Don’t leave home without your travel medical kit in your carry-on.

Last week during my return flight from Dubai, I experienced a health scare that reinforced why I always pack a small medical kit. About three hours into my 16-hour flight, I developed tingling, pain, and itchiness in my arm, followed by chills and mild nausea. I noticed unusual bites on my arm and the back of my leg that felt like a mild sunburn.

As panic started to creep in (it’s hard to think rationally when you’re trapped on a plane for many more hours), I remembered my travel essentials. The Benadryl and cortisone cream I always pack didn’t completely resolve the issue, but along with Tylenol taken a few hours later, they made the remainder of my flight much more bearable.

While this isn’t medical advice, here are five must-have medical items in my travel medical kit that I never travel without:

1. Band-Aids

Band-Aids are incredibly versatile. Beyond covering wounds, I’ve used them as fashion tape in a pinch when clothing threatened to reveal too much. They’ve protected my feet from painful blisters during long days of sightseeing. I’ve even used them for emergency repairs on torn bags and to seal leaking toiletries that threatened to ruin everything in my suitcase. Their small size and multiple uses make them an essential addition to any travel kit.

2. Benadryl (or similar antihistamine)

As my recent experience showed, you never know when you’ll need an antihistamine. Benadryl has saved me from unexpected food allergies that appeared after trying new cuisine in foreign countries. It’s been crucial for managing reactions to insect bites in tropical locations. I’ve occasionally used it as a sleep aid on long flights when my body clock was completely confused. Remember that antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so use with caution, especially if you need to drive or stay alert.

3. Imodium (or similar anti-diarrheal)

Traveler’s diarrhea can strike anywhere, even during luxury experiences. For adventurous eaters especially, this medication is indispensable when sampling street food or unfamiliar dishes. While it’s usually available worldwide, you don’t want to be searching for a pharmacy in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar location when digestive distress strikes. Having it on hand can save an entire day of your precious vacation time.

4. Cortisone Cream

This “magic in a tube” addresses multiple skin irritations you might encounter. It provides immediate relief from mosquito bites and other insect stings that can become maddening without treatment. The cream can soothe mild reactions from brushing against unfamiliar plants during hikes or excursions. It’s also perfect for addressing skin irritation from unfamiliar fabrics or harsh detergents used on hotel linens. A small tube takes up minimal space but offers significant relief in numerous situations.

5. Pain Relievers

I always pack both ibuprofen and acetaminophen to address the various discomforts that travel can bring. They’re perfect for sinus headaches that develop from pressure changes during flights. These medications help with the discomfort caused by dry airplane cabin air that leaves you dehydrated. They can relieve muscle aches from new activities like hiking unfamiliar terrain or trying new sports. And yes, they’ve occasionally helped me recover from the effects of an evening with too many local beverages. Having options for pain relief can make the difference between enjoying your trip and suffering through it.

Travel Medical Kit

You can purchase a travel medical kit online at Amazon or REI, but I prefer to create my own. Just remember that if you include liquids or creams in your personal kit to make sure they are under 3.4 oz. to follow TSA guidelines.

What medical necessities do you never leave home without? Share your essential travel medical items in the comments!