First-aid kit essentials for family travel

Travel may be fun, but motion sickness isn’t. Keep anti-nausea medication on hand for stomach upsets.

Allergic reactions range from no fun at all to life-threatening. Make sure you’re prepared for both known and unknown allergies by packing antihistamines.

Ginger capsules are a science-approved natural remedy for motion sickness and seasickness.

In case of diarrhea, make sure you have something on hand to replenish and rehydrate the body. Oral rehydration solution is a simple fix to take with you.

Pain or fever can quickly strip the fun and relaxation from any holiday, so make sure to pack pain and fever relievers, ibuprofin or acetaminophen.

Public restrooms and campground washrooms are sometimes short on soap, so bring quick-fix alternatives for hand-cleaning: hand sanitizer and wipes.

For children ages two to 12, make sure their insect repellent contains no more than 10 percent DEET and apply no more than three times daily. For children from six months to two years, apply only once daily. No DEET level is safe for kids less than six months old. Icaridin-based repellents (at a concentration of up to 20 percent) are also a good choice for kids six months to 12 years.

For minor cuts and burns that come with outdoor adventures, keep some antibiotic ointment in your travel first-aid kit.

Rubbing alcohol is a handy antiseptic that also relieves the sting of a jellyfish.

Bandages are handy for cuts and scrapes, or even to use to make a splint.

Sunscreen can be more expensive in other countries, so take along your favourite brand from home to ensure the family is protected from sunburns. Here are the best sunscreens for kids. 

In the case of an unexpected fever, having a thermometer on hand means you can easily monitor any temperature that starts creeping up.

Read more: How to travel safely with your family6 perils of campingYour ultimate guide to the most common kid illnesses