Travelling by motorhome takes you to wonderful places, sometimes far from a pharmacy or health centre. That's why a good first aid kit and a bit of health planning aren't an extra — they're part of the essential kit. It's not about travelling afraid, but about being able to handle a small mishap and knowing what to do if something bigger comes up. Here's what matters.
The basic first aid kit
- Dressing supplies: gauze, bandages, tape, assorted plasters, saline solution, antiseptic, gloves, scissors, tweezers.
- General medication (over the counter): painkillers/fever reducers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, anti-diarrhoeal, rehydration salts, indigestion remedies, cream for bites and burns.
- For sun and heat: sunscreen and after-sun.
- Thermometer, and if you're heading to mountains or the coast, anything specific you might need (travel sickness remedies, etc).
Your personal medication
Bring your regular medication in enough quantity for the whole trip (and a bit extra, in case it runs longer), along with your prescriptions and, if travelling abroad, any reports you might need. Store it well and protect it from heat.
Health documentation
- Your health insurance card and, within Europe, the European Health Insurance Card.
- Travel insurance with good medical cover, especially outside the EU.
- Emergency numbers (112 across the EU) close to hand (see emergencies).
Prevention and common sense
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially in summer.
- Watch food and water hygiene (see storing food).
- Know where the nearest health centre is in remote areas.
- Travelling with children or older people? Adapt the kit to their needs.
In summary
A good first aid kit (dressings, general medication, your personal medication) plus up-to-date health documentation let you handle the unexpected and travel with peace of mind, even far from a pharmacy. The step to take today: check or put together your first aid kit before your next trip, and make sure you're carrying your prescription medication and your European Health Insurance Card; these aren't things you can improvise in a remote area. Complete it with what to pack in your motorhome.
