The Caregiver’s Guide to Building a Traveler’s Health Kit

For many, summertime means traveling. Whether you’re going on a vacation or going to visit friends and family, there’s some extra preparation that goes into traveling when you’re a caregiver.

That’s why we’ve built a complete checklist of items you need to build a traveler’s health kit for your loved one. We’ve created this list based on CDC guidelines and tips and tricks from other caregivers.

With a little extra prep, you’ll be feeling more peace and less stress this summer!

What to Pack When Traveling

Medications

• All prescription medications - bring enough for the length of the trip plus one week in case an emergency keeps you from getting back home as planned

• Pill organizer

• Diarrhea medicine like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol

• Antacid

• Antihistamine

• Motion sickness medicine

• Cough drops, cough suppressants, or expectorant

• Decongestant

• Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)

• Mild laxative

• Mild sedative or sleep aid

• Supplements

First Aid

• Travel First Aid Kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream

• Antibacterial or antifungal ointments

• Digital thermometer

• Antiseptic wound cleaner

• Aloe gel for sunburns

• Insect bite anti-itch gel or cream

• Bandages

• Disposable gloves

• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)

• Tweezers

• Eye drops

Mobility Equipment

If you’re trying to pack as lightly as possible, consider renting a wheelchair or other medical equipment. Websites such as Mobility International USAExternal Link and the European Network for Accessible TourismExternal Link provide information on overseas medical equipment providers. In addition, airports, airplanes, and cruises are required by law to provide a wheelchair to you if needed. Check ahead with any hotels you’ll be staying at to see if they provide wheelchairs for guests.

• Wheelchair

• Wheelchair cushion

• Walker

• Cane

Medical Supplies

• Glasses, contacts, & contact solution

• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

• Diabetes testing supplies

• Insulin & protective carrying case

• Inhalers

• EpiPens

Supplies for Safety & Comfort

• Hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes

• Reusable water bottle

• Lip balm or chapstick

• Adaptive tableware

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses and hat

• Lotion

• Earplugs

• Compression socks

• Airplane neck pillow

• Grippy socks or slippers

Supplies for Traveling with Incontinence

• Adult diapers, pull-ups, or incontinence underwear

• Wipes

• Disposable gloves

• Absorbent underpads

• Rash care ointment

Documents

• Copies of your passport and travel documents

• Copies of all prescriptions (medications, glasses, or medical supplies)

• List of your medications, including the time of day they are taken and dosages

• Letter from your health care professional describing any medical conditions, medications, and potential complications

• Health insurance card and documents

• Proof of any vaccinations required for your trip

• COVID-19 vaccination card and/or COVID-19 test results

• Contact card with the street addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of family members or close contact in the United States

• Name and contact of care provider(s) at home

• Lodging at your destination

• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination

• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

Items to Pack When Traveling in Cold Climates

If you’re traveling by road in a cold climate, have these items in your car.

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Extra coats, mittens/gloves, and hats

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Bottled water and non-perishable food

• Jumper cables

• Reflective vest

• Car phone charger and phone charging bank

• Snow shovel

• Ice scraper

• Cat litter

• Windshield washer fluid

• Compass and map of the area you’re traveling in

• Plastic bags

• Extra adult diapers

Items to Pack When Traveling in Hot Climates

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Cooling vest

• Sunhat or cap

• Reusable water bottle

• Travel umbrella

Preparation is Key

Pack well ahead of time for trips, and consider keeping a basic travel health kit ready to go if you’ll be traveling to multiple places this season. 

Don’t forget to check out our top travel tips for safe and smooth trips.