Traveling Internationally with Kids: Essential Natural Products for Your First Aid Kit

Packing for an international trip with kids can feel like an adventure in itself, especially when you're heading to a tropical destination like the Philippines. As I write this article, I am currently packing and repacking to make sure we have all the essentials, as I like to be uber prepared when traveling with my family.

Beyond passports and snacks, having a well-stocked natural first aid kit is a game changer for keeping your family healthy and happy. Here’s a guide to must-have natural remedies for your travels…

Herbal Remedies for Tummy Troubles

One of the most common concerns and occurrences when traveling to a new country is gastrointestinal distress. Exploring new cuisines and introducing unique foods into your diet is one of the most exciting parts of travel, but it can sometimes wreak havoc on your stomach. To stay ahead of any digestive woes, I always prioritize packing a robust kit for tummy troubles. Here are my go-to natural remedies:

• Ginger Chews or Capsules

Ginger is a versatile natural remedy that’s been used for centuries to address nausea and digestive discomfort. Whether your child feels queasy from a bumpy boat ride or you’ve overindulged at a local food market, ginger chews or capsules can offer quick relief. They’re easy to pack and can also help alleviate motion sickness—a common challenge during long car rides or flights.

• Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a must-have for food poisoning or diarrhea. It works by binding to toxins in the gut, helping to flush out what’s causing the distress. If someone in your family eats something questionable, such as undercooked seafood or street food that didn’t agree with them, activated charcoal can be a lifesaver. Just remember to stay hydrated, as it can be dehydrating if taken in larger quantities.

• Probiotics

Probiotics are a preventive powerhouse when it comes to digestive health. Taking them in the days leading up to your trip and continuing throughout your travels can help fortify your gut against unfamiliar bacteria. Opt for shelf-stable options that don’t require refrigeration. They’re especially useful for little ones, whose digestive systems might be more sensitive.

Tips for Prevention

• Stay Hydrated: Always drink plenty of clean, filtered water to support digestion. Avoid tap water unless you’re certain it’s safe. Bottled water is a good option when in doubt.

• Introduce New Foods Gradually: Sample small portions of new dishes to see how your stomach reacts before diving into a full plate.

• Wash Hands Regularly: Basic hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent picking up unwanted bacteria.

By being proactive and packing these natural remedies, you can enjoy the culinary delights of your destination without the worry of gastro-distress taking the fun out of your adventure.

Immune Boosters

Getting sick while traveling can put a damper on your plans, especially without the comforts of home to fall back on. Fortunately, there are natural remedies and supplements that can help fortify your immune system, ward off colds, or reduce their duration. Packing these essentials ensures you're prepared for long flights, changing climates, and exposure to germs:

• Elderberry Syrup or Gummies: Known for their antiviral properties, elderberry products are a kid-friendly and effective way to keep little immune systems resilient during travel. Easy to take and widely available, they’re a must-have for family trips.

• Vitamin C Powder: A travel-friendly option that mixes effortlessly into water or juice, providing an instant immune boost. It’s perfect for replenishing your system after a long flight or when you're feeling run down.

• Probiotics: A healthy gut is key to a strong immune system. Bring shelf-stable probiotic capsules or sachets to maintain gut health, especially when trying new foods abroad.

• Zinc Lozenges: These not only support immunity but can also soothe a scratchy throat at the first sign of a cold.

• Essential Oils: A small bottle of eucalyptus or tea tree oil can be diluted and used as a natural hand sanitizer or added to steaming water for an immune-supporting inhalation.

• Rehydration Packets with Electrolytes: Staying hydrated is critical for immune health. Choose packets that include vitamin C and zinc for an added boost.

By including these immune-boosting items in your travel kit, you can help protect yourself and your family, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable journey.

Natural Wound Care

Injuries are an inevitable part of life, and while traveling, being prepared makes all the difference. From minor cuts to more specific concerns like coral reef scrapes, having natural remedies on hand can help prevent infections and promote faster healing.

