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How to Pack a Day Trip Bag — the Fast and Easy Way

By: Author Ginny Vail

Posted on Published: 12 February 24  - Last updated: 23 February 24

Home » Resources » Gear » How to Pack a Day Trip Bag — the Fast and Easy Way

Do you love taking day trips? Do you like traveling light and also like being well prepared? With our day trip bag checklist and a small prepacked essentials kit, you can do both.

Day tripping is one of the best parts of traveling and this is partly because we leave our luggage behind and often have just a small day bag. I love being able to go sightseeing or hiking with only a small backpack and maybe my big camera. But I also want to balance traveling light with being well prepared.

Two things help me quickly pack my day bag and feel confident that while I don’t have much to carry, I do have items I might need. The downloadable checklist (linked below) reminds me to pack things like camera gear, binoculars, and a sunhat. I also have a small Ziplock bag prepacked and always ready in my day bag. It’s full of small items like sunscreen, a nail file, bandaids, aspirin, and electrolyte packets. It’s my Day Trip Essentials Kit, and it can help smooth out small annoyances and sometimes even save the day.

You might also find a day trip kit helpful for spending time outside the airport on a long layover , or a day exploring a new port city during a cruise, or hiking in the middle of a city !

Here’s what’s in this article:

• A downloadable day bag checklist to remind you to pack important items like camera accessories or a sun hat.
• Suggestions for creating a small inexpensive, pre-packed day trip essentials kit for your day bag.
• Suggestions for creating a really tiny first aid kit to include in your pre-packed day trip essentials kit.
• Discover safety tips for day trips .

Organizing a Day Bag for a Day Trip

So, you’re heading out on a day trip and you’ll likely be away from your lodging for several hours. Maybe you’re checking out ancient rock art in Australia’s Kakadu National Park or taking a boat to Skellig Michael off the coast of Ireland. No matter where you’re going, it’s easier if you travel light, and it’s also great to have things with you that you might need.

Making sure you have the things you want or need is more likely if you have a day trip check list to remind you. Download ours, if you wish, and customize it to suit your needs.

Creating a Small Day Trip Essentials Kit

I save time by assembling small things I might need on a day trip, or any long outing, into a one-quart Ziploc bag. The kit goes in my daypack along with anything I want from the Day Bag Packing List. My kit is 8 x 6 x 1.5-inches (20 cm x 15 cm x 4 cm) and weighs 11.4 oz (323 g). Since I always keep my ID, cash and cards in my money belt, and my smart phone in my pocket, I don’t need anything else. I’m hands-free and good to go.

I seldom use more than a few items on any given trek, but these items are small, cheap, and take little space. With a pre-packed kit, I don’t need to scramble to get my day bag organized for an early excursion. Just knowing I have things I might need (like sunscreen or insect repellent) makes my day more enjoyable.

A Perfect First Aid Kit for Day Trippers

The Mini First Aid kit has a ridiculous amount of stuff but it’s only 3.25 x 4 inches (8.25 cm x 10 cm) and weighs almost nothing. Even so, it holds items that can save the day if you get a splinter or blister or maybe serious heartburn from lunch.

True story: My husband and I were walking toward the cathedral in Koln, Germany, and I tripped on an uneven sidewalk and fell. My camera, which was hanging around my neck, smacked my face and cut my nose. Items in the tiny First Aid kit, cleaned and patched me up enough to continue sightseeing.

You might notice that the assortment of over-the-counter pills are individual servings in sealed packets. I find these in convenience or liqueur stores and prefer them because they are sealed and have “use by” dates. It just feels more trustworthy if you happen to share them with a fellow traveler whose day would be better if they just had an aspirin or a bandaid.

Day Trip Packing List for Day Excursions

We created a checklist for our own use, and you can download a PDF copy below. The checklist is actually two lists on one sheet; it has all of the things in our pre-packed Day Trip Essentials kit and an expanded version of the day bag list below:

• Mini Day Trip Essentials kit (which includes the tiny first aid kit)
• Camera gear: Spare battery & SD card, polarizing filter, camera hood, remote shutter release
• Glasses (sunglasses & reading glasses)
• Maps, guides & tickets
• Snacks (Kind bars are our go-to)
• Water bottle
• Clothing for hot, cold, or rainy weather: Hat, coat, jacket, fleece, rain poncho, umbrella, gloves

The list helps make sure you’ve included whatever clothing, camera gear, or other gear you’ll wish you had on a specific trip. After boarding the train for a day in Monet’s Garden in Giverny, it’s too late to remember you really meant to bring a sun hat.

Customize the Mini Essentials Kit

Create your own Day Trip Essentials kit to suit your own needs. My day bag checklist is pretty standard, but the contents in the essentials kit are unique to me and have evolved over time. Here are the reasons for some of the odd bits:

• The Croakie eyeglass strap is an item I added after losing my favorite sunglasses on the Katoomba Mine Train in Australia.
• The bathroom kit helps when the only facility available is less than desirable.
• The Electro Mix turns a bottle of water into an energy drink, with Potassium.

Choosing the Best Day Bag for Day Tours

• Jim swears by his little black backpack by Eddie Bauer
• My favorite is the Outlander Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking DayPack

The Eddie Bauer comes with a rock-solid lifetime guarantee. When Jim’s 5 year old day pack suffered a broken zipper, he brought it back to a store and exchanged it for the latest model, no questions asked. You really can’t beat that kind of customer service.

My best day bag is an Outlander Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking DayPack. It’s small, lightweight, washable, and its 7 pockets keep things in place, so everything doesn’t go straight to the bottom of the bag. It also has elastic loops on the side mesh pockets to secure water bottles, and my smartphone tripod. The Outlander folds neatly into its 7 x 7-inch (18 x 18 cm) interior pocket.

Safety on Day Trips

Crowded cities and major tourist sites are a magnet for pickpockets and other thieves and scams. And that’s true in many parts of the world. Most of us travelers manage to avoid being harmed or robbed by taking a few precautions.

Here Are Ways to Keep Yourself and Your Possessions Safe When Day Tripping

Protect yourself:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and even more so in crowded cities and tourist spots.
• Avoid empty streets and alleys, especially late at night.
• Avoid excessive alcohol or other drugs. You need your wits about you.
• When crossing streets, know which way traffic flows and look both ways. Crossing a road when it’s clear on your right can be deadly in a country where traffic drives on the left.

Protect your personal stuff:

• Keep the location of your valuables a secret by carrying a small amount of money in a front pocket for small purchases and donations.
• Keep major money, credit cards, and passport in an RFID proof money belt or similarly, hidden-away device.
• Avoid putting valuables in your day bag. If you do need to put keys or other valuables in your bag, pin them to the inside bottom of the bag with a carabiner clip or safety pin.
• If you have a large, expensive camera, carry it on a crossbody strap, preferably in a protective camera bag.
• Avoid wearing expensive or even expensive-looking jewelry.
• When in crowded places, carry your day bag on your chest, rather than your back.

True Story: While standing across the street from La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, a woman came up and said “a man just unzipped your backpack; you should wear it on your chest instead.” Sure enough, the middle pocket was unzipped. But the pocket picker must have been disappointed because he didn’t take my Best of Spain book, which was the only thing in the pocket.

For overall travel safety see How to Travel Safely .

The Day Tripping Kit Works for Other Outings Too

I keep my small day trip bag packed all the time and use it for outings like taking my grandkids to the zoo or aquarium. In addition to the essentials kit, my day bag always has a windbreaker and sunhat.

Taking the Essentials Kit Through Airport Security

When flying, if you take your essentials kit on the plane, remember to move any liquids to a plastic bag for screening. In 2023, this was still a requirement at some airports. In May 2023, the airport in Athens Greece was still screening liquids, and several people in the security line were unprepared. They had to step out of line and remove all liquids from their carry-on bags. They were pretty stressed about it.

