The Wellness Collective

10 Wellness Items You’re Probably Forgetting to Pack for a Trip

Reviewed by Adam Gardner, Licensed Pharmacist & COO of TelyRx

A person dumping prescription pills into a backdrop with various medications.
A variety of travel and lifestyle medications prescribed through TelyRx.

Table of Contents

We double-check our outfits, tech, and toiletries – but wellness items? They’re often left behind.

Whether you’re going on a business trip, vacation, or family visit, travel throws off your routine. Sleep, digestion, hydration, and mental health can all take a hit when you’re away from home. But packing with wellness in mind can make your trip smoother and far more enjoyable.

From gut health to skin irritation, these are the wellness essentials you’ll wish you packed sooner.

nearly 20% of travelers forget to pack medications & health products

A woman packing her prescription medications for travel.
A woman packing her prescription medications for travel.

Nearly one in five Americans forget to pack at least one essential health item when they travel. And according to a recent study, more than 18% of travelers forgot to pack their medication.

Travelers often assume they can “just pick something up,” but that’s not always the case.

  • In rural or international areas, pharmacies may be far away, closed, or carry incompatible brands.
  • Certain prescriptions can’t be easily transferred or filled across state lines or outside the country.
  • Language barriers or local regulations can prevent access to even common medications.

don’t forget to plan ahead for prescriptions

A beach bag hanging on a chair with TelyRx medications inside.
Forgot your meds at home? Get them delivered through TelyRx.

You might remember your charger, your passport, and even your travel pillow – but forgetting your medications? It happens to the best of us.

Whether it’s your daily prescription, an allergy med, or something you only need when things go wrong (hello, traveler’s diarrhea), running out or leaving meds behind can throw your whole trip off balance.

That’s where using an online pharmacy like TelyRx can make travel prep a whole lot easier:

  • With TelyRx, you can order your prescriptions ahead of time and have them delivered right to your door – no appointments, no video calls, no pharmacy lines
  • Traveling within the U.S.? You can even have your meds shipped to wherever you’re staying, in nearly all 50 states

And if you realize you forgot something after you’ve left home, TelyRx can get your medication delivered to you as soon as the next day. Having access to your meds without the hassle is a big part of staying well on the go.
Starting at $19.99

Scopolamine Patch

Scopolamine patches are used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. 

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Starting at $19.99

Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections such as traveler’s diarrhea and urinary tract infections (UTI).

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Starting at $299.99

Epinephrine

Epinephrine (EpiPen) is used to prevent anaphylaxis in those with severe allergens or triggers.

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don’t forget to pack these items for your trip

1. everyday health items and medications

A blue medication organizer packed in a pink travel case.
Preparing your medications for travel ahead of time saves you time and stress later on.

Some of the most obvious items are the easiest to forget—or to underestimate. Make sure your bag includes:

  • Prescription Medications – Bring enough for your trip, plus 2–3 days extra in case of delays or changes in plans. Don’t rely on finding a pharmacy mid-trip.
  • Daily Vitamins & Supplements – Maintain energy, sleep, and digestion with your regular supplement routine.
  • Over-the-Counter Essentials – Meds like Tylenol, Benadryl, or antacids can be harder to find abroad or when stores are closed.
  • Health Insurance Card & List of Medications – Always have your health coverage info and a full med list on hand, just in case.

2. digestive & gut health travel helpers

A clear medication organizer with various pills inside.
Organize your medication in TSA-approved, easy-to-use containers.

Your gut knows when you’re off the usual routine. Keep digestion on track with:

  • Probiotics – Support your gut health in new environments and with dietary changes.
  • Anti-nausea Meds – Prevent motion sickness or food-related nausea with trusted relief options.

3. staying healthy in crowded places

A person wiping their hands with a sanitizer wipe.
Sanitizing your hands, especially during travel, is essential to staying healthy.

Planes, trains, and crowded tourist attractions can put your immune system to the test. Consider packing these immune support items:

  • Vitamin C or Elderberry – Boost your defenses before, during, and after travel days.
  • Electrolyte Packets – Rehydrate quickly after long flights or outdoor trips.
  • Antibacterial Hand Wipes – A must for sanitizing high-touch surfaces when soap isn’t available.
  • Nasal Spray or Saline Rinse – Alleviate sinus dryness or irritation from new allergens.

4. first aid essentials you’ll wish you had

A red First Aid kit being held for a photo.
Don't forget your first aid kit when traveling.

