Packing for a family holiday usually involves remembering passports, swimwear, chargers, and enough snacks to keep everyone happy on the journey. But one item that’s often overlooked is a well-stocked first aid kit.
While nobody wants to think about illness or injury while they’re away, being prepared matters. Minor cuts, insect bites, headaches, upset stomachs, and sunburn are all common holiday mishaps that are often easy to manage if you have the right supplies to hand.
Whether you’re travelling within Europe or heading further afield, here’s what every family should consider packing before they leave.
Essential medicines
Every family first aid kit should include a small selection of medicines suitable for adults and children, where appropriate.
These may include:
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Children’s pain and fever relief (appropriate for your child’s age)
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions or insect bites
- Oral rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoeal medication for adults (where suitable)
- Indigestion remedies
- Motion sickness medication if anyone in the family is prone to travel sickness
Speak to your pharmacist before travelling if you’re unsure which medicines are suitable for your family or destination.
First aid supplies
Minor cuts and scrapes are common during holidays, especially when children are running around swimming pools, beaches, campsites, or playgrounds.
Pack:
- Assorted plasters
- Sterile dressings
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antiseptic cream
- Small bandages
- Tweezers (useful for splinters)
- Small scissors (packed in hold luggage if flying)
- Safety pins
These items take up very little space but can be extremely useful.
Sun protection essentials
Many family holidays involve long days outdoors, making sun protection an essential part of your travel kit.
Don’t forget:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, ideally SPF 50 for children)
- Aftersun lotion or cooling gel
- Lip balm with SPF
- Wide-brimmed hats
- UV-protective sunglasses
Remember that sunscreen should be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or excessive sweating.
Insect bite protection
Mosquitoes and other biting insects are common in many popular holiday destinations.
Pack:
- Insect repellent suitable for adults and children
- After-bite cream or soothing gel
- Antihistamine cream if recommended by your pharmacist
If you’re travelling to a destination where mosquito-borne diseases are a concern, seek travel health advice before your trip.
Stomach upsets
Changes in food, water, routine, and climate can all contribute to digestive problems while travelling.
Useful items include:
- Oral rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoeal medication for adults
- A thermometer to monitor fever
- Plenty of bottled water where local tap water isn’t recommended
Children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, so keeping oral rehydration salts in your travel kit is particularly worthwhile.
Prescription medication
If anyone in your family takes regular medication, make this your top packing priority.
Before you travel:
- Take enough medication for your entire holiday, plus a few extra days in case of delays
- Carry medicines in their original packaging
- Keep them in your hand luggage if flying
- Bring copies of prescriptions if appropriate
- Check whether any medicines have restrictions in the country you’re visiting
If your medication needs refrigeration or special storage, plan ahead before departure.
Helpful extras
A few additional items can make dealing with minor health issues much easier.
Consider packing:
- Digital thermometer
- Hand sanitiser
- Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- Disposable gloves
- Tick removal tool if you’re planning countryside walks
- Instant cold pack
- Small torch
- Hydration tablets for hot climates
These lightweight additions can prove invaluable in unexpected situations.
Don’t forget important documents
A travel health kit isn’t just about medicines.
Keep the following easily accessible:
- Travel insurance details
- Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), if travelling in Europe
- Emergency contact numbers
- Details of any allergies or medical conditions
- A list of current medications
- Your child’s NHS number if you feel it’s useful
Saving digital copies on your phone as well as carrying paper copies can be helpful.
Before travelling, it’s worth familiarising yourself with how to access healthcare at your destination and ensuring your travel insurance provides appropriate cover.
A well-prepared first aid kit can provide reassurance throughout your holiday. Having the right supplies readily available means you’re better equipped to deal with the small health issues that commonly arise when travelling with children.
Alongside packing your first aid essentials, consider booking a consultation at your local travel health clinic before you leave.
Your local pharmacy can advise on destination-specific health risks, recommended vaccinations, travel medicines, and the products that are most appropriate for your family’s plans.
A little preparation before you travel can help ensure your holiday is remembered for all the right reasons.