I am a travel junkie.
A few months ago, I realized I had flown over a million miles. I’ve lived in North America, South America, Central America, and Europe. I’ve circumnavigated the globe on numerous occasions…in both directions. And as of this winter, I will have set foot on all seven continents.
In short, I have a roll-aboard bag…and I’m not afraid to use it! 🙂
And so it is with these credentials that I present this brief but vital list of items that I always tuck into my suitcase. These are things that have saved me all sorts of grief in often unexpected scenarios. They form the core of my suitcase emergency kit, and after reading this list, perhaps they’ll serve the same function for you, as well.
Unsexy, yet awesome
Athletic tape
Yeah, the totally unsexy white tape that you see on football players’ ankles. This stuff is da bomb! I use it to tape hot spots on my feet during a long day of walking or hiking—excellent for preventing blisters! I’ve also used it to repair a torn rain jacket, a rip in my suitcase, and a sagging hem. Weirdest use? Athletic tape works great as a makeshift Post-It (you can write on it with a pen much more easily than you can duck tape, and it’s way less messy to remove).
I buy these by the case!
Chemical hand-warmer packs
Ladies, if you’re anything like me, you tend to get cold rather easily. Because of this, um, “feature,” I am all about wearing layers, but sometimes—especially during an unexpected cold snap—that’s just not enough. Enter my beloved hand-warmer packs. When you extract these puppies from their packaging, the oxygen in the air reacts with the materials (iron, salt, vermiculite) in the pack and creates an exothermic reaction. Voila! Instant heat that you can stash in your pockets, your socks, and anywhere else you might want to feel extra snuggy. Just don’t put the packs directly on your skin, as they get hot enough to cause a slight burn (speaking from painful personal experience).
Packets are the only way to go with coconut oil. Don’t even think about packing a jar of the stuff.
Coconut oil
You knew I was gonna list this one, didn’t you? Coconut oil (in leak-proof packets!) is like the duct tape of the medicine cabinet. It moisturizes, it deodorizes, and it sanitizes. You can use it as a make-up remover, even for waterproof products. It can serve as a shaving oil or hair conditioner (ends only, please). In a pinch, you can even eat it for some quick calories!
But maybe don’t take it quite this far:
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And that’s it! My three trusty little soldiers that have seen me through many a travel emergency.
And how about your tips? What are critical items that you never leave home without? List them in the comments below!
Ladies, we’re different than the guys (duh!) Get my women-specific tips for emergency preparedness HERE!