The Day Trip Essentials Kit is like an emergency kit. It contains many things you hopefully won’t need, but it can save the day if you do need an item or two. It takes little time and costs very little to build a kit — customized just for you. Plus, a Day Bag Packing List can help you remember to add other items to your day bag, so you have everything you need and not much you don’t.

Author bio: Ginny Vail is a travel writer, who loves sightseeing, photography, and videography. She’s been to 45 countries across six continents and traveled by air, car, bus, train, boat, and ship. Her articles can help you discover places to go, sights to see, and details about when and how to visit them.

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Just In Case Travel Kit List (19 Essentials)

• June 5, 2021
• 16 Comments

Most of the *ultimate travel packing lists* focus on the fun parts of travel. The bags, the gear; the stuff that’s exciting to think about and buy. This travel kit list is full of the other stuff you need to take traveling. Consider this your just in case travel kit that everyone hopes they won’t ever need. 

But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Whether you’re backpacking, on a road trip, city-hopping or traveling full-time, these are the essentials for your travel packing checklist.

This emergency travel packing list will help you to be more prepared, resilient and result in a more enjoyable trip. I affectionately call this just in case travel kit my travel “headquarters,” and it has saved the day countless times. Pack the items on this travel kit list, and I’m sure it will bail you out, too.

Taking time for travel preparedness isn’t just good common sense, but it’s also an essential part of being a more sustainable traveler . Being able to repair a buckle or mend a shirt mid-trip will reduce your need to purchase new gear. If you have the means to fix things when they break, you save items from the landfill and also the resources and carbon footprint of buying a new product to replace it.

Extending the life of your gear stops you from having to send your old gear to the landfill, and also saves you money. Being prepared for traveling is a win all around!

This is my personal travel emergency kit list, and you’ll probably be able to tell that I love being prepared. If you’re thinking about the just-in-case items you need for a trip, use my travel kit list as a guide and take or leave items as they suit you.

Let’s get right into the travel essential packing list that will help you be prepared for whatever travel throws at you.

Pause now and pin for later!

Just In Case Personal Items

1. Vomit bag

I truly hope you’ll never need this vomit bag, but if you feel even a little queasy you’ll be so thankful to have on hand. No trip packing list is complete without this.

Just because you’ve never been motion sick doesn’t mean that it will never happen. Personally, I’ve never been car sick in my entire life, until riding in a van up tiny hairpin roads through high elevation in Peru. The changing altitude got to me, and I’ve never felt that sick to my stomach in my life.

Remember that food is also a wild card – your stomach may not be used to the cuisine wherever you are, plus not every country has laws around food ( “does this taste old to you?” ).

I met a Canadian man who had been vomited on while traveling – by people he didn’t know – twice. TWICE! * shudders * Let’s all agree to carry vomit bags so that if we cross paths somewhere in the world, we don’t accidentally puke on each other.

Beyond your just in case travel kit, I actually recommend you sneak a vomit big into your messenger bag, bookbag, purse, etc. for daily emergencies. It takes up no space, but if it’s needed, it will save the day.

Any paper bag will do. If you’ll be flying for your next trip, take some from the plane. Vomit bags should be in the seat-back pockets or you can ask a flight attendant.

2. Dramamine

You need this item in your travel kit list for the same reasons as the vomit bag. Just remember to store it somewhere reachable , not in a bag that you’ll be stowing away under the bus, train , or aircraft.

Anyone who is prone to motion sickness pack a bottle in their just in case travel kit. For the rest of us blessedly strong stomachs, just take a few tablets as a backup.

Dramamine Chewable Tablets – 8 Pack on Amazon

3. Toilet paper

Not all countries provide free toilet paper in bathrooms like a lot of us are used to.

Even in the US, I’ve seen some pretty ragged rest stops that weren’t stocked ( I’m looking at you, latrine on the southern border of Arizona that hadn’t seen any love in an unseemly amount of time ).

When you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go, toilet paper on hand or not, so be prepared.

If you’re going on a long trip, I would take a whole roll (squish it flat and store it in a ziplock bag to keep it clean). For a smaller trip, enough for emergencies should be fine.

4. Hand sanitizer

It’s not the norm everywhere to wash hands after using the bathroom. I’ve seen many bathrooms that don’t provide soap or have running water.

If it’s your personal norm to do so, then you’re going to want hand sanitizer. Start every trip with a travel-size bottle and buy more along the way if you have to.

Also, if you’re in the position to spend a little bit more money, choose a cruelty-free and vegan hand sanitizer to make a more conscious purchase.

Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer on Amazon

5. Liquid IV

It takes constant, intentional effort to stay hydrated when you travel. In my humble opinion, conscious hydration is one of those hidden-gem travel trips that can help you really improve your health and wellbeing. Bring a little help in the form of Liquid IV.

Liquid IV is an electrolyte powder that provides rapid hydration. It contains glucose, sodium and potassium that “delivers water and other key nutrients directly to your bloodstream, hydrating you faster and more efficiently than water alone.” (more product specifics can be found here from the company themselves )

This is a miracle powder. Staying intentionally hydrated will make you enjoy traveling more. In particular, this will save you during long-haul bus rides or flights, while hiking, or emergencies like plain old dehydration.

Reflecting on my own travel memories, there are so many times when I know I would’ve felt better and enjoyed my surroundings more if I hadn’t been so dehydrated.

The worst offender was a long bus ride from Lima to Cusco in Peru. It was supposed to be about 18 hours, and usually, buses make stops along the way. This bus, for whatever reason, didn’t. And there had been a landslide which required the bus to slow down and carefully drive over the rubble, so instead of 18 hours, this bus ride took 27.

I only had one bottle of water on the trip, and I felt so deeply *wrong* by the time we arrived. I only peed once in 27 hours. Not drinking water or using the bathroom makes you feel terrible and has health implications.

Tuck a few Liquid IVs into your just in case travel kit and you’ll be happy you have them.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder on Amazon

6. First Aid Kit

There are two types of first aid kits you should have for traveling. The first is a small kit for shorter trips, or for traveling in places where you’ll never be far from help. For example, it’s probably overkill to pack a splint for just a weekend in Paris, where help could arrive very quickly if an accident were to occur.

I am not a certified first aid expert, so you should consult the American Red Cross’s recommendations for further safety information.

First Aid Items For Short Trips

What I recommend: take a full first aid kit on long trips, but for a week or less, just take the basics ( except for outdoors-focused trips, in which case you should always take a fully loaded first aid kit ).

Here are some health-focused items for your travel kit:

• Multiple sizes of bandaids
• BleedStop , a powder that you pour into cuts or wounds to stop bleeding
• Alcohol cleansing pads
• Benadryl to treat allergies and itches
• Moleskin for blisters
• Antibiotic ointment for treating cuts, burns and reducing the risk of infection
• Bandage tape
• Liquid IV (for dehydration, diarrhea/food poisoning, etc.)
• Wound closures – this may sound intense, but they’re so tiny and they work so well at closing cuts
• Small scissors – for cutting gauze, Moleskin, or (in extreme cases) clothes off

First Aid Items For Long Trips

Just so you know: this list does not include every single first aid item you should include on your travel kit list. My kit has more than 100 pieces in it, and this is just covering the highlights. You should refer to the American Red Cross for professional advice. Especially if you’ll be in a scenario where help would be delayed ( such as on a boat, in the backcountry, etc. ).

