Article Highlights:

  • Blisters, nausea, heartburn and rashes are common ailments international travelers face.
  • Antibiotic ointment for blisters, hydrocortisone cream for rash and Pepto-Bismol for nausea should be packed in every travel kit.
  • Jet lag, unfamiliar foods, extreme weather and long walks increase the risk of these common health issues.
  • Travel kits should be tailored to destination, activity and climate.
  • Global Rescue offers emergency evacuation and medical support when travelers need more than a first aid kit.

 

 

Every seasoned traveler knows that even the best-planned trips can be derailed by a minor but painful inconvenience: a blister that won’t heal, an unexpected bout of nausea, a rash from an unfamiliar plant or heartburn from that incredible (but spicy) street food. These ailments are among the most frequent minor health issues international travelers face. The good news? A properly packed first aid kit can prevent these problems from becoming trip-ending disasters.

 

Blisters

Walking tours through cobbled cities, day-long hikes in humid jungles or simply standing in line at passport control can quickly lead to one of the most common travel-related ailments: blisters. These minor yet painful skin injuries are often caused by friction from walking or hiking, though burns or infections can also be culprits.

“Nothing will stop a walking tour or hike like a bad blister,” said Jeff Weinstein, medical operations manager at Global Rescue. “Not being prepared to treat a blister can turn a nice sight-seeing stroll into a situation where you have an infection from a popped blister, causing discomfort and potentially requiring medical care.”

When blisters form, proper care can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious interruption to your trip. Begin by gently cleaning the area with soap and water. If the blister is intact, avoid popping it — the skin acts as a natural barrier against infection. Protect it with a blister bandage or moleskin. If the blister has popped, apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin and cover it with a sterile dressing. Hydrocolloid bandages like Compeed are highly recommended for active travelers, especially hikers. These dressings cushion the blister, reduce pain and accelerate healing by maintaining a moist environment.

 

Nausea

Between questionable water, motion-sickness-inducing bus rides and altitude changes, nausea is practically a rite of passage for global adventurers.

“In a remote place or a foreign destination, traveler’s diarrhea or a really bad case of food poisoning can become an emergency,” Weinstein said.

Nausea can stem from motion sickness, food poisoning, altitude-related issues, or an intestinal bug picked up from unfamiliar food or water. Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) are effective for motion sickness, while Meclizine offers longer-lasting relief. For food-related nausea, Pepto-Bismol is a staple in any traveler’s kit. Natural remedies, such as ginger chews or peppermint oil (inhaled or in capsule form), can also be surprisingly effective.

When nausea strikes, staying upright and avoiding sudden movements helps reduce discomfort. Most importantly, travelers should slowly sip water or an electrolyte solution to stay hydrated without overwhelming the stomach. Being proactive with these remedies can make the difference between pushing through your plans and retreating to your hotel room for the day.

Between questionable water, motion-sickness-inducing bus rides and altitude changes, nausea is practically a rite of passage for global adventurers.

 

Heartburn

International travel often means indulgent meals, unfamiliar spices and irregular dining hours, all of which can easily trigger heartburn. This common condition is caused by spicy or fatty foods, alcohol consumption, overeating or lying down too soon after eating.

When heartburn strikes, travelers can find fast relief with over-the-counter antacids such as TUMS or Rolaids. For longer-lasting support, Gaviscon coats the stomach lining to reduce irritation, while acid reducers like famotidine (Pepcid) or omeprazole (Prilosec) help control symptoms more effectively for ongoing issues.

Avoid large meals and trigger foods to prevent heartburn from disrupting your trip. Stay upright after eating and, if you’re prone to nighttime symptoms, consider elevating your head while sleeping. These simple adjustments, combined with the proper medications, can help keep your digestive discomfort in check, so you can focus on enjoying the food, not suffering from it.

 

Rashes

Sweaty jungle hikes, insect bites, pool chemicals or even hotel sheets can trigger unexpected skin reactions, especially when your immune system is under stress from travel. Rashes are a common and frustrating issue for international travelers, particularly in tropical or high-humidity environments.

They can result from heat, allergic reactions, contact with plants like poison ivy or bites from insects you didn’t even see coming. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) can help reduce itching and allergic response when a rash appears. Hydrocortisone cream is a key item for topical relief to reduce inflammation and itching, while calamine lotion or oatmeal-based soaks offer soothing comfort. If the skin becomes broken, applying an antibiotic cream for burns or wounds is essential to prevent infection.

Simple habits like wearing loose clothing, using cool compresses and avoiding scratching can help prevent minor irritations from becoming serious problems.

 

Smart Add-Ons for Your Kit

“Building a travel first-aid kit is a dynamic process,” Weinstein said. “You’ll need to build it to the destination and the activity.”

Additional recommended contents:

  • Ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain or fever
  • Electrolyte powders
  • Imodium for diarrhea
  • Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Tweezers, small scissors and a digital thermometer
  • A multitool or pocketknife (pack in checked luggage)

 

The Global Rescue Connection

A smartly packed travel kit can go a long way toward keeping you healthy and independent on the road. But you need a safety net when illness or injury strikes beyond what your kit can handle.

A Global Rescue membership offers more than just advice. With emergency field rescue and evacuation services available 24/7, members receive medical support even in remote locations. Whether it’s altitude sickness in Nepal or traveler’s diarrhea in London, Global Rescue ensures you get expert help when and where you need it.

Preparation doesn’t stop at medication. Global Rescue encourages travelers to research healthcare access at their destination, carry medical documents and know what treatments may be restricted. With thoughtful planning and expert backup, you can confidently travel the world.