Painkillers, wound healing products & bandages
It doesn’t matter where you travel next, painkillers should definitely be in your suitcase. These can not only be used to immediately help headaches, but also to help aching limbs, colds or minor injuries. Discuss the respective medicine with your doctor in advance, after all it should be well-tolerated by you. If you suffer a skin injury on holiday, disinfectants and wound healing products as well as bandages with plasters, sterile compresses and gauze bandages should have a permanent place in your first-aid kit. Tweezers and nail scissors, as well as a fever thermometer, should also be in your luggage.
Medicine for respiratory disease and colds
It can happen on holiday that you quickly get a cold because of air conditioning. It is therefore recommended to be prepared for this eventuality. Nasal sprays with salt solution will support the nasal mucosa, protect and moisturise it even after a long flight. A decongestant nasal spray also provides relief from acute colds and rhinitis. You should also take throat lozenges or a cough syrup with you to prevent swallowing difficulties, sore throats or coughs. Taking a high dose of vitamin C, for example in the form of a spray, is also particularly helpful in the event of a cold. With a cough tea or sage tea as a supplement to your first-aid kit, you are well equipped. Are you travelling with children? Please ask your family doctor or paediatrician which medicines you can take with you for your children.
Medicines for digestive issues
One thing that should not be missing from your travel first-aid kit is medicine to calm the digestion, for example medicines for an upset stomach or diarrhoea. If you suffer from travel sickness, be sure to pack medicine in your hand luggage. Herbal teas with mallow or an aniseed-fennel-cumin tea are ideal for adding to your travel first-aid kit and quickly help with minor stomach aches, nausea or digestive problems.
Well protected against insect bites
Annoying mosquitoes and gnats can also cause discomfort when travelling. If you are travelling to a country where you can expect to be bitten by insects, pack insect-repellent clothing and a mosquito net. You should also bring tick tweezers. When travelling to exotic countries, be sure to talk to your family doctor beforehand about whether you need a vaccination and which insect repellent is recommended for this destination. It is also a good idea to carry an ointment for immediate relief from insect bites, such as Fenistil. An ideal holiday companion is tea tree oil, as this ensures that the itching quickly subsides in the event of a mosquito bite. Note: For application on the skin, please buy the "wild growth" quality and use it up within three months.
Well prepared and more tips
As a general rule: only take medicines and home remedies with you that you have already taken once and know that they are well tolerated by you. When travelling, please also carry your medical documents such as e-card, allergy card, vaccination card, international health insurance certificate, proof of insurance for international health insurance, diabetic card or other important documents in your hand luggage. It is equally important to have a credit card with the appropriate coverage, as any treatments at the holiday destination often have to be paid for immediately. Especially when travelling by air, it is advisable to carry the most important medicines and documents in your hand luggage in case a suitcase arrives late. Try to store your personal first-aid kit in as cool a place as possible, as certain medicines can lose their effect due to heat.
Natural remedies for your first-aid kit
In addition to the medicines in your first-aid kit, it is also a good idea to have a small selection of natural medicine products with you, such as essential oils, soothing teas or vitamin preparations. Propolis, also known as the natural remedy of bees, helps with colds and sore throats. A calendula ointment not only helps rough feet or hands, but also wounds or dry lips. Do you suffer from fear of flying or circulatory problems? Then an undiluted drop of neroli applied to your sternum can provide immediate relief. If you suffer from travel sickness, it's a good idea to drizzle some peppermint oil on the palms of your hands or on a cloth – the smell quickly calms any discomfort.