• Medical gloves
• Surgical mask – you can buy these in the first aid section of most stores, or even get them for free during flu season. If you’re going anywhere with volcanoes or a chance of earthquakes or wildfires, you should take one. Filling your lungs with ash or dust is painful and damaging. Individually-wrapped is best
• A Sam Splint for stabilizing sprains and bone breaks
• Foil thermal blanket
• Instant ice pack
• A Sharpie for extreme scenarios in the backcountry. In the event that two people are in the backcountry together and one of them incurs a life-threatening injury and is unable to move, their partner may have to leave them to seek out help. A Sharpie is used to write information on the injured person, in the event that they lose consciousness and are discovered by someone else. If you’re going into the backcountry, you really must prepare by taking the American Red Cross Wilderness And Remote First Aid Course .

Personally, I love first aid and preparedness ( am I the only one? Do you also get a kick out of being prepared?? ). But if this seems like too much work, you can buy a premade safety kit and add any additional pieces yourself to flesh it out.

Pro tip: if you assemble your emergency kit yourself, be sure to opt for travel-size first aid items. It’s not as cost-effective, but larger volumes of liquids will become a hassle going through airport security. You can store everything easily in a small toiletry bag.

163 Piece Waterproof Portable Essential Injuries on Amazon

Just In Case Travel Kit: Practical Items

7. Zipties in an assortment of sizes

These are great for MacGyvering broken items.

A zip tie can become a makeshift shoelace, zipper pull, bag handle – you get it. Endlessly handy to have.

Assorted Zipties on Amazon

8. Small scissors

If you take scissors, you will find yourself using them. It’s just one of those things! Personally, I like actual scissors over a pocket knife, but a knife will probably tick this box as well in many situations.

Plus, as I mentioned in #5, scissors are an essential part of a complete first aid kit , useful for cutting clothing, gauze, bandages or Moleskin.

Portable Mini Fold-Up Scissors on Amazon

9. Pen and marker

These might be items you don’t think you’ll need, but if you end up do needing to write something down and don’t have anything, you’re out of luck.

You’ll need a pen to fill out any customs forms if you’re going abroad. A marker is handy for labeling your food in a hostel kitchen.

10. Paracord

Paracord is handy in mending broken items, or making something new altogether – I have 2 friends that built a makeshift tent out of tarp and paracord when they couldn’t find a hostel for the night. For bonus travel preparedness points, consider bringing a roll of reflective paracord . After a camping snafu where I tied up a bear bag in a tree and then couldn’t find it, I now use the reflective paracord to help mark things.

That can be a bear bag, the entrance to the campsite, small items that are easily overlooked and left behind when packing.

When doing a lot of bus travel, it can also be handy to tie reflective paracord to backpack . This makes it easy to spot when unloading a bus in the middle of the night or trying to describe your bag to the person returning luggage.

Fluorescent Reflective Paracord on Amazon

11. Lighter

Even if you’re not a smoker, it’s just one of those basics that is good to have. If you do smoke or use a lighter often, consider getting an electric lighter and making it the last lighter you’ll ever need.

That’s right, locks plural! I recommend taking two locks on every trip.

Combination Lock and Cable

The first lock that you need in your just in case travel kit is a standard combination lock with a cable . Reduce your odds of being robbed by keeping your backpacks together. This is handy if you have to sleep somewhere public (like an airport) or if you, for some reason, have to leave your bags behind.

By tying bags together, you make it much more unlikely that an opportunist will come up and discretely walk off with your bag.

Take a cable lock around both packs, going through zipper pulls or handles to make sure it’s actually connected, then put the ends of the cable on the lock and lock it.

Then, throw a raincoat over the top of the packs for discretion.

If someone came over while you were sleeping, just the sound of pulling the jacket off would probably wake you, but there’d be no way to quickly take off with huge packs tethered together.

This may sound intense to some travelers, but I’ve had my room rummaged through and robbed before so I’ve made it a habit to be proactive. That’s a good quality for anyone who wants to travel long-term .

Combination Lock With Cable on Amazon

Double-Sided Cable Lock

The second lock you should always include in your just in case travel kit is a double-sided cable lock .

First, you lock your bag shut so no one can go through it. The cable is flexible, so if your bag doesn’t have those luggage pulls with the lock holes in it, you can still get it through.

Next, you lock the longer loop through something else , like your seat or the overhead luggage rack, making it impossible to swipe. With this, no one can rummage through your bag or walk off with it.

With enough time and tools, a thief could still cut your bag, etc. but this is a great deterrence for opportunists.

You can find a double-sided cable lock here . If you’d like more on this topic, I have an entire blog piece on just securing your packs .

Lewis N. Clark Lockdown Triple Security Double-Sided Cable Lock on Amazon

13. Ziplock bags in an assortment of sizes

In your day-to-day life, it’s best to avoid Ziplock bags because of the plastic epidemic, but they’re invaluable when on the road. Take an assortment of sizes.

Some of the best uses : water bag to seal off your electronics during a rainstorm, taking food to-go, “packing out” toilet paper if you’re going to the bathroom in the woods, keeping your liquid toiletries separate from everything else in your bag in case something leaks. That list goes on and on.

You don’t need anything fancy, just something that could maybe repair a broken plastic piece of your pack or reattach the bottom of your shoe.

It’s an unusual travel accessory, but Sugru glue is the glue for the job. It’s super versatile: it’s flexible, mouldable, waterproof and small to carry with you.

This glue is so amazing that I even included it on my holiday gift guide . Glue is a ~super cool~ gift when it does THIS much!

Sugru All-Purpose Adhesive on Amazon

Pro tip: if you add another type of glue to your travel kit list, be sure to store it in a little Ziplock bag. Sugru is individually wrapped, but a liquid glue that’s just in a tube presents a leakage risk. That would be disastrous!

15. Mini sewing kit

This is worth its weight in gold if (when) you a tear in your clothes. You don’t need to be a skilled seamstress, just being able to sew up a hole or reattach a button is immensely useful and can save you from needing to buy new clothes.

Compact Sewing Kit For Travelers on Amazon

16. Rain Gear For You And Your Backpack

“What do weathermen and politicians have in common? They both get paid to lie.” My grandfather told me that joke probably a thousand times while I was growing up.

There’s a lesson to be learned in there though: never rely on the forecast to be accurate.

Your just in case travel kit isn’t ready without some rain gear. It doesn’t have to be bulky or heavy-duty. My rain suit is essentially just a glorified garbage bag, but it’s been keeping me dry for years. I recommend something packable that folds into a little pouch and disappears into your bag until you need it.

Packable Women’s Waterproof Hooded Rain Windbreaker on Amazon

Now that you’re covered, don’t forget your bag! A wet bag is inconvenient, smelly and I reckon expensive if anything gets ruined and needs to be replaced. Your just in case travel kit isn’t ready with a rain cover for your bag as well as your body.

Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover on Amazon

Pro tip: test your raincoat while you still have the opportunity to return it! Make sure it’s truly waterproof, and not just water-resistant. This is particularly important if you’re traveling during a country’s rainy season.

17. Whistle

There are two primary travel and outdoor scenarios where a whistle is extremely valuable.

The first is situations where you’re lost or injured and need to draw attention to yourself. You can blow on a whistle for hours without losing your voice or dehydrating yourself, unlike yelling for help. The internationally recognized distress call is 3 blows of a whistle. If you’re hiking, attach this to the shoulder strap of your backpack so that if you’re injured and unable to move, you can lean to your shoulder and blow the whistle even if you’re trapped or badly injured.

The second is when faced with animal or criminal confrontations. A whistle is like a personal security alarm that will draw attention to your situation. This can potentially scare off criminal encounters or aggressive animals.

In addition to carrying a whistle on your backpacking shoulder strap, carry one in your purse, messenger bag or whatever you always keep on your person while traveling.

Emergency Whistle With Lanyard on Amazon

An exciting step of preparing for traveling is getting the local currency of your exciting destination. In addition to your day-to-day money, you’ll also want to keep a reserve of extra money for emergencies and unexpected situations. Here are 3 steps to take to effectively prepare yourself.

