10 Travel Medications I Never Leave Home Without

My No-Fuss Travel Medicine Kit: What I Always Pack Before a Trip

**Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nurse, paramedic or even someone who Googles their symptoms with any accuracy.**

This isn’t professional medical advice it’s just the list of meds and essentials I never travel without. Over years of flying, hiking, cruising, and dealing with a dodgy curry or two (Delhi airport food court, I’m looking at you), I’ve learned the hard way that a small stash of key items can save your trip.

So whether you're heading off on a month-long European escape or a quick Bali long weekend, here’s my well-tested, no-nonsense packing list of health and comfort must-haves. Some things you’ll use often. Others you’ll hope you never need. But trust me you’ll be glad they’re in the bag when something goes sideways.

1. Paracetamol (Panadol) & Ibuprofen (Nurofen)

These are the first things that go in the kit. Headaches, sore feet, pulled muscles from trying to lift a suitcase like it’s made of clouds—it all happens. Sometimes it's just jetlag, sometimes it’s too much sun, or maybe too many drinks the night before. Either way, you’ll want both options on hand.

Pro tip: Most countries stock these over the counter, but they’re not always easy to find in the moment. Pack a few days' worth and top up if needed.

2. Imodium or Similar Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets

Nothing, and I mean nothing, ruins a travel day like a rumbling stomach just as your train is pulling out of the station. You don’t want to be hunting for a public toilet in rural Portugal or stuck on a five-hour ferry ride in Denmark, white-knuckling the handrail.

Delhi airport. That’s all I’ll say. One curry, one poor decision, and a nearly missed flight home. Since then, Imodium is never not in the bag.

3. Antacids or Eno

You’re trying new food, maybe eating later than usual, or overindulging on things like cheese, wine, or that fourth bowl of something spicy you swore you didn’t need. Heartburn is real, my friend.

We always pack a few chewable antacids or a sachet of Eno (the fizzy kind works fastest).

I always travel with these Eno sachets which are super handy for the middle of the night burn! link here.

4. Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

If you’re a fellow redhead like me, or just fair-skinned, this one’s non-negotiable. Some countries charge ridiculous prices for sunscreen—like €20+ for a tiny tube in parts of Spain. Stock up at home where it’s cheaper and you know what works for your skin.

5. Anti-Nausea or Motion Sickness Tablets

Planes, trains, boats, buses... tuk-tuks in India. Motion sickness can strike at the worst moments. Even if you’re usually fine, something about winding roads in a tropical country or the swell on an open sea day can turn your stomach.

We carry the over the counter ones like Travel Calm, but there are plenty of options depending on what works for you. These live in our day packs and carry on luggage for quick releif (just next to the Imodium!).

Fingers crossed we don't need them too often on our upcoming Croatia cruising!

6. Tweezers, Scissors, Safety Pins and Bandaids

You’d be amazed how often these come in handy. Removing splinters, cutting off tags, fixing a broken bag strap, or popping a blister after walking 25km on the Camino (yes, that happened).

Just don’t put scissors or tweezers in your carry-on unless you want to donate them to airport security. These go in the checked bag.

7. Electrolyte Sachets or Tablets

Jetlag, long-haul flights, walking around in the sun, or... let’s be honest, a few too many holiday cocktails, electrolytes are your best friend. They help rehydrate quickly and genuinely make you feel human again after a big day (or night).

We each carry a couple of single-serve sachets in our daypack. You’ll be grateful for them at some point, even if it’s just after hiking too long without water.

I particularly like these travel ones, packaged up nice and easy for on the go!

8. Hand Sanitiser (Travel Size)

For plane trays, public toilets, street food adventures, or when the hotel bathroom soap mysteriously disappears. A little bottle of sanitiser goes a long way.

Especially useful before digging into street tacos, skewers, or whatever looks too good not to try from a roadside vendor. We use it constantly, and not just in the pandemic years. Some habits are worth keeping.

9. Your Regular Prescription Medications

This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget in the pre-trip rush. Pack more than you need, in original packaging, and check the entry rules for any country you’re visiting.

Some prescription meds are restricted or even banned in certain countries. Always double check on SmartTraveller.gov.au and with your doctor.

I usually get a printed letter from my GP listing the medication, dosage, and confirming it’s for personal use. Never had to use it, but it gives peace of mind if anyone ever asks.

10. Spare Glasses (If You Wear Them)

If you’re a glasses-wearing traveller like us, pack your old pair as a backup and leave them in your travel bag. Getting replacements overseas is possible, but a pain—and not something you want to deal with when you’re trying to find your way around a city with blurry vision.

A Few Extra Handy Add-Ons

While not strictly medications, these items are part of our always-pack list and worth mentioning:

• Lip balm (planes and sun dry you out fast)

• Insect repellent (especially for SE Asia, the Balkans, or anywhere with mozzies)

• Tissues (some toilets don’t have paper... enough said)

• Plasters/band-aids (new shoes + cobblestone streets = blisters)

• Sleep aids (ear plugs or over-the-counter sleep tablets for long flights)

• Cold & flu tablets (hard to explain what you need in another language when you're already sneezing)

• A small first aid kit (with basics like antiseptic wipes, gauze, and tape)

Pro Tip: Use a Clear Toiletry Pouch

We keep all our medications and first aid stuff in a separate clear pouch. That way, it’s easy to grab when needed, and customs can see what’s inside without rifling through everything.

And every time you return from a trip, do a quick check and top-up before storing it away—future you will thank you.

Here’s a simple checklist version you can screenshot or print out before you pack:

✅ Paracetamol (Panadol)

✅ Ibuprofen (Nurofen)

✅ Imodium or anti-diarrhoea meds

✅ Eno or chewable antacids

✅ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

✅ Anti-nausea/motion sickness meds

✅ Electrolytes

✅ Hand sanitiser

✅ Tweezers, scissors & safety pins (checked luggage)

✅ Regular prescriptions + doctor’s letter

✅ Spare glasses

✅ Insect repellent

✅ Lip balm

✅ Band-aids

✅ Tissues

✅ Cold & flu tablets

✅ Earplugs or sleep aid

✅ First aid basics

Final Word

You don’t need to pack a pharmacy, but having a few well-chosen essentials can make the difference between a holiday hiccup and a full-blown disaster. You don’t want to be searching for Imodium in a village at 10pm or paying €18 for sunscreen at a beach kiosk. Been there. Done that.

So build your kit, chuck it in the suitcase, and travel smarter. You’ll be prepared for almost anything, and that’s half the battle.

Got any go-to meds or health hacks you always pack? Drop them in the comments, we’re always keen to learn from fellow travellers!

-Ash