10 must‑haves for safe travel

• Assemble your basic medications purposefully

Packed pain relievers and fever medication (e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol), anti‑nausea remedies (e.g. dimenhydrinate in tablet form and, if needed, suppositories) as well as treatments for diarrhoea and constipation. Also remember an antihistamine for allergic reactions and, for colds, suitable nasal sprays or throat lozenges.

• Wound care and hygiene items

Include a disinfectant (e.g. povidone‑iodine), alcohol disinfectant wipes, gauze bandages, compresses, waterproof plasters, scissors and disposable gloves. Complement the kit with antiseptic healing ointments (e.g. Bepanthen) and wound‑cleaning wipes for hand luggage.

• Don’t forget sun protection and insect repellent

Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin belong in your luggage. Observe special recommendations for children and pregnant women and choose products appropriate for your destination.

• Special selection for children

For babies and toddlers bring fever suppositories, age‑appropriate decongestant nasal drops, carminative suppositories (e.g. with cumin) for abdominal pain, fennel tea, zinc or healing creams and a digital thermometer. Child‑friendly plasters or silicone adhesive plasters and cooling gels for insect bites improve acceptance and effectiveness.

• Observe rules for air travel

Liquid medications in hand luggage are restricted to containers up to 100 ml and must be carried in a transparent bag (max. 1 l); tablets are exempt. For vital prescription medicines (e.g. insulin, inhalers) obtain a medical certificate in English and carry it with you.

• Proper storage on the go

Store medicines, where possible, in their original packaging and protect them from direct sunlight. Most tablets are stable at room temperature (approx. 15‑25 °C). Preparations requiring refrigeration (2‑8 °C) need a suitable cool bag. Glass vials can be secured with bubble wrap.

• Always carry personal and chronic medications

Your regularly required medicines (e.g. insulin, heart medication, eye drops, blood thinners) must not be missing. Pack a reserve supply for possible flight delays in your hand luggage and carry information about active ingredient and dosage.

• Check expiry dates and condition

Check expiration dates before packing and do not use expired products. Watch for signs such as discoloration, cloudiness or swollen packaging, as these may indicate a loss of quality.

• Consider destination and activities

Adapt the contents of your travel first‑aid kit to the destination and your planned activities. Find out about required vaccinations and travel medicine (e.g. malaria prophylaxis) and add, for sports trips, ointments for sprains and muscle soreness or, for diving trips, appropriate ear drops.

• Useful instruments and documents

Carry tools such as tick and splinter forceps and tick cards, as well as your vaccination record and, if necessary, an allergy card. Contraceptives such as the pill or condoms also belong in personal travel gear.