Take a reserve of US dollars for most destinations (except in Europe – it’s unlikely anyone will accept dollars). Not only is the US dollar accepted by many countries worldwide, but it’s also required at some international checkpoints. I learned this the hard way when crossing the border from Honduras to Nicaragua. Neither country used the US dollar as their currency, yet it was the only accepted currency to pay the entry fee with.

A proactive amount of money to take for 2 people is $300. Don’t take big bills, because you might not be able to get change. Take a division of ones, fives and tens.

Only take clean bills . Bills with writing or tears may very well be rejected because they won’t be accepted by the local banks. American banks will accept anything, but that’s not the case abroad. Whoever is accepting your money also needs to feel confident that it’s not counterfeit, and a dollar bill with a woman’s phone number written on it doesn’t exactly ooze that confidence.

Scatter the bills between your bags , and never carry this around in your day-to-day exploring. You tempt fate when you carry large amounts of cash on you will perusing the streets.

Most people who travel long enough have had their bags rummaged through by opportunists, so make it difficult for someone to find your cash reserve. Split up your money and store it any number of random places in your bag:

• In the toe of your packed shoes, beneath socks and other stored items
• Tucked into your first aid kit
• Taped inside of a notebook

Pro tip: do *not* take big bills. Take an assortment of small bills instead. Getting change for small bills is a common problem in some countries, even for the local currency.

19. Miscellaneous Items For Your Just In Case Travel Kit

These are items that have just come in handy and are small enough to toss in.

• Carabiners in assorted sizes
• Binder clips in assorted sizes
• Rubber bands in assorted sizes
• Safety pins in, you guessed it, assorted sizes!

Don’t pack the whole container of these items, but rather take a few of each out and store them in a small Ziplock bag.

Putting Your Just In Case Travel Kit Together

Your travel preparedness items should all be stored together in a pouch or a small packing cube and stored in an accessible area. If you’re traveling with a backpack , keep it in the brain, or the topmost part of your pack, so that it can be easily reached .

On smaller trips with just a day bag, toss this into the abyss of your bag.

Travel Kit List Summary

Do you feel more prepared with this travel kit list in hand? This travel checklist will become your saving grace when you’re on the road, and I’m so thrilled I was able to share it with you.

This list is about more than just providing you ultimate packing tips – it’s about being savvy, staying safe and being resilient to what life on the road throws at you.

What items do you include on your backpacking or vacation packing list? I’d love to hear in the comments!

16 Comments on Just In Case Travel Kit List (19 Essentials)

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incredible! i thought i was reading my list! everything that i have been told is quirky, is on this list. i have everything on my list too! except Sam Splint, Foil thermal blanket,Instant ice pack,A whistle,A Sharpie, possibly casue we are not big hikers. but everything else is there. if i dont use it after 3 trips, an item gets removed. heaven forbid we get Diarrhoea on an overnight trip lol

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Thanks for some great advice! I’ve read a lot of posts about packing light, but some light preparedness gear could go a long way!

I am so thrilled you liked it! I also think a little preparedness goes a long in, no matter how minimalist you are!

I really appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again!

I always carry Tide or Shout wipes just in case I spill food on me .

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My Natural Travel Packing List (and Tips)

Reading Time: 6 minutes

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I’m traveling so much these days (often by myself, imagine that!) that I’ve created a system to make sure I always have what I need when I’m away from home. From family vacations , short two-day business trips, or longer work-based research trips, my goal is always the same: have everything I need and only what I need.

It’s taken some trial and error to narrow down to my essential travel packing list, but I think I finally have it down. Hopefully a peek inside my suitcase will give you some ideas for your own natural travel kit the next time you’re packing for a trip.

Pack Light to Make Travel Easier

Ever felt like you wear the same few pairs of favorite clothes for days on end at home but then when it comes time to pack for travel you suddenly come prepared for a fashion show and the apocalypse? I used to fall victim to that too but got tired of carrying all of the extra gear and learned to minimize.

Through systems, I learned to minimize my packing. Now, I can go almost anywhere with just a small carry-on, including a  three-week trip to Italy last year . There are exceptions, of course. My trip to Finland required thick snow gear and boots that certainly wouldn’t fit in a carry on! But short of arctic temperatures, a carry-on bag is usually sufficient.

Clothing options change depending on destination and duration but most of the other things are constant. For instance, I keep a natural personal care kit already packed and in a TSA-approved toiletry bag at all times. I keep ready to pack kits of remedies and makeup as well.

Note: This post contains affiliate links to the products I use and love. The price is the same for you but helps support the blog and podcast, which hopefully is a win-win! As always, thank you for your support!

Packing List: Luggage Options

I have two main bags that I use depending on the trip:

• An ultra-light rolling carry-on bag for most domestic trips
• A duffle-style roller bag with pockets for most international trips
• Lightweight backpack for laptop and gear
• Crossbody purse that holds my camera, gear, etc. when needed

These stay in my closet and are ready to go whenever I need them (like our biannual trip to Cincinnati! ).

Natural Personal Care Packing List

At home I stick to natural personal care products and I didn’t want to give this up when I travel. I created systems to make my personal care products travel ready. The advantage to DIY and natural products is that many of them are dual purpose and can take up less room!

Here’s what I keep in my ready-to-go toiletry bag:

• Skincare – I travel with Alitura Naturals gold serum, body lotion, and essential oil based fragrance. (Use code “wellness” to save 20%.)
• Deodorant – a 2.5-ounce tube of Wellnesse Mineral Deodorant I keep in my travel kit and it lasts for months and months.
• Branch Basics Foamer – Not pictured but I always keep a small foamer bottle of Branch Basics in my travel kit for treating stains, removing makeup, washing my face, or even as shampoo in a pinch.
• Shampoo – I pack my Wellnesse Cleansing Shampoo  in a small refillable bottle.
• Dry Shampoo – For ease when traveling, I pack my Wellnesse Dry Shampoo and use a makeup brush to apply it. (Before I made my own dry shampoo .)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste – For compact travel I either bring a small jar of my own homemade toothpaste or some Wellnesse Remineralizing Toothpaste and my toothbrush .

Remedies and Supplements Packing List

Knowing that airports and airplanes are often some of the dirtiest places , I make sure to carry remedies with me to avoid getting sick. The stagnant air, plethora of bacteria, and radiation in a plane make it an especially easy place to catch something.

To avoid that, I pack some specific remedies:

• Propolis – Natural Bee Propolis Spray is my #1 go-to travel remedy. I always use this while flying and anytime I feel a cold coming on. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial substance that can be used for everything from sniffles to burns.
• CBD – Another remedy I always carry when traveling is Ojai CBD . It helps me stay relaxed and often sleep on the plane and has many other benefits as well .
• Probiotics and K2-7 – I don’t take many supplements when I travel but there are a few that always make it into my bag. Probiotics  always make the cut. The probiotics are the most effective I’ve ever tried and I always keep them on hand for travel. It helps avoid any digestive upset from foods I don’t normally eat and keeps digestion normal. (Plus, they are histamine and allergen free as well as vegan). The K2-7 is also vegan and allergy safe and helps keep inflammation at bay. To conserve space, I keep these in small reusable bags.
• Charcoal – I keep a bottle of coconut shell activated charcoal in my travel bag for use while flying, before drinking, and if I eat anything that could be contaminated. I’ve also handed out many of these on trips where people got food poisoning or had upset stomachs from eating food in other countries.
• Skin Salve – Curoxen first aid ointment is completely natural and tests better than Neosporin and other products for killing bacteria and protecting minor cuts. I keep this on hand for any kind of skin irritation when traveling.
• Green Drink – I’d usually rather fast than eat fast food (see what I did there?) at an airport. But I’ve started carrying Organifi Green Drink packets  (15% off with code WELLNESSMAMA) when I travel so I have a quick meal drink on the go when I land. They also make a good breakfast.
• Colloidal Silver – A small bottle of colloidal silver is my go-to for cleaning scrapes and cuts, for minor illnesses, and for ear/eye soreness or infection.
• Saline & Remedies – Saline spray is a long-used remedy for sniffles, cold, and flu. There’s also evidence that we’re more likely to get sick when our nasal passages dry out, and dry airplane air speeds up this process. I keep a bottle of saline spray in my purse when traveling to use before and after the flight.
• Healthy Meal Replacement-  I’ve been traveling with these Ample meal replacement shakes as an emergency meal for long flights or airport layovers. They even work for going through airport security since they come as a powder in a ready to use bottle. Just add water and shake.
• Hand Sanitizer – My Moisturizing Wellnesse Hand Sanitizer eliminates viruses, bacteria, and fungus without stripping your skin of its natural protection.

