusammenstellen: What Should Go in Your Travel First Aid Kit?

Thinking about packing a travel first aid kit can feel like one more thing on an already long to-do list. But imagine being on a beach, on a hike, or in an unfamiliar city when a sudden fever, a blister, or a nasty insect bite threatens to spoil your trip. That small, well-organized kit can turn a potentially stressful situation into a manageable blip. In this article I’ll walk you through the why, the what, and the how of building a travel-friendly “Reiseapotheke” — a travel medicine kit — so you can travel confidently, safely, and with far less worry.

Whether you’re taking a weekend city break, a backpacking adventure through several countries, or a long family vacation, the principles are the same: be prepared, keep it legal and sensible, and tailor the contents to the people, destination, and duration of your trip. Read on and you’ll come away with a checklist, packing tips, legal considerations, and practical advice that makes assembling your kit quick and easy.

Why a travel first aid kit matters

Travel is unpredictable: schedules change, weather shifts, and you meet new environments with new health risks. A small emergency can become a real problem if you don’t have basic supplies or medication. A travel kit isn’t just for emergencies either — it helps you treat minor ailments quickly so you can keep enjoying your trip.

A good travel pharmacy reduces dependence on finding a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place, solves language barriers (you can label items in advance), and gives peace of mind when traveling with kids, older people, or if you have chronic conditions. It’s also worth remembering that some destinations have limited medical services or pharmacists who don’t carry what you need. Preparation is simple and usually inexpensive compared to the stress and cost of an avoidable medical visit abroad.

Think before you pack: destination, duration, and traveler needs

Before you pick items, take a few minutes to think about the trip specifics. Where are you going? Is it urban or remote? Tropical or cold? High altitude? How long will you be gone? Who’s traveling — children, pregnant people, elderly, or someone with chronic conditions? Do you need to cross borders with prescription medications that may be restricted?

Answering these questions shapes the kit. A city break in Europe needs a much smaller kit than a two-week jungle trek. If you have allergies, chronic illnesses, or ongoing prescriptions, you’ll need extra documentation and perhaps additional quantities of medication. It’s this tailoring that makes a travel kit not just useful but indispensable.

Core items every travel pharmacy should include

There are basic items almost every kit should contain. These essentials cover common problems like pain, fever, cuts, infections, stomach upsets, allergies, and minor burns. Aim for compact, multi-purpose items when space is limited.

• Prescription medications (in original packaging + copy of prescription/doctor’s note)
• Pain relievers and fever reducers (e.g., paracetamol / acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites (fast- and long-acting)
• Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide) and oral rehydration salts
• Antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and adhesive bandages of various sizes
• Gauze pads, sterile dressings, and hypoallergenic tape
• Tweezers, small scissors, safety pins, and disposable gloves
• Thermometer (digital) and basic first aid manual
• Sun protection (small sunscreen) and insect repellent

These items give you broad coverage without a heavy weight penalty. Next we’ll expand each category and suggest quantities and rationale.

Checklist table: What to pack, why, and suggested quantities

Medications: prescriptions, OTC, and special considerations

Medications require the most thought. Prescription drugs should always be carried in their original packaging and accompanied by a copy of the prescription and, ideally, a letter from your doctor explaining why you need them. For controlled substances or certain psychotropics, check legal restrictions in the countries you’ll visit — some medications that are common at home are illegal elsewhere.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like pain relievers, antihistamines, antiemetics (for nausea), and antidiarrheals are useful. Keep dosing instructions handy and avoid mixing medications without checking interactions. If you regularly take blood thinners, insulin, or other critical meds, carry extras and a cold pack if refrigeration is required. For insulin and temperature-sensitive drugs, consider a travel cooler or a device specifically designed for medicines.

Antibiotics and when to take them

Some people wonder whether to pack antibiotics for travel. In some circumstances, clinicians may prescribe a “standby” antibiotic, particularly for remote travel where medical help is hours or days away. This should only be done after consultation with a travel medicine physician. Self-prescribing antibiotics without medical advice can contribute to resistance and may mask symptoms of a serious condition.

If you do carry antibiotics, store them in the original packaging, know the exact indication and dosing schedule, and only use them when a healthcare professional advises or when you meet previously agreed criteria. Never use antibiotics for viral infections.

First aid tools and wound care

Minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and blisters are common while traveling. Basic supplies and a calm head will usually be enough. Clean the wound, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile dressing. For blisters, protect with hydrocolloid dressings or moleskin to allow healing and continued activity.

• Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) and blister plasters
• Antiseptic wipes or solution (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)
• Antibiotic ointment for superficial wounds (use only externally)
• Elastic bandage for sprains and strains
• Tweezers (for splinters/ticks), small scissors, safety pins
• Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex-free) and a CPR face shield

Keep scissors and tweezers clean and stored safely. If you encounter a deep or heavily bleeding wound, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain), seek professional medical help.

Preventive items: mosquito protection, sun care, and water safety

Prevention is often better than cure. Vaccinations, mosquito protection, and safe water practices prevent many travel illnesses.

Before you go, check required and recommended vaccines for your destination — these might include routine vaccines as well as travel-specific ones (typhoid, hepatitis A/B, yellow fever, rabies). Visit a travel clinic ideally 4–8 weeks before departure so vaccines and prophylaxis can be given on time.

• Insect repellent (DEET 20–30% or picaridin equivalent for tropics)
• Permethrin-treated clothing or tent treatments for remote camping
• Sunscreen SPF 30+ and a broad-brimmed hat
• Water purification tablets, a filter, or advice to boil water in high-risk areas

Use insect repellent correctly and reapply per manufacturer instructions. Remember that DEET should be used with caution on young children and that sunscreen and repellent shouldn’t be applied simultaneously — follow product guidance.

Special packs for children, pregnant travelers, and chronic conditions

Travel needs change with the traveler’s age and health. For kids, add pediatric formulations, a digital thermometer suited for children, oral rehydration solutions, teething gel if needed, and child-safe sun protection. Pack comfort items like favorite snacks or a familiar small toy — calming a child can be at least as medically helpful as a medication.

Pregnant travelers should consult their obstetrician before travel. Some vaccines and medications are contraindicated in pregnancy, and long-haul flights or destinations with limited medical facilities may carry additional risks. If travel is approved, bring prenatal vitamins, anti-nausea meds recommended by the provider, and emergency contacts for local obstetric services.

For chronic conditions, bring enough medication for the full trip plus extras, a recent summary of medical history, allergies, and a list of medications with generic names. Devices like insulin pens, CPAP machines, or inhalers should have their power and storage needs planned in advance. Carry a doctor’s letter to facilitate medication crossing borders and to inform foreign healthcare providers about your condition if needed.

Legal and documentation considerations

Crossing borders with medications can be tricky. Some countries restrict certain ingredients or have different names for drugs. Always carry medications in original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription. For controlled substances or injectable medications (like insulin), request a doctor’s letter outlining the medical necessity and, if possible, an English translation.

Check official government and embassy websites for medication import rules. Some countries require declarations or specific permits. If you use syringes, be sure you understand local regulations and carry a sharps container for safe disposal. Finally, consider registering with your embassy or consulate if traveling in a region with political instability or limited medical infrastructure.

Packing, storage, and transportation tips

How you pack matters. Keep medications in your carry-on to avoid lost luggage problems and protect temperature-sensitive meds from extreme heat or cold. Use small, clear resealable bags or a dedicated travel pouch so items are visible and accessible. Label everything clearly, especially if medicines are transferred to smaller containers. Don’t remove labels from original packaging for prescriptions.

For temperature-sensitive drugs, a portable cooler or medication travel case with gel packs is useful, but check airline and customs rules on transporting cold packs. If you must check medication, place it in insulated packaging and notify the airline of the contents. If you use insulin, bring an extra prescription and a thermometer to ensure it hasn’t been exposed to heat or freezing temperatures.

Carry-on vs checked baggage: practical rules

Always carry essential medications and valuables in your carry-on. Liquids follow airline rules (typically containers 100 ml or less in a clear bag) — but many airlines make allowances for medically necessary liquids like insulin and liquid medicines beyond the typical limit, provided you declare them at security.

Keep a printed medication list and doctor’s letter in your carry-on. If you need refrigeration that can’t be kept in a carry-on, consider shipping ahead to your destination or arranging local pharmacy pickup on arrival.

When to seek professional medical help

Knowing when to treat at the hotel and when to see a doctor or get emergency care is vital. Seek immediate care for trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden severe abdominal pain, severe allergic reactions (swelling of face or throat), uncontrolled bleeding, high fever, fainting, or signs of stroke. Also, if you have persistent high fever, bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, or wounds that appear infected, get professional medical help.

Keep a local emergency number list and your travel insurance details readily available. If you’re traveling in remote areas, have a plan for evacuation and know how to reach local emergency services or your embassy for assistance.