• Tea Tree Oil: A powerful natural antiseptic, tea tree oil is ideal for cleaning cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. Its antimicrobial properties help ward off infection. Always dilute it with a carrier oil or clean water before applying directly to the skin.

• Manuka Honey: This multitasking wonder not only soothes wounds but also acts as a potent antibacterial agent. Use it as a healing salve to protect cuts or abrasions while aiding tissue regeneration. Medihoney Cream is my go-to here, as well as a classic neosporin.

• Aloe Vera Gel: Perfect for soothing minor burns, cuts, or sunburns. Its cooling effect reduces inflammation and accelerates skin healing.

• Sterile Gauze and Medical Tape: Pair these with your natural remedies to keep wounds clean and protected.

Having these items in your travel first aid kit ensures you’re equipped to handle minor injuries naturally and effectively, whether you’re exploring coral reefs or navigating a bustling city.

Skin Soothers

Traveling can expose your skin to a range of challenges, from harsh sun rays to pesky bug bites and environmental irritants. Packing a few natural and effective skin soothers can help you stay comfortable and keep your skin healthy throughout your journey.

• Aloe Vera Gel or Wipes: Aloe vera is a go-to remedy for sunburn relief when sunscreen doesn’t quite do the job. Its cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties also make it perfect for soothing dry or irritated skin. Aloe vera wipes are a convenient option for quick applications while on the move.

• Calendula Cream: This gentle yet effective cream is a lifesaver for rashes, bug bites, and minor skin irritations. With its natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties, calendula is ideal for sensitive skin and safe for kids.

• Hydrocortisone Cream (Anti-Itch): A must-have for itchy bug bites, mild allergic reactions, or skin irritations. This over-the-counter remedy quickly alleviates itching and reduces redness and swelling.

• Arnica Gel: A natural remedy for bruises, sore muscles, or minor sprains, arnica gel helps reduce inflammation and promotes faster recovery. It’s particularly useful for soothing aches after long hikes or physical activity.

• Coconut Oil: A versatile skin soother, coconut oil can double as a moisturizer for dry skin or a barrier for chafed areas. Its antimicrobial properties also make it useful for minor scrapes. I usually like to pikc up some of this locally!

With these skin soothers in your travel kit, you’ll be well-prepared to handle everything from sunburns to bug bites, ensuring your skin stays calm and comfortable no matter where your adventures take you.

Essential Oils for Comfort

Essential oils are versatile, compact, and perfect for addressing a range of travel-related discomforts. Whether you’re soothing overtired kids, dealing with headaches, or cooling off in humid weather, a well-chosen oil can make all the difference. To make them even more convenient, I usually prepare pre-mixed roller bottles for specific purposes: immune support, sleep, and headaches. Here’s how you can use essential oils and create your own blends:

My Go-To Roller Bottle Blends

Here are three easy-to-make blends you can prepare in advance. Use 10 mL roller bottles and fill them with a carrier oil (like fractionated jojoba or olive oil) after adding the essential oils:

1. Immune Support Roller

   • 5 drops Thieves (or any immunity blend)

   • 5 drops Tea Tree

   • 5 drops Lemon
     Roll onto the soles of feet or wrists to support your immune system during travel.

2. Sleep Roller

   • 8 drops Lavender

   • 5 drops Cedarwood

   • 5 drops Roman Chamomile
     Apply to the back of the neck, temples, or bottoms of feet before bedtime for a calming effect.

3. Headache Relief Roller

   • 6 drops Peppermint

   • 6 drops Lavender

   • 4 drops Frankincense
     Roll onto temples, behind the ears, or at the base of the neck for quick headache relief.

Other Essential Oils to Consider

• Tea Tree Oil: A natural antiseptic for cuts and scrapes, it’s also handy for clearing up blemishes.