Tips to Stay Healthy on a Plane

As I mentioned, it’s easy to get sick on a plane. I go through my full routine for staying healthy while flying in this post , but in short these are the steps I take to avoid catching anything on the plane, if possible:

• Fast before and on the flight, especially on short flights
• Take charcoal pre-flight
• Spray propolis in my throat before getting on the plane
• Take CBD on the plane to keep stress levels low
• Slice some fresh ginger and put in a water bottle so I can add hot water at the airport for a fresh drink
• Spend time outdoors in fresh air and work up a sweat once I land

Tech Packing List

No matter if I’m traveling for business or on a family trip, I take some tech gear with me everywhere I go so I can keep up with blog stuff on the road. This list will be different for everyone, but since some of you have asked, this is what always makes my tech kit:

• Laptop, Phone, and Chargers  (self explanatory!)
• Kindle + Books – I never thought I’d make the switch from physical books (which I love) to an e-reader like a Kindle . But for travel, I’ve found that the portability and convenience can’t be beat. I mostly just download research books and upcoming podcast guests’ books so I can get a lot of work done on planes.
• Oura Ring – This sleep and health tracking ring gives valuable insight like how well you slept, heart rate variability, body temperature, and activity. I’ve been able to catch a minor illness before it hit many times by seeing my body temp rising slightly on my Oura app. It’s also fascinating to see how my sleep adapts when I change multiple time zones.
• Camera – For years, I just used the camera on my phone. Now, I’ve upgraded to a compact but amazing FujiFilm X-T20 so I can shoot blog photos when traveling. Most people probably don’t need a specific camera and it takes up a decent amount of bag room, so if I’m traveling really light I still stick to my iPhone for pictures. I also keep a portable tripod in my backpack.
• External Battery Charging Bank – For long travel days without access to an electrical outlet, I keep this external battery with me .

Other Things I Always Pack

• Tactical pen (because a podcast guest recommended it and you just never know)
• Comfortable sleep mask
• Electrical tape – for covering lights in hotel rooms or taping curtains together
• Water bottle
• Lightweight scarf – Doubles as a light blanket, baby wrap, nursing cover, and even hand towel in a pinch.

That might seem like a lot of gear to travel with, but it all packs down really small and conveniently.

Your turn! What is on your packing list for travel? What did I forget?

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells , CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of  Wellnesse , has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books  The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

16 responses to “My Natural Travel Packing List (and Tips)”

So how are you packing tactical pens and CBD exactly? In checked luggage, carry on? Unless you’re flying where it’s legal, CBD is illegal in many states and internayionally. Also, tactical pens will absolutely not make it past TSA in the US. So how exactly are you traveling with items?

Some things I do/bring when flying: -Cambridge Mask: N99 military grade respirator designed for military and extremely polluted cities; it filters out germs, and warms up cold air in winter; being chronically ill and very immunocompromised as a result, I never go anywhere without it. -Berkey Sport Bottle: the basically non-existent amount of plastic exposure is far more than worth the risk of everything it filters out of airport water… or any water, for that matter: mossy horse trough water or “smells like pool”, it purifies it all. -Ginger chews: I’m prone to AMS and other GI upset, so ginger chews are my life saver. -Long skinny pillow: Old SI joint injury acts up badly if it doesn’t have proper support, so this saves me from back, hip, and leg pain. Mine fits in my backpack. -Full-zip sweatshirt – Used as a blanket so I can have A/C on full blast (I overheat otherwise) but still stay warm enough. -Soap I’m not allergic to: Being allergic to all regular hand soap, I use castile or BB. -Pack as minimally as possible: Pretty self-explanatory. Having to use a wheelchair for long distances makes this even more important for me. -Pack change of clothes & all essential toiletries in carry-on when checking a bag: Has saved my butt more than once when my flight got cancelled but my suitcase still went on ahead, and I was stuck overnight in the layover city with only my backpack.

Katie, I just saw the company that makes Mason jars is making some nice glass ovenware now. The handles looked like they’re coated with silicone. -K Bach, CA

Hi! Has anyone evertried: 1.Travelan – supposedly prevents diarrhea 2. powdered psyllium – supposedly relieves constipation (can I give it to kids too?)

Also what can I do to relieve traveler’s diarrhea if it hits hard and I’m only staying at a place for a few days?

Perfect timing! We’re traveling to the Indian subcontinent very soon. We’ll be there for about two weeks. I’m trying to pack minimally, however it’s very difficult. *Luggage: I prefer Delsey. The kids will have their own rolling back packs *I’ve purchased the propolis spray, yet haven’t tried it. Are the affects similar to eating honey? *Do you think I can just take the regular Biokult probiotic with us? I think the package says to take double the amount prior to travel. . *What are you currently using for Jetlag? *We’ll be gone forabout 17 days. Is it a good idea to bring our daily supplements with us? Such as: FCLO (will it be affected by heat?) ; elderberry(although it’s not typically the season for the locals to have colds) *Do you pack anything for motion sickness? My son seems to suffer from it even on short car rides.

Thanks for your time in advance!

Arnica 30c is a beautiful homeopathic remedy for jetlag. Take one dose every hour while traveling on the plane. It is also multipurpose. Can buy at a health store or amazon.

Love this post! I believe traveling light is so important, leads to less stress and also allows for more room to bring back goodies and gift from your travels. I find that my cosmetics/ medicine case is always the heaviest item I travel with. I love your suggestion of bringing products that are multi use. I always travel with some DR. Bronners soap. As I can use this for washing my body and my clothes by hand! It helps me pack light and is easy on the environment. I always travel with a Chinese herbal formula called BaoHeWan which helps with tummy troubles. Keep the good vibes coming!

Girl yes! I hadn’t even though to tape those annoying lights in hotel rooms! My husband and I always sleep terribly in hotels and while I know there are a vast number of reasons I know that one I always recognize it tiny green lights on everything in the room from the phone to the microwaves.

I always pack flip flops for quick on and off through TSA, and walking around the hotel when I’m not quite ready for the gym shoes I normally wear while traveling.

Something I’ve found super handy for traveling with supplements is a mini version of your standard weekly pill box. Mine fits in the palm of my hand and has eight separate compartments that close as well as an outer case that latches shut to prevent any individual compartment from opening and spilling mid-route. I use it for my multi-vitamin, probiotic, and activated charcoal capsules when traveling, and it’s a great way to keep all the pills contained and organized. I don’t know the brand, but I found mine for cheap in the suitcase section of TJ Maxx, and a local travel store in my town sells a similar version.

Have you ever been questioned about your homemade products while flying since there’s no brand name on the bottles?

No I haven’t.

Thanks for this helpful post! Do you have any issues traveling with CBD? I’ve heard it’s best to refrain, even with the recent federal legalization of hemp, but definitely would benefit from taking it with me while I travel.