Practice and preparation: basic skills that matter

A kit is only as useful as the person who knows how to use it. Take a basic first aid course before longer or adventurous trips — simple skills like cleaning and dressing a wound, recognizing signs of dehydration, or performing CPR can make a huge difference. Learn how to properly administer an epinephrine auto-injector if a traveler has severe allergies, and practice using devices like inhalers and insulin pens so you’re comfortable doing so under stress.

Practice packing the kit a week before you leave and update medication lists and quantities based on the final itinerary. This also gives you time to replace expired items and buy anything missing.

Step-by-step packing plan (quick)

1. List each traveler’s medical needs and prescriptions.
2. Check destination-specific requirements and vaccines.
3. Assemble core supplies (see checklist table).
4. Place meds in original packaging and print copies of prescriptions.
5. Pack kit in carry-on; keep fragile/temperature-sensitive meds insulated.
6. Inform travel companions where the kit is stored and how to use key items.
7. Update the kit mid-trip if traveling long-term (restock after using items).

Sample long-trip and remote-area additions

If you’re heading into remote regions or traveling for an extended period, consider additional supplies that are heavier or require training to use. These can include a broader range of antibiotics (only if prescribed as standby therapy), a suture kit (only if trained), sterile IV fluids for severe dehydration (extremely specialized and often not practical), and advanced wound-care products. For most travelers, the focus should be on prevention, basic wound care, and knowing where to find help.

Other useful additions for remote travel include a satellite phone or personal locator beacon, a compact water purifier, and spare glasses or contact lenses. When you’re far from medical help, communication and preventive strategies are as important as medications.

Where to buy items and how to choose brands

You can assemble most items from pharmacies, outdoor stores, or online retailers. Choose reputable brands for sunscreen and insect repellent and buy age-appropriate medications for children. When buying over-the-counter drugs abroad, verify the active ingredient to avoid duplicate therapy (for example, many “cold” remedies include paracetamol as well as antihistamines). For prescriptions, ask your doctor for the generic names so you can find the same drug if you need a refill overseas.

Keep receipts and original packaging for any prescription medications to help with customs queries and to provide clear information to foreign healthcare providers if needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underpacking: bring only a few painkillers and no rehydration solutions.
• Not verifying legal status of prescription drugs in the destination country.
• Putting all medication in checked baggage and losing access if luggage is delayed.
• Using antibiotics without professional guidance.
• Letting medications expire or exposing temperature-sensitive meds to extremes.

Avoid these pitfalls by planning, seeking travel medicine advice when needed, and double-checking airline and customs rules before departure.

Final checklist before you zip the bag

Before you leave, run through this short checklist:

• Do you have enough prescription medication for the whole trip plus a few days? Yes/No
• Are prescriptions and a doctor’s letter in your carry-on? Yes/No
• Have you packed basic OTC meds, antiseptics, bandages, and a thermometer? Yes/No
• Do you have destination-specific prevention (vaccines, repellents, ORS)? Yes/No
• Is your travel insurance information accessible and up-to-date? Yes/No

If you answered “no” to any of these, address that item before you leave. It is much easier (and cheaper) to prepare at home than to resolve an avoidable health problem abroad.

Useful templates and quick references to carry

Make a small “medical card” to carry in your wallet or phone. Include emergency contacts, allergies, chronic conditions, blood type (if known), and a short medication list with dosages and generic names. Save digital copies of prescriptions and your travel insurance policy in a secure cloud folder so you can access them from anywhere. Finally, note local emergency numbers for each country on your itinerary and mark the location of your country’s embassy in major cities you’ll visit.

Resources for further help

If you want personalized advice, especially for complex medical needs or travel to remote or high-risk destinations, consult a travel medicine clinic. They can advise on vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, and specialized recommendations for your itinerary. Travel health websites of national health agencies and the World Health Organization provide up-to-date advisories and links to local resources.

Conclusion

Putting together a Reiseapotheke — a travel first aid kit — is an act of practical care that pays big dividends. Start with the basics: prescriptions in original packaging, pain relief, antiseptics, bandages, anti-diarrheals, and items for prevention like sunscreen and insect repellent. Tailor the kit to your destination, trip length, and the people traveling with you, pack medicines in your carry-on, and carry documentation for controlled drugs. Learn a few basic first aid skills, check local rules for medications, and keep your kit visible and accessible. With a little thought and preparation you can reduce risk, stay healthier, and enjoy your travels with more confidence.