11 Doctor-approved ‘Just in Case’ Travel Essentials

When you’re getting ready for a trip, it’s easy to focus on the obvious must-haves—your passport, phone, and enough outfits to cover every day. But it’s often the little things you forget that can make or break your travel experience.

Coming prepared with a small, compact first aid kit can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major hassle; these essentials don’t take up much room, and having them on hand saves you from scrambling to find a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place. And they can empower you to relieve your own discomfort, so you don’t have to tough it out, and you can get back to enjoying the journey.

Staying prepared doesn’t require much more than a little foresight and planning. Every one of these “just in case” items, recommended by New York City-based infectious disease doctor Michael Scomais under $25 at Amazon, so you can build an affordable, reliable travel health kit without blowing your budget. Shop health, wellness, and medical supplies, including SPF lip balm, electrolyte tablets, earplugsand even Aloe Vera Gel—you’ll be glad you have them if something goes wrong.

Doctor-recommended Travel Essentials

Assorted Bandages

Blisters and small cuts are among the most common travel mishaps. A box of adhesive bandages takes up almost no space and can be a lifesaver when walking miles through cobblestoned streets or hiking new trails. Dr. Scoma recommends keeping a variety pack in your bag so you’re covered for everything from tiny nicks to larger scrapes. “These compact items cover the most common minor issues and take up little space,” he says.

Antiseptic Wipes

A single wipe can clean a cut, scrape, or dirty surface when soap and water aren’t available. These individually wrapped packets are perfect for tossing into your day bag or carry-on. Dr. Scoma says they’re a must-pack item, since quick cleaning prevents infection before it starts—and these take up next to no space and weight.

Lip Balm With SPF

Dry airplane air, windy hikes, or sunny beaches—your lips take a beating on the road. Dr. Scoma recommends lip balm with SPF to prevent both dryness and sun damage, and to “protect and hydrate lips and dry, sunny, or air-conditioned environments.” Bonus: It’s one of the easiest “just in case” items to slip into a pocket.

Hydrocortisone Cream

Bug bites, rashes, and random skin irritations can flare up fast while traveling. A mini tube of hydrocortisone cream calms inflammation and itching almost instantly. Dr. Scoma calls it “great for bites or skin irritation,” and it’s generally one of the best low-cost remedies for skin issues that can otherwise make you miserable on a trip.

Electrolyte Tablets

Between long flights, hot weather, and lots of walking—not to mention potential bouts with traveler’s diarrhea—dehydration sneaks up quickly. Dr. Scoma suggests packing electrolyte tablets to dissolve in water. They replenish minerals lost through sweat and keep you feeling energized—and they weigh next to nothing in your bag.

Earplugs

Rest is essential for mental and physical well-being on the go, but it can be hard to come by under less-than-ideal travel conditions. “For better sleep and comfort on the go, I recommend earplugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light, plus a cervical neck pillow to support your neck during long flights,” Dr. Scoma says. “These simple items can make a big difference in helping you arrive rested and refreshed at your travel destination.” Whether it’s a snoring seatmate on the plane or noisy neighbors at your hotel, earplugs are a budget-friendly (and tiny, packable) way to guarantee better rest.

Sleep Mask

Per the doctor’s recommendation, pair your earplugs with a lightweight sleep maskand you’ll have a portable solution for grabbing better-quality rest anywhere. From bright airplane cabins to hotel rooms without blackout curtains, this lightweight item ensures you show up more refreshed.

Hand Sanitizer

This one might seem obvious—especially in the post-pandemic world—but it’s also one of the most forgotten items. Dr. Scoma stresses that hand sanitizer is key to staying healthy in airports, trains, and crowded attractions. Travel-size bottles or hand wipes make it easy to stay germ-free on the go; stash one in each of your bags so you always stay prepared.

Insect-repellent Wipes

Mosquito bites aren’t just itchy—in some destinations, they can carry real health risks. Dr. Scoma suggests single-use repellent wipes over sprays, since they’re compact, TSA-friendly, and mess-free. Such an item in your kit “can go a long way in preventing common travel problems” like insect bites, he says.

Aloe Vera Gel

For sunburns or just extra protection during sightseeing, Aloe Vera Gel and sunscreen are musts. The sunscreen is a no-brainer for preventing potentially long-lasting sun damage, and the aloe vera gel can really come in handy to alleviate discomfort in case you get a little too much sun.

Anti-diarrheal Tablets

It’s not the most glamorous item, but it’s one of the most practical. Traveler’s tummy can strike without warning, and having over-the-counter medication on hand means you can keep exploring instead of being sidelined. The CDC includes this item among its recommended medicines for packingtoo.

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