I’ve never had any issues. TSA isn’t looking for those types items anyway. They have much bigger issues to worry about…

I wish I saw this post before my trip to Thailand last November! So many cool products! One thing I was so glad to bring on my trip was Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee packets. They were so nice to have on a layover when I wanted coffee but didn’t want to pay $5 for a cup at the airport, and they make you feel great too when traveling! 🙂

So I guess you buy all of your stuff rather than make your own? I noted with a few exceptions that you link to products already made.

These days I do, since I’m traveling a lot more and it’s more convenient, but when we were traveling less and finances were tighter, the majority of items I traveled with were homemade…

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16 Tips on how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit

by Anne Betts | Dec 31, 2022 | Health, Safety and Comfort | 5 comments

Updated December 31, 2022

How do you assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit , yet still manage to pack light? I don’t claim to have a universal solution, but the following works for me.

Table of Contents

1. Identify your needs in travel first-aid kit

2. never packing ‘what-if’ items doesn’t apply to a first-aid kit, 3. build your kit from scratch, 4. get sound advice, 5. help out other travellers if possible, 6. adopt packing light strategies, 7. get prescriptions filled before departure, 8. verify the legality of your medication in your destination country , 9. label everything, 10. have access to medicinal information and first-aid advice, 11. review your kit before each trip, 12. list kit contents, 13. identify factors affecting kit contents, 14. individualize your kit, 15. and to complement my first-aid kit…, 16. back home, reach into the travel first-aid kit, in summary…, how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit.

Use these 15 tips to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit considering your destination, activities, and health needs while still packing light.  

Each kit is different. A first step is figuring out what you expect of yours. Here are some ideas:

• It has what’s needed to respond to illness and injuries given the destination, season, activities, and health needs of those who depend on the kit.
• It contains enough supplies to deal with minor injuries and illnesses until it’s possible to get to the nearest clinic or pharmacy. Besides, no one wants to spend valuable travel time navigating a new destination, especially when feeling unwell. 
• It takes existing health issues into consideration, and travel related injuries and illnesses given past experience.
• It contains trusted supplies written in a familiar language and acquired at a cost that may be cheaper at home than at your destination.
• It’s small enough, and light enough, to carry at all times (or have key items always accessible).

Packing light travellers advocate never packing ‘what-if’ items.

A first-aid kit is an exception. It’s like that emergency medical insurance you hope to never have to use. Returning home with a kit that was never opened, or tossing expired medication that was never used, are indications of healthy, injury-free travels.

Assemble your own first-aid kit. It gives you more control over the contents and the container. By all means, look for clues from pre-assembled kits, but there’s a good chance an off-the-shelf kit won’t meet your needs. Cobble together your own, considering your destination, activities, and health needs. Chances are it will be cheaper, lighter, smaller, and more useful than a generic version.

Bloggers, especially those with a healthcare background, are helpful sources of ideas. For specific advice, consult a professional health care provider. Your family doctor and pharmacist are aware of your health issues, and can suggest compatible OTC (Over-The-Counter) medication. Your pharmacist can also provide suggestions on generic (and cheaper) alternatives to brand-name products. A travellers’ clinic specializes in preparing people for worldwide travel.

Unhealthy or injured travelling companions impact on all members of a group. My first-aid kit has responded to the occasional health issues of others, and I’ve been the grateful beneficiary of supplies from another person’s kit.

The right supplies in the right quantities add very little weight, and are invaluable if they allow everyone to get on with their travels.

• While cycling beside the canals of the Netherlands , a blister pack containing two Tylenol tablets treated a companion’s splitting headache.
• A couple of Loperamide tablets enabled us to continue exploring Singapore when my nephew was suddenly struck with an attack of Travellers’ Diarrhea .
• When hiking the trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, a piece of anti-blister tape protected a friend’s heel from further chafing.
• When hiking the Banks Track in New Zealand, another hiker gave me some hiking wool to help prevent chafing of sensitive areas. 

If your kit is large and heavy, you’ll be tempted to leave it at home, or back at your accommodation. A first-aid kit should be small enough, light enough, and functional enough to have a permanent place in your day bag.

• Look for travel-friendly sizes. Check out truck stops, drug stores, dollar stores, and hiking and outdoor stores for products packaged in small sizes. Google “OTC medication travel sizes” and you may discover online suppliers in your country of residence. This is how I stumbled across minimus.biz  with their range of single-dose blister packs of OTC medication and first-aid supplies.

• Dollar-store purchases tend to be much cheaper than those available elsewhere. I find it hurts less to discard expired medication or have folding scissors confiscated by an overzealous security agent if I paid dollar-store prices for the item. 
• Where feasible, choose blister packs of tablets over bottles and liquids, and single-dose blister packs over tubes and bottles.

• Where feasible, transfer or decant to smaller containers.
• Use see-through zip-top pill pouch bags to separate various products.

• Choose a container for your kit that slips easily into a day bag. It will need to be waterproof if you’re involved in activities around water. Otherwise, carry a spare zip-top bag, dry bag , or a rain cover for your daypack.
• Pack a pocket pill container  for storing medication and supplements for use while in transit or on the move.

Your prescriptions are valid only in your home country. Get them filled before leaving home. Pack quantities needed for the duration of the trip, and extra to cover possible travel delays. Ask your pharmacist for the smallest possible labelled container, and ask for the expiry date to be listed.

Scan the information sheets received with the medication, and take the electronic copies with you. For this purpose, I use the app Scanner Pro  and cloud-based app, Dropbox .

Medication that may be legal at home might be illegal in another country. Many countries have their own rules regarding travelling with medication.

Start with an online search for ‘travelling with mediation to ___’ and review the information on authority sites such as the pharmaceutical agency of the country in question. If in doubt, contact the embassy or diplomatic mission for additional information.

If you need to administer any medication with a syringe, it would be wise to obtain a letter from your doctor indicating it’s for personal use.

Don’t separate medication from the manufacturer’s packaging. Keep medication in its sealed package or blister pack to protect its integrity, stability, and effectiveness.

The manufacturer’s packaging helps promote safe use by providing information on medicinal ingredients, dosage instructions, and expiry dates. It’s also useful information to help respond to possible inquiries of border services agents.

Having the medicinal ingredients at your fingertips is handy when trying to purchase additional supplies across a language barrier. If you separate medication from its box, cut up the box and slip the pieces containing relevant information into a small zip-top bag with the blister tabs.

For supplements and probiotics, I find the containers take up too much space. Zip-top bags and reusable prescription containers offer downsizing options.

Before packing or taking any medication, consult an authority site for information and advice.

• How should it be safely stored?
• What temperatures affect its effectiveness?
• Will it cause drowsiness?
• What can or can’t be taken with it?
• Can it be taken on an empty stomach?
• What’s the suggested maximum dosage within a 24-hour period?

Drugs.com is an excellent resource, as is the Traveler Advice Page of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Red Cross First-Aid app is a useful resource for emergency first-aid advice.

Remaining committed to carry-on travel requires packing with time to spare. I tend to start at least a week before departure, and definitely earlier if I know my first-aid kit needs refreshing. It helps to break packing into manageable chunks, usually by category such as ‘toiletries,’ ‘first-aid kit,’ or ‘clothing.’ For the first-aid kit, this means time to: 

• discard expired medication
• replenish low supplies or missing items
• remove or include destination- or season-specific items
• communicate with others, if not travelling solo, to lighten the load by sharing supplies across first-aid kits.

A detailed list of the contents of your first-aid kit, and those items that complement what’s in the kit, can be helpful. Brand names (and their generic equivalents) aren’t available in all countries, so it’s important to include the medicinal ingredients of each. Store it in a cloud storage app, or where it’s readily accessible on your device.

