Recommended Travel Health Gear

The Healthy Travel Preparation Toolkit asks you to pack medicines in two bags, keep insulin cool, make water safe, move on long flights and carry the right kit. These are the items, with the specification that matters for each.

For your medicines

Labeled, split between two bags, and in the carry-on.

• Travel pill case with labels

  Small, labeled compartments so each medicine stays identifiable. Keep the original pharmacy labels or the prescriber's letter with it.

  See options on Amazon
• Insulin cooling wallet

  An evaporative or gel cooling case that keeps insulin out of the heat without freezing it; check the temperature range and how long it lasts.

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• Medication travel organizer bag

  A zipped pouch with clear pockets for pens, meters, inhalers and the letter, so security screening is quick.

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• Dual-time travel alarm or watch

  Shows home and destination time together, for the time-zone dose plan.

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For the flight

Light, sleep and moving on a long flight.

• Graduated compression socks, 15–30 mmHg

  Below-knee, properly fitted, 15 to 30 mmHg at the ankle; for travelers with clot risk factors on long flights. Measure your ankle and calf.

  See options on Amazon
• Contoured sleep mask

  Blocks light without pressing on the eyes, for sleeping on destination time.

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• Foam earplugs

  Soft foam with a high noise reduction rating for cabin noise.

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• Reusable water bottle

  Fill it after security so you can drink through the flight.

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For food, water and the kit

Safe water and the CDC travel health kit.

• Filter water bottle

  A pore size of 1 micron or smaller removes parasites; pair it with chlorine dioxide tablets where viruses are a concern.

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• Chlorine dioxide water tablets

  Light and cheap; follow the wait time on the label, longer for cold or cloudy water.

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• Oral rehydration salts

  WHO-formula packets, one per quart (liter) of safe water; pack 6 to 10.

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• Travel first aid kit

  Bandages, blister pads, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes and tweezers in one pouch; add your own medicines.

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• Digital thermometer

  A fever changes the diarrhea plan, and after malaria areas it needs same-day care.

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• Insect repellent with picaridin or DEET

  An EPA-registered repellent; apply after sunscreen.

  See options on Amazon

Prices and availability change on Amazon. This page is educational and is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement.