Travelling almost always involves a certain level of risk, especially for individuals on long-term medication and on trips where you bring your children along. While it is impossible to lug a whole medicine chest with you on a trip, most medical practitioners agree that there are essential items, namely (A) medical supplies and (B) useful items to be packed into a travel bag.

(A) Common Medical Supplies to Bring Include: 

Antiseptic Wipes and Bandages
The wipes and bandages come in handy in the event you suffer a scratch or cut that may develop into an infection.

Antibiotics
Both topical and oral antibiotics are effective in treating infections caused by cuts or food poisoning, so purchase some at the doctor’s.

Anti-Diarrhoea Pills
Bring along some in case of stomach upsets caused by consuming unhygienic food or over-indulging.

Motion-sickness Pills
These can help relieve discomfort or nausea caused by rough (or long) rides by boat, bus and train.

Painkillers
Common over-the-counter painkillers are useful for treating mild headaches, pain and fever.

Medication for Allergies
Antihistamines can help to deal with allergies that occur due to changes in climate, temperature and surroundings.

Anti-malaria Pills
It is crucial to bring anti-malaria pills if you are travelling to these continents: Africa, South America, South East Asia andIndia. You will need to visit a doctor to obtain supplies of it.

Topical Cream for Minor Skin Itching
Typically, creams containing hydrocortisone are able to provide temporary relief from minor skin irritations. This is helpful if you plan to go swimming in the sea or public pools.

Special Creams
In addition to hydrocortisone cream, ensure that you bring along topical medications for treating specific conditions such as yeast infection and peeling skin at the heels, especially if you have a history of suffering from these ailments.

Water-purification Pills and Oral Rehydration Salts
Clean water is not readily available everywhere, hence it is safer to pack some water-purification pills. In the event you suffer from diarrhoea due to consumption of unclean water, oral rehydration salts could help.

(B) Useful Items To Bring:

Handy Torchlight
This is useful when you have to manoeuvre in dim lighting, be it walking on dark streets or in emergency situations where electricity is unexpectedly cut off.

Sunblock
A sunblock can help to prevent sunburns and harmful rays from causing damage to your skin.

Thermometer
You can use it to check and monitor if you are running a fever (which is a sign of infection).

Insect Repellents
It is critical to bring along an insect repellent containing DEET if you are travelling to areas where malaria, yellow fever and dengue are prevalent. Otherwise, DEET –free repellents should suffice in fighting off normal insects.

Latex Condoms
Condoms may not be available everywhere, therefore do pack some of your own before you go a trip.