• keeps you organized when it comes to replenishing or removing supplies;
• is helpful when seeking advice from health care professionals;
• is useful when consulting with travelling companions on sharing first-aid supplies;
• is a reference to avoid overdosing when taking combinations of different medications (e.g., “Tylenol Poisoning” is a real problem; some cold-and-flu medication also contains Acetaminophen/Paracetamol);
• enables you to purchase depleted items with the same or similar medicinal ingredients at your destination; and
• can be easily updated for future travels.

Take into account your own health needs and previous experience in managing them. For example, here are some of the things I considered for recent trips.

Blister prevention and treatment. It’s not uncommon to walk 20 km / 12.5 mi each day, more than at home. Also, feet change. Shoes that fit perfectly when they were purchased might not remain so.

Allergic reactions to insect bites.  Biting insects are my nemesis. The New Zealand sandflies sent me scurrying for antihistamine, and bites from some unknown insect in Australia landed me in the emergency department of a hospital (at a considerable cost) to get a prescription for an antibiotic (that cost $5 to fill). I now ask my doctor for a prescription for both an antibiotic ointment and tablets that can be filled before leaving home.

Digestive ailments. I take medication for acid reflux. This means that Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (e.g., Tylenol) is a safer pain reliever than Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). Also, with reduced acid in my stomach, I always expect Travellers’ Diarrhea. I also need to plan to deal with occasional and very uncomfortable heartburn.

Minor scrapes.  Most trips involve time on a bike or scooter, increasing the chance of minor scrapes and abrasions.

Respiratory issues. I have a propensity for a bad case of the ‘flu to morph into pneumonia. After remaining insanely healthy during the pandemic, I expected to fall prey to Covid or influenza on my first post-pandemic international trip. This pointed to the need to pack Covid test kits, and my doctor gave me prescriptions for an antibiotic and a puffer, both filled before leaving home.

Staying healthy on long-haul flights. Planes harbour harmful bacteria, and long flights increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. The dry environment contributes to dehydration, dry skin, and sore nasal passages.

In the event it’s helpful, here’s a list of the contents of my kit, based on the considerations described above, and the advice of my family doctor and pharmacist. I favour generic alternatives to brand-name products as they can be considerably cheaper.  

• Anti-diarrhea (e.g., Imodium): Loperamide hydrochloride 2 mg when a blocker is required (e.g., on transit days)
• Antihistamine allergy relief (e.g., Claritin): Loratadine 10mg
• Topical antibiotic for skin infections: Sodium Fusidate 2% (prescription)
• Oral antibiotic for skin infections: Amoxycillin/clavulanic 875/125 mg (prescription)
• Antibiotic for respiratory/bronchial bacterial infections and severe Travellers Diarrhea: Azithromycin dehydrate 250 mg (prescription)
• Anti-nauseant (e.g., Gravol): Dimenhydrinate 50 mg
• Blister prevention and treatment: Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus ; Moleskin pre-cut and shaped by Adventure Medical Kits ; Polysporin Blister Treatment Cushions; Spenco 2nd Skin Adhesive Knit ; blister prevention wool ; BAND-AID ® Blister Cushion
• Cough, cold and ‘flu relief: Sambucol Black Elderberry Pastilles
• Heartburn relief: Tums Extra Strength  (Calcium carbonate 750 mg)
• Antiseptic: tea tree oil
• Miscellaneous aids: cotton wool buds ( Organyc ); cotton balls; tweezers (remove splinters, thorns, ticks, debris); safety pins (remove splinters, thorns, fashion a sling, miscellaneous uses); folding scissors ( Fiskars )
• Pain relief, fever reducer: Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen 500 mg)
• Wound care: MooreBrand Gauze Pads (2” x 2”); Webcol Alcohol Prep Pads (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%); 3M Steri-Strips ; waterproof bandages ; variety of sizes and shapes of plasters

All these supplies fit in a soft-sided zippered packing organizer measuring 17 x 10 cm / 7 x 4 in and weighing 218 g / 7.7 oz.

• compression socks
• clear duct tape (to keep a bandage in place)
• emergency ID bracelet
• flashlight: FourSevens MiNi X
• immune support: Ener-C drink mix ; NOW Oregano Veg Capsules 450 mg
• insect repellent: Mosquito Shield Piactive (Icaridin 20%)
• electrolyte hydration supplement (exercise, flights, hot climates): NUUN Sport
• Nature’s Aid all-natural skin gel with healing and soothing properties for allergic reactions, minor scrapes, sunburn, and inflamed muscles
• laminated Emergency Contact Card

• nasal soreness: Boroleum (Petrolatum 97.92%; Camphor 1%; Menthol 0.54%)
• pashmina (doubles as a makeshift sling)
• probiotics: Saccharomyces Boulardii
• activated charcoal
• sanitizing wipes: EO Lavender plastic-free bamboo wipes
• Soap Leaves: Sea to Summit
• sunscreen: All good sunscreen butter
• tablet towels
• reusable dry bag to make an ice pack

Rather than keeping separate supplies in a home medicine cabinet and a travel first-aid kit, anything with an expiry date should be utilized when it’s needed. Purging a a travel first-aid kit of expired medication can be costlier than it needs to be, especially if you’ve enjoyed healthy and injury-free travels. 

• Avoid pre-assembled kits. Build your own.
• Be strategic. Base kit contents on your destination, season, activities, and health needs.
• Get advice from health care professionals.
• Look for medication and supplies in travel sizes.
• Don’t separate medication from its packaging.
• Keep a record of the exact medicinal ingredients of what’s in your kit.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER travel without emergency medical insurance. When your kit comes up short, an early visit to a healthcare centre could be the best financial decision you’ll make. 

With thanks to Adrian Comeau, Pharmacist, Saulnierville Pharmacy, for his helpful suggestions and advice.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are for general travel health information only. It’s not a replacement for a personal consultation with your doctor, pharmacist or travel medicine specialist.

Might you be interested in these related posts?

• Useful tips on how to prevent and treat travellers’ diarrhea
• 10 Essentials of packing for a travel medical emergency
• Create a travel comfort pack for easy access to self-care essentials
• 25 Ideas on how to prepare an emergency preparedness toolkit for travellers
• It could save your life. Get an emergency ID bracelet for travellers
• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in 5 easy steps
• A MacGyver kit for travel: 20 simple ideas
• Travel with tablet towels: a multipurpose essential every traveller should pack
• No soap? No problem travelling with soap leaves
• Travelling with duct tape: 30 practical uses
• 10 Useful reasons to travel with dry bags

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What’s in your travel first-aid kit? What additional tips can you offer? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

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Your thinking is so thorough! I will definitely reread this when the time comes to prepare for my next trip. The one I have with me now is twice the size of yours…

Thank you for this! The steps are so on-point! I’ve been thinking of assembling me and family’s first-aid kit, not because we’re travelling soon but because of the natural calamities happening. We do not know when a storm’s gonna hit or when will there be an earthquake that’s why i’m searching on what to put in a first-aid kit. I’m so thankful I came across this post. This is so helpful! Thank you so much!

Great piece of advice on how to carry your first aid kit while travelling.

Great tips! I love making sure my first aid box is full of everything we might need. I’d suggest every parent take a first aid course so they are prepared.

Very informative read! I agree one must be equipped with a proper first aid kit before venturing out to a new place for vacation or a visit. I usually keep medicines for allergy, gold cough, stomach ache, muscle ache and most importantly for any injury.

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TRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES

A pharmacist’s diy travel medicine kit: pack like a pro.

Let’s face it. A travel medicine bag isn’t many people’s priority when it comes to putting together that all-important packing list.

But it should be. You never know when you might come down with a cough or cold, have a bout of diarrhoea or take a tumble. A good traveller is always prepared.

However, many travellers are unsure as to exactly which products they should pack. So what should you include in a travel medicine kit?

This is where I can help you, both as a frequent traveller and as a healthcare professional.

