- Swiss Army knife
- adhesive tape
- antiseptic
- Band-aids
- sterile dressing
- safety pins
- scissors
- Steri-strips
- tensor bandage
- triangular bandage (sling)
- sterile needles, suture supplies (ie., Steri Aid Kit)
- tweezers
- insect repellent (containing DEET)
- mosquito net (preferably impregnated with permethrin)
- water purifier, iodine tablets
- thermometer
- toilet paper
- medical records and/or Medic Alert bracelet
- diary

P.S. If you can only pack one item, make it your Swiss Army knife!

Insurance. That's a big one. If you get sick abroad, you may want to visit a doctor and buy some medications. Those are the cheap things. You need adequate coverage so that if you are severely ill or badly hurt and require hospitalization, these things are covered. More so, if you need to return home for medical care, better it be by air ambulance with a medical escort and perhaps your mother by your side than by a slow boat. Don't skimp on this item. Read the small print. Accidents happen.

To test your travel insurance IQ, click here.

If you do have underlying medical problems such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease or cancer, it is wise to carry a letter from your doctor summarizing your medical problems. A copy of your most recent electrocardiogram would be handy for a doctor in Mongolia treating you for chest pain. For those with allergies, pacemakers, artificial hips and other bionic parts, a Medic Alert bracelet or some type of identification is crucial.

Finally, you might anticipate the need to access medical care while abroad. It is probably best, if possible, to do your research before you leave. There are several organizations that will help you find good local medical care should you become ill while abroad. One of these, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), will not only provide you with a list of English speaking doctors, but also with a fair bit of medical information as well (http://www.sentex.net/~iamat/). If you are travelling with a pre-existing medical problem, it might be worthwhile to seek out the name of an appropriate medical specialist at your destination before you go.

Malaria Montezuma and Me is a medical guide for travellers written by Dr. Mark Wise. This practical well-priced guide contains easy to understand chapters on everything from travelling safely and pre-travel innoculation needs to the pregnant traveller, anti-malarial medications and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases on the road. Books can be ordered directly from Dr. Wise's Travel Clinic. For further information, visit http://www.drwisetravel.com.