• Eucalyptus Oil: Perfect for refreshing a stuffy space, like an airplane cabin or hotel room, and for respiratory support.

• Lemon Oil: Great for lifting your mood and freshening up hands or surfaces when needed.

With these essential oils and blends in your travel kit, you’ll be ready to address common discomforts naturally and conveniently, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

Hydration Helpers

Staying hydrated is crucial when traveling, especially during long flights, outdoor adventures, or in hot climates. Dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued, worsen jet lag, and even impact your immune system. Packing lightweight, travel-friendly hydration options ensures you’re always prepared:

• Electrolyte Powder: Opt for natural electrolyte powders free from artificial sweeteners and additives. These are perfect for replenishing essential minerals lost through sweat or after a long flight. Simply mix with water for an instant hydration boost.

This simple additions to your travel kit can help you stay energized, refreshed, and ready to enjoy every moment of your journey.

Natural Remedies for Sleep

Getting quality sleep while traveling can be challenging, especially when dealing with jet lag, unfamiliar environments, or busy days. Natural remedies can help the whole family unwind and drift off more easily:

• Chamomile Tea Bags: A soothing classic, chamomile tea is perfect for calming the mind and body after a long day of travel or exploration. It’s gentle enough for kids and a great way to establish a bedtime routine even on the go. I also always have peppermint tea, as I love traveling with tea :) Peppermint is excellent for calming an upset stomach, reducing bloating, and easing cramping. Bring along a few tea bags or capsules for quick relief after a heavy meal or during bouts of discomfort.

• Magnesium Gummies: Known for their calming properties, magnesium helps relax muscles, ease tension, and support restful sleep. Gummies are an easy and tasty option for both adults and children, making them ideal for family travel. There also is a wide range, with and without melatonin, or CBD for the adults.

• Melatonin: A natural sleep aid, melatonin can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, especially when adjusting to new time zones. Use it sparingly to reset your internal clock and combat jet lag.

Pair these remedies with calming bedtime rituals, such as reading or light stretching, to create a more peaceful transition to sleep while traveling.

Packing Tips for a Natural First Aid Kit

• Use reusable silicone pouches or small containers to save space.

• Label everything clearly, especially if traveling through customs.

• Keep items organized in a carry-on for easy access during flights.

Various Extra Items

While I don’t always pack these items listed below when traveling internationally or backpacking, they are staples in my at-home first aid kit. These natural remedies and tools offer versatile solutions for common ailments, and I like to keep them handy for quick access. Whether it’s soothing a minor burn, easing a headache, or addressing a cut, having these essentials within reach provides peace of mind and ensures I’m always prepared for life’s little surprises.

• Bandaids (in various sizes)

• Alcohol swabs

• Gauze and medical tape

• Skin closures or sutures (or just skin closure tape)

• Scissors

• Imodium for persistent diarrhea

• Rehydration salts (Tri-Oral is a great choice)

• Dramamine and Zofran for nausea and vomiting

• EpiPen for severe allergic reactions

• Benadryl for immediate allergy relief

• Claritin for ongoing allergy management (available for both kids and adults)

• Mucinex for adults and kids (kids’ version comes in convenient powder packets)

• Echinacea tincture for immune support

• Cold Care and Throat Coat teas

• Immune tinctures for kids and wellness formulas for adults

• DayQuil for daytime cold symptom relief

• Thermometer for tracking fevers

• Tylenol (powder packets are especially convenient for travel)

• Lavela (a natural lavender supplement) for easing travel-related anxiety

• Biofreeze packets for muscle pain

• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains

• Eye drops and ear drops

• ProThrivers Wellness Sleep or another preferred sleep aid, especially useful if you struggle with sleeping while traveling

With this comprehensive travel kit, you’ll be ready to handle most minor health concerns and stay comfortable while enjoying your adventure. Check out my list on fullscript and amazon to purchase some of these items and get you started on your own natural first aid kit for home or travel!

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