Getting Ready To Travel - First Aid Kit

Second instalment of these posts... Some items you may not have thought of but can save your trip:

The first aid kit:

One thing before we start...don't go overboard with your kit. Old medications you haven't used for years, duplicate or redundant medications,etc. all lead to more weight and space and more importantly, in some foreign airports it can lead to severe delays.

- Everything gets stored in a little Pelican 1050 case. Even though I don't normally take this in my boat/skiff bag I prefer the sealed cases.

-Personal medications/prescriptions that you're currently taking.

- Tylenol or equivalent pain medication.

- Sinus/cold medication/ night time cold medications are good as they knock you out and you can get a good nights sleep.

- Cipro (trade name for Ciprofloxin)...have to ask your doctor for this one. Should you get a GI bug from bad water, food, etc. this one will save your trip. I've only had to use mine once but I'm glad I had it. Have had to give to others a few times, works every time. Not supposed to go out in the sun when taking but it's never done anything to me ( ha ha!).

- Bandage Kit...few different sizes of band-aids as well as moleskin. Obviuos but it's amazing how many people forget. And the moleskin can keep you out on the flat if you get a booty blister.

- Polysporin...if you get cut in certain parts of the world infections can be a problem. Coral scrapes can be really bad as well. Always put Polysporin on before bandage. And re-dress every day.

-Immodium...another "must have". If you don't know what it's for, go to the drug store, read the box, it will come to you fairly quickly.

- Nasal Inhaler....If you come down with a cold it's nice to have. vicks is a good one. Also, some people react badly to air conditioning in their rooms in the tropics. This will clear you out for a while.

- Spare Lip Balm...It still amazes me how many people run out of this stuff on a trip. ever had sunburned lips? I have, never again!

- Cough drops...obvious use. In combination with cold medicine. Also has very interesting effects when combined with most brands of Rum.

- Everything packs neatly in it's place back in the case. Goes on every trip with me. I am often called upon to give out some of these items as well as use them myself.

ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU MAINTAIN AND REFILL KIT WHEN YOU GET HOME. DON'T PUT IT OFF!