Going Overseas? What to Take with you when you Travel
There is nothing worse than getting sick on holiday. Whether it's a tummy bug from unfamiliar food, a long haul flight that leaves everyone exhausted and run down, or a child who spikes a fever in a hotel room in a country where you don't speak the language, being unwell away from home is genuinely stressful. A well-stocked homeopathic travel kit means you're never without support, wherever you are in the world.
This is what I pack, and what I recommend to every family heading overseas.
Why homeopathy is perfect for travel
Homeopathic remedies are small, lightweight, and not subject to the liquid restrictions that make travelling with conventional medications complicated. They don't require refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and are safe for all ages from newborns to grandparents. They're also available in most countries if you need to restock, and they're legal everywhere. For families who travel with children, they're an absolute essential.
The must-have remedies for your travel kit
Arnica, for injuries and jet lag
Always pack Arnica. It's your first response for any bump, fall or bruise, and it's also one of the best remedies for jet lag and the deep physical fatigue of long travel. Give it on the plane and on arrival to help the body adjust. Essential if you're travelling with active children who are likely to tumble on new terrain.
Aconite, for sudden illness onset
When something comes on fast, after air conditioning on the plane, after getting caught in unexpected rain, or after a fright or shock, Aconite is your first responder. Sudden fever, chills, restlessness and anxiety in the first 24 hours all call for Aconite immediately.
Arsenicum Album, for food poisoning and traveller's diarrhoea
This is arguably the most important remedy to pack for international travel. Food poisoning, traveller's diarrhoea and gastroenteritis that comes on after eating something questionable all fit the Arsenicum picture beautifully: burning pains, great weakness, anxiety and restlessness, worse after midnight, better for warmth. Pack it and hope you don't need it.
Ledum, for insect bites and puncture wounds
Travelling in tropical or subtropical regions means mosquitoes, sandflies and other insects. Ledum is the remedy for puncture wounds and insect bites, particularly when the affected area feels cold to the touch but is better for cold applications. It's also the remedy to consider after any injection or vaccination.
Apis Mellifica, for allergic reactions and stings
For bee stings, allergic skin reactions, swollen and stinging insect bites, and any reaction with heat, puffiness and stinging sensation, Apis is your remedy. Better for cold, worse for warmth.
Nux Vomica, for overindulgence and digestive upset
Holiday eating is different, more of everything, later nights, unfamiliar foods. Nux Vomica is perfect for the digestive consequences: nausea, bloating, headache and irritability after too much rich food or alcohol. Also useful for the constipation that often accompanies travel and disrupted routine.
Cocculus, for motion sickness
For nausea and dizziness from car, boat or plane travel, Cocculus is one of the primary remedies. Worse for watching moving objects, better for lying still. Start it before the journey begins for best results.
Family-specific additions
If you're travelling with children, also consider packing:
- Immune Boost blend, to support immunity during the disruption of travel, plane air and new environments
- Fever blend, because children often spike fevers in new environments or when overtired from travel
- Tummy blend, for any digestive upset from unfamiliar foods or water
- Sleep blend, to help children (and parents) adjust sleep rhythms across time zones
Before you go: building immunity in advance
The best time to start supporting immunity is before you travel, not when you're already run down on day three of your holiday. Starting the Immune Boost blend two to three weeks before departure gives your family's immune system the best chance of handling the stresses of travel, from recycled plane air to new food environments, without getting sick.
➡️ Shop the Immune Boost Blend, $19.95 →
Storing your travel kit
Keep remedies in a small, sturdy case away from direct sunlight, strong smells (like eucalyptus or peppermint) and electronic devices. They don't need to go in the fridge and will last for years if stored well. The remedies themselves go in your carry-on, not checked luggage, so they're accessible on the plane.
Heading overseas soon?
Browse the home kits →, many of which form a perfect foundation for a travel kit, or stock up on single remedies to build your own.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek appropriate medical care when travelling, particularly for serious illness or injury. Homeopathy is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Check the entry requirements of your destination country regarding any medications or remedies you plan to carry.
