When traveling in civilization, think about the the types of injuries that occur at home on a regular basis. Small cuts and scrapes, sunburns and windburns, chapped lips, and blisters on the feet from walking are all exacerbated from being on vacation. While the basic needs of first aid - adhesive bandages and antibiotic ointment - are readily available in most hotel gift shops or even at the concierge desk, who wants to pay $2.50 for a single bandage?
Pack the very essentials for a weekend in the city or a corporate conference:
- Adhesive bandages of various sizes
- Triple-antibiotic ointment
- Sunscreen
- Lip salve
- Antiseptic hand wipes or soap
- Moleskin for blisters
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine for nausea
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
- Diphenhydramine or fexofenadine for allergies
- Moist towellettes for cleaning hands when restrooms aren't available
