Essential Items for Healthy Travel

After months of planning and saving, the last thing you want is for your dream vacation to be ruined by a painful sunburn, a surprise cold, or an attack of stomach trouble.

Don't fret! Our travel first-aid kit contains everything you'll need to weather the unexpected and get back to enjoying your trip—all in a snug package that will fit easily into your carry-on.

01 of 08

Saline nasal spray

Travel stress messes with your immune system. "Add dry plane air and you have a recipe for getting sick," says Travis Stork, MD, co-host of The Doctors. A spray keeps mucus membranes moist and less hospitable to germs.

02 of 08

Nail clipper

Sure, you like how a manicure looks, but it's for safety, too: Some studies show that longer nails harbor more bacteria, upping your risk of spreading them to food or skin. Trim to a maximum of one-eighth of an inch beyond your fingertip.

03 of 08

Bandage strips

Go with various sizes, no peroxide or ointment needed: "Soap and bottled water work just as well to clean cuts and fight infection," says Nancy Snyderman, MD, chief medical editor for NBC News.

04 of 08

Pain reliever

"Ibuprofen is a great choice for easing pain, soreness and inflammation from sprains, arthritis or other issues," says Dr. Stork. It's especially useful for the active and adventurous.

05 of 08

Aloe vera

A must-have for soothing sunburn, this cool gel also calms itchy bug bites and blisters after a long day of sightseeing. It's good for zapping blemishes, too.

06 of 08

Antihistamine

Not only does it alleviate allergies (curse you, ragweed!), but it can also save you a trip to the doctor if a rash crops up.

Bonus: Popping it 30 minutes before bed might help you snooze if you're jet-lagged.

07 of 08

Elastic bandage

A one-stop wonder! Use it to wrap a sprained ankle, put pressure on a deep cut or even securely tie up your souvenir-stuffed luggage.

08 of 08

Stomach soother

Skip the antidiarrheal; a more versatile med, like Pepto-Bismol, slows the growth of tummy-troubling bacteria, relieving diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea and heartburn.

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