Lafene Health Center

Healthy Travel Packing List

This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Needed items will depend on where you are traveling and how long you will be there.

Lafene Health Center offers Travel Consultation appointments to help determine your needs for medications, vaccines and general travel advice to your specific area of travel.

Prescription Medication

  • Your personal prescription medications
  • Travel prescription medications. Depending on your itinerary, it may be recommended for you to have certain prescribed medications for travelers’ diarrhea, altitude sickness, and/or medication to prevent malaria. Schedule a Travel Consultation at Lafene Health Center to determine your needs.

Medical Supplies

  • Prescription glasses/contact lenses. Consider packing an extra pair of each in case lenses are damaged.
  • Needles or syringes (e.g., for diabetes). These require a letter from your physician or provider on the physician or provider’s letterhead.

Over-the-Counter Medication

  • Medications taken on a regular basis at home
  • Treatment for pain or fever (one or more of the following, or an alternative)
    • Acetaminophen
    • Aspirin
    • Ibuprofen
  • Treatment for stomach upset or diarrhea
    • Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., Imodium, Lomotil, Pepto-Bismol)
    • Antacids (e.g., Maalox, Zantac, Tums)
    • Packets of oral rehydration salts for dehydration
    • Mild laxative (e.g., Metamucil, MiraLAX)
  • Treatment for upper respiratory tract discomfort (allergies/cold)
    • Antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl [sedating], Zyrtec [light sedating], Claritin, Allegra)
    • Decongestant (e.g., pseudoephedrine containing medications; however, you will need to avoid if you have high blood pressure or are taking stimulants like ADD/ADHD medications)
    • Cough suppressant (e.g., Delsym, Robitussin DM, throat lozenges)Expectorant (e.g., Mucinex, Robitussin)
  • Anti-motion sickness medication (sedating and non-sedating versions available)
    • Dramamine
    • Meclizine
  • Mild sedative or sleep aid
  • Saline eye drops
  • Saline nose drops or spray

Basic First Aid Items

  • Disposable latex-free gloves
  • Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes
  • Gauze
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wound cleaner
  • Cotton swabs (e.g., Q-tips)
  • Antifungal ointment/spray/cream
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • 1% hydrocortisone cream
  • Anti-itch gel or cream for insect bites and stings
  • Aloe gel for sunburns
  • Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
  • Digital thermometer
  • Tweezers (sharp item—pack in checked baggage)
  • Bandage scissors (sharp item—pack in checked baggage)
  • Safety pins
  • Elastic/compression bandage wrap for sprains and strains

Supplies to Prevent Illness or Injury

  • Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol
  • Insect repellent
    • For skin—no more than 30-35% DEET (e.g., Ultrathon)
    • For clothing—permethrin (e.g., Permanone)
  • Bed net (if needed, for protection against insect bites while sleeping)
  • Sunscreen (≥15 SPF with UVA and UVB protection)
  • Water purification tablets (if visiting remote areas, camping, or staying in areas where access to clean water is limited)
  • Ear plugs
  • Personal safety equipment (e.g., bicycle helmet)

Documents

Travelers should carry the following documents and leave a copy of these documents with a family member or close contact who will remain in the United States in case of an emergency:

  • Proof of vaccination. If yellow fever vaccination is required for your trip, take your completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis card or medical waiver.
  • Copies of all prescriptions for medications, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies
  • Documentation of preexisting conditions such as diabetes or allergies
  • Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms
  • Contact card to be carried at all times including street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the following:
    • Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
    • Healthcare provider at home
    • Place of lodging at the destination
    • Hospitals or clinics in your destination
    • U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the destination country