Small injuries can ruin a day. A compact kit with the following can be a trip-saver:

  • Band-aids (various sizes) – Great for cuts, blisters, or scraped knees.
  • Antibiotic Ointment – Prevents infection in minor wounds.
  • Antiseptic Wipes or Alcohol Pads – Clean scrapes and sanitize small surfaces.
  • Blister Bandages – Essential if you’re doing a lot of walking or wearing new shoes.
  • Tweezers – Useful for splinters, bandages, or other minor needs.
  • Cold/Flu Medications – Be prepared in case a bug hits mid-trip.

5. skin & sun care

A woman applying sunscreen to her wrist outdoors.
Protect your skin from sunburns, bug bites, and burns or wounds.

New climates, sweat, and sun can be rough on your skin. Bring:

  • Reef-Safe SPF 30+ Sunscreen – Protect your skin and the planet.
  • Aloe Vera or Hydrocortisone Cream – Soothe sunburns, rashes, or bug bites.
  • Bug Repellent Wipes or Spray – Ward off mosquitoes and other pests.
  • Mini Facial Cleanser or Micellar Water – Clean skin on the go without needing a sink.
  • Moisturizer (Travel Size) – Prevent dry, irritated skin after long flights or pool days.

6. sleep support

A woman sleeping in an eye mask.
A woman sleeping in an eye mask.

Sleep doesn’t always come easy in new places. To help support a restful night, consider:

  • Melatonin – Helps you fall asleep naturally, even in a new time zone.
  • Earplugs & Eye Mask – Block out light and noise to rest better.
  • Inflatable Neck Pillow – Sleep comfortably while sitting upright on a flight, train, or bus.
  • Essential Oil Roll-On (Lavender or Chamomile) – Use for relaxation and stress relief.
  • Portable White Noise App or Machine – Drown out hotel noise or unfamiliar sounds.

7. mental wellness and stress relief

A woman drinking herbal tea on a sofa.
Teas and calming supplements can help you unwind from the chaos of traveling.
  • Journal Notebook – Give yourself a moment to reflect and process your day.
  • Small Comfort Item – Bring something that makes you feel at home, like cozy socks or a favorite tea.
  • Books – A calming way to disconnect from devices and unwind.
  • Calming Supplements – Pack prescription medications like propranolol for relief from situational anxiety, or natural supplements like magnesium or ashwagandha to help you stay calm.

8. women’s health must-haves

A pink counter with a variety of women's health medications on top.
A pink counter with a variety of women's health medications on top.
  • Menstrual Products – Don’t rely on finding your preferred brand while away.
  • UTI/Yeast Infection Preventatives – Essential if you’re prone to infections from travel stress, new environments, or recurring infections.
  • Unscented Personal Wipes – Freshen up quickly when restrooms or showers aren’t convenient.
  • Backup Birth Control – It’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need.

9. for parents: travel health kit for kids

A young child laying in bed with a dad taking his temperature.
A young child laying in bed while his dad takes his temperature.
  • Liquid Medications – Always bring meds formulated specifically for children, if regulations allow.
  • Digital Thermometer – Kids can spike fevers fast, so don’t leave this behind.
  • Books, Toys, or Activity Kits – Entertainment to help avoid meltdowns.

10. for pets: don’t forget their wellness too

A black puppy laying on a woman's lap with a TelyRx bandana around it's neck.
A black puppy laying on a woman's lap wearing a TelyRx bandana.
  • Travel Water Bottle – Stay hydrated on hikes, road trips, or walks.
  • Food & Extra Servings – Bring more than you think you’ll need in case of delays.
  • Medications or Supplements – Maintain consistency in their health routine.
  • Vaccination Records – Required for some accommodations or emergencies.
  • Pet First-Aid Items – Be prepared for small injuries or mishaps.

you don’t need to pack more - just pack smarter

Two woman toasting drinks in a pool.
Two woman smiling and toasting drinks in a pool on vacation.

Packing for your health doesn’t mean stuffing your suitcase with every item you own – you just need to be intentional, prepared, and kind to your body while you’re away from home.

If you want to be more prepared for your next trip, pick three items from this list you’ve never packed before and add them to your next travel kit. Your body (and your future self) will thank you.

Ready for your next trip? Don’t wait until the night before departure to start thinking about your wellness needs. Your health shouldn’t take a vacation, even when you do.

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, or care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another licensed health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information read on this site. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

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