Travel First Aid Supplies

You'll want to put together some travel first aid supplies and keep them in your trunk along with a blanket, bottled water, roadside flares, a flashlight, batteries and the equipment necessary to change a tire if you're planning a cross country trip. While you may think it's not necessary to take the time to put together such a package, you'll be grateful you did if you end up with a sick child or an emergency while you are out of town.

You can prepare a standard emergency first aid kit and leave it in your vehicle so you won't have to remember to do this every time you travel. However, you'll want to update the kit every so often to make sure expiration dates are not exceeded and supplies are not missing.

Preparing travel first aid kits is simple: imagine what emergencies might befall you and prepare appropriately. Purchase a hobby box or fishing tackle box, label it "First Aid Kit" and fill it with supplies you may need.

The following are suggestions for items you may want to include in a standard travel first aid kit:

• Travel sized bottles of Tylenol (pain reliever for headaches and aches and pains), Dramamine or sea bands (for travel sickness), Pepto Bismol tablets (for upset tummies), and Benadryl (for allergic reactions)
• Band-Aids of various sizes, including bandages
• Easy-activated cold pack
• Triple-antibiotic ointment (to prevent infections) and anti-itch cream (for topical relief of allergic reactions)
• A pair of nail clippers, tweezers and an emery board
• A small container of baking soda or meat tenderizer for bee and wasp stings

Other special situations that may require additional supplies are:

• If you will be traveling in the winter and may be at risk of getting stranded in a snow storm, you will want to bring along extra blankets and energy bars.
• If you will be traveling in the summer or to the beach, you will want to bring along sunscreen, bottled water and sunburn relief ointment such as Aloe vera or Solarcaine.
• If you are traveling with an infant, you will want to bring along Pedialyte (for hydration), gas relief drops, a thermometer, suppositories and diaper rash cream.

Last minute items you will want to pack for each trip
Make sure you bring along health insurance cards, prescriptions and your doctor's phone number.