Packing for summer travel can be a tough task. Remembering clothing for every event, toiletries, and anything else the family might need can be daunting! One thing I never travel without is my OTC travel kit, which I compile from items I have at home or purchase before heading out. The items in this kit vary, depending on if I’m traveling internationally or have more outdoor activities planned, but I often include many of the same things for every trip!

The CDC has excellent resources for travelers (Opens in a new tab or window) which can help you know whether you need vaccines, prescription medications or any special-order products outside of a typical OTC travel kit. Always read and follow directions for when and how to use items, check warnings and take precautions with over the counter medications.

OTC items I take every time I travel:

1. Adhesive bandages of varying sizes. Use these to cover a blister you got from walking during sight-seeing or taking care of a scrape you got while hiking! My favorites are bandages flexible enough to be comfortable while moving or waterproof bandages for use at the beach or pool.
2. Sunscreen. Whether you’re spending time swimming at the beach or in the pool, sight-seeing, hiking or any outdoor activity, sunscreen is a must-have. Mineral sunscreens are my personal favorite, as they’re well-tolerated. Sunscreen sprays are often convenient, but they typically still need to be rubbed in! All sunscreens should be reapplied throughout the day.
3. Pain reliever/fever reducer. For typical aches and pains while you’re away from your medicine cabinet or to help relieve a fever that crops up unexpectedly, pack acetaminophen and ibuprofen in your OTC travel kit.
4. Antacids and heartburn relief. To make sure you fully enjoy new, local foods, you might want antacids on hand for after-meal relief, and long-acting heartburn relief for prevention or cases not relieved by antacids alone.
5. Insect repellent. Insect repellent wipes are handy if you don’t expect to need lots of insect repellant on your trip. They can fit in a day bag for unexpected needs while sight-seeing, and they’re carry-on friendly.
6. Motion sickness medication. Keep motion sickness medication on hand if you’re taking a long car ride, traveling by plane or going on a cruise!
7. Bonus item: ear plugs. Ear plugs are helpful if your hotel room ends up near an elevator or high traffic spot, if you’re traveling with a larger group or if you’re generally used to having quiet at home!

How does my OTC kit change if I am traveling with children?

Make sure you have the children’s, chewable or liquid formulations of pain reliever/fever reducers appropriate for children of the age with whom you’re traveling. Recognize that children shouldn’t take certain stomach relief tablets or liquid if they have a fever or flu-like illness or are under the age of 12.

Extra OTC items for international travel:

1. Stomach relief. It’s more common to have stomach upset, indigestion or diarrhea during international travel, when foods are more foreign to your body. A great first line of defense is stomach relief (Opens in a new tab or window), which can help alleviate mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea and indigestion.
2. Melatonin. If you’re traveling across several time zones, melatonin (Opens in a new tab or window) can be used to help alleviate jet lag if taken at your destinations bedtime.
3. Insect repellent. On certain international trips, special insect repellent may be needed to protect yourself from mosquitos. Use the CDC’s travel resources (Opens in a new tab or window) and consult your pharmacist or other healthcare practitioner for help!