The specifics of a first aid kit will differ significantly depending on the activities planned during your travels. If your travels are limited to urban centres with readily available medical personnel and equipment your first aid kit will be much less than that of a back country hiker. We recommend that you either make your own kit or purchase a pre-made kit and add (or remove or upgrade) to it as needed. Don't just purchase a kit and never open it as it is good to familiarize yourself with the contents prior to actually needing it.

The contents of a basic First aid kit need to be enough to satisfy your day to day requirements for common travelers problems.

Zip-Lock bags make excellent kits as you can see the contents inside and they can be molded to fit into your luggage or day pack. The following is a good list to get started:

• 1. Pain relief tablets
  Commonly known as as Acetaminophen ("Tylenol") or Ibuprofen ("Advil" or "Motrin").

• 2. Anti-nausea tablets
  Known as Dymenhydrinate (e.g., "Gravol"). Be aware that Dymenhydinate often has a sedating effect.

• 3. Anti-Diarrhea tablets Such as "Immodium". Many types of travelers' Diarrhea is caused by bacteria that is picked up on food/water and is best treated by prescription medication recommended by your doctor prior to your trip.

• 4. Extra Prescription Medication.
  If you require prescription medication always bring extra (at least one week's worth), packed separately from your main supply in case you are away longer than expected or your main supply is lost or stolen.

• 5. Bandages
  An assortment of different size bandages to cover various sores, both large and small.

• 6. Anti-infective ointment
  Such as "Polysporin". Applied to wounds to prevent/treat skin infection.