Summer Travel with Kids: 5 Meds to Pack

KidsMedMom Andrea M., PharmD, BCPPS

04 Jun 2025 — 4 min read

Kids on vacation

I once heard someone joke, "There's no better time to plan your vacation than during your child's illness." Truer words have never been spoken!

My kids don't get sick ALL the time, but between them and their cousins, someone always manages to be sick on every family vacation we take.

Over the years, I've perfected my kids' travel med kit to keep the vacation going and prevent any midnight trips to the drugstore or spending $14.99 on a 15 mL bottle of acetaminophen at the hotel.

The Essentials

1) Fever and pain relief

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin®) for fever, pain, teething, or the inevitable ear infection that someone will get in the middle of the night.

Check age-appropriate dosing before you pack (ibuprofen is for ages 6 months and up)
Bring a dosing syringe or cup
Consider chewable tablets if your children will accept them (they take up less space!)
If traveling somewhere with lots of physical activity, consider ice packs or warm compresses for muscle aches or pains

2) Allergy relief

Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) or loratadine (Claritin®) for combating any vacation allergies, like pollen, dust, mold, or pets
If your child has a prescription for an EpiPen®, don’t forget to pack it!

3) Stomach meds

Electrolyte solution packets (e.g., Pedialyte®) are convenient for vomiting or diarrhea because they are easy to pack and can be mixed with bottled water if needed.
Simethicone drops for gas and bloating (especially for those fussy babies).
Miralax or prune juice for a bout of constipation

4) Skin and first aid supplies

Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites or rashes
First aid wipes for convenient cleaning and antibiotic ointment
Bandages and tweezers
Aloe vera, if you'll be taking a sunny vacation
Sunscreen!

5) Motion sickness

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine for Kids) is used to treat motion sickness. Check the product label to ensure your child meets the age and/or weight guidelines (these products generally have a minimum age of 2 years).

Bonus Add-ons

Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and kid-safe)
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (for children over 2 months - always read the age labels)
Prescription meds (in original containers, with labels)
Digital thermometer
If it’s cold and flu season, consider packing a saline nasal spray, a nasal bulb syringe, a portable humidifier, tissues, or other necessary supplies to manage a runny nose.

Storage Tips

Use a zippered travel bag or waterproof container to store containers in
Avoid extreme heat—store in a cooler bag if traveling by car
Keep meds in carry-on for flights
Never remove product from child-proof containers
Store medication in a place inaccessible to kids

Final Thoughts

No one wants to spend their vacation searching for a pharmacy! A travel-friendly med kit puts you in control and lets you focus on managing chaos... I mean making memories... instead of hunting down medical supplies.

Happy travels! 😄