In the course of many adventures in 70+ countries, I’ve experienced my fair share of sniffles, scrapes and sprains. Fortunately, as a registered pharmacist , I know how to deal with these as they arise.

However, I’ve only been able to manage these minor medical emergencies because I’ve packed the right medicines and first aid items. This travel medical kit has evolved over the years and I have honed my selection of pills and potions to a collection that covers most of the bases.

In this article, I will share the contents of my trusty DIY travel medicine kit and give you expert advice on what you should consider when packing medicines for travel.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

What Should I Pack in my Medicine Bag for Travel?

There is no such thing as a definitive travel medicine kit. Much will depend on your age, gender and medical conditions, your destination, style of travel and your attitude to medicines.

It’s all a question of balance. Whilst you won’t want to lug around a medical kit that a paramedic would be proud of, at the same time you should include essential items to cover your basic healthcare needs and emergencies.

Consider Your Destination and Trip Style When Packing Your Travel Medicine Kit

Consider where you are travelling to, and for how long, when deciding which medicines and first aid items to include in your travel medical kit.

Chances are you will not need an extensive selection of medicines, bandages and gauzes on a flashpacking European city break. However, it’s a different story if you are trekking in the Himalayan foothills where access to doctors and pharmacies isn’t a given.

Heading to a high-altitude destination? If so, then you may want to get your hands on preventative treatment before leaving home.

Travelling to a malaria zone? Then. don’t forget your antimalarial medication.

Consider Your Personal Health Needs When Packing a Travel Medicine Bag

Although this may be blindingly obvious, you should consider your personal health needs when packing for a trip. For example; if you are a woman who suffers from menstrual cramps, include your preferred remedy in your travel medicine kit.

What’s in my DIY Travel Medicine Kit

 As a pharmacist, I have honed my collection to one that covers most of the bases, and my medicines fit snugly into a semi-rigid plastic pouch from Muji .

Let’s take a closer look at its contents and why they are included.  You can buy all of the medicines in my travel kit over-the-counter in the UK without needing a doctor’s prescription.

Medicine for Travel: Essential Items

Pain killer: paracetamol 500mg .

Paracetamol (acetaminophen if you are American) is a highly effective pain-killer and it also helps to bring down your temperature if you have an infection. I have used it for headaches, for cold and ‘flu symptoms and for – whisper it – hangovers.

Don’t leave home without it.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: IBUPROFEN 200MG 

Like paracetamol, ibuprofen is a painkiller and can be used in much the same way. However, it is also anti-inflammatory and so is useful for soft tissue injuries (strains and sprains).

Many women prefer it to paracetamol to relieve period pain.

If you have asthma or have had stomach problems (ulcers) you may not be able to use ibuprofen; check with your doctor or pharmacist.

The choice of paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat headaches and to bring down the temperature is entirely up to you.

Many people find that one works better than the other for them. For example, I find paracetamol is usually effective in killing a headache but ibuprofen barely touches it.

ANTIHISTAMINE TABLET

If like me, you suffer from hay fever or have allergies , an antihistamine is an essential part of your travel medicine kit. Antihistamines are also invaluable for relieving itchiness from hives and insect bites , including pesky mozzie bites .

 My traveller’s medical kit usually has a strip of whichever antihistamine I have to hand. Usually, this is acrivastine but good alternatives are loratadine or cetirizine , neither of which is likely to make you drowsy.

If you want a sedating antihistamine, go for the older drug, chlorphenamine (chlorpheniramine).

Although antihistamine creams are also available, I am less keen on these. They are not as versatile as tablets, and in rare cases can cause skin sensitisation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CREAM: HYDROCORTISONE CREAM 1%

I always pop a tube of hydrocortisone cream in my travel medicine bag.

Although it is used primarily for eczema – some people find that eating different foods makes their skin condition flare up – it is also excellent at relieving the itchiness of mosquito bites.

You don’t need to use a lot of hydrocortisone cream. Make sure that you apply it in a very thin layer.

DIARRHOEA MEDICINE: LOPERAMIDE 2MG

Think of loperamide (Imodium) as a pharmaceutical cork.

Call it what you like; Delhi Belly, Montezuma’s Revenge, Backdoor Trots. Most of us will have been struck down by  travellers’  diarrhoea (TD) , usually at the worst possible time.

Trust me; clenching your buttocks on a long-distance bus journey is not much fun. This is where these little green and grey capsules are worth their weight in gold. They are particularly helpful if you have colicky-type pain.

There is some debate as to whether the use of loperamide prolongs TD by retaining the offending bug. The consensus seems to be to let it all flow out, reserving loperamide for those situations where TD may affect travel plans.

My approach is to do exactly that, reserving the use of loperamide for emergencies; to avoid being caught short on a bus or train journey for example.

Codeine and diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil) are alternatives to loperamide but I don’t recommend them as they carry a higher risk of side effects for no great gain. Also, you need a doctor’s prescription for these medicines.

Some people take away antibiotics with them to self-treat. The choice of antibiotic depends on the destination.

You will need a doctor’s prescription. A common antibiotic that travellers include in their medical kit is ciprofloxacin .

REHYDRATION SACHETS

Your priority in treating travel diarrhoea or sickness is to keep hydrated. Therefore, I always pop a couple of rehydration sachets with electrolytes in my traveller’s medical kit.

It goes without saying that the water that you use to reconstitute these sachets should be safe

If you don’t have these sachets to hand you can drink other clear fluids, such as diluted fruit juices, as an alternative.

MOTION SICKNESS TABLETS

For those journeys across switchback mountain passes and across choppy waters, I use cinnarizine  (Stugeron) tablets, which do the trick but can cause drowsiness.

Another popular choice is hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells) but I find that it gives me a dry mouth.

Some people swear by acupressure bands ( Sea-Band ).

Other Items To Consider Putting in your DIY Travel Medicine Bag

Antacid tablets.

Think Gaviscon or Pepto Bismol . For those times when you overindulge in delicious food or have a few extra drinks.

What’s NOT in my Travel Medical Kit

Proprietary cold and flu remedies.

This is polypharmacy at its worst. Proprietary cold and flu medicines are cocktails of unnecessary drugs at sub-therapeutic doses.

Save your money and precious packing space. Just take paracetamol or ibuprofen for cold and ‘flu symptoms. If you feel bunged up, a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be useful.

Expert Tips for Packing Your Travel Medicines

• You don’t need to take vast quantities of these medicines and first aid items; just enough to get by until you can replenish your supplies at a pharmacy or drugstore. For example, I take just a strip or two of tablets
• Choose strips of tablets instead of bottles to save precious packing space.
• For the same reason, remove strips from their boxes. But if you are unfamiliar with how to take the medicine, make sure to keep the instructions.
• Where possible, opt for tablets over liquids, gels and creams.

Travel First Aid Items

Sticking plasters (band-aids).

A few sticking plasters of different sizes are an essential component of my travel medicine kit.

The most common injuries are cuts and grazes and you don’t need to be an ardent trekker for blisters to appear.

CREPE BANDAGE

But what about if your injury is bigger than a small cut or graze?

A bog-standard crepe bandage is invaluable for keeping a small dressing in place until you get it looked at by a healthcare professional.

Gauze is one of the most useful items in your travel first aid kit.

A gauze square can be used to clean an injury, apply pressure to a wound to help stop bleeding, and dress a small wound. When used as a dressing, it can be held in place by a crepe bandage or surgical tape .

To keep the wound clean and sterile, pack individually wrapped sterile gauze squares.

ANTISEPTIC WIPES

I also always carry a few sealed alcohol wipes for wound cleansing.

ANTIBACTERIAL CREAM

Again, to prevent wounds from becoming infected and to help them heal faster, it’s a good idea to pack an antibacterial cream like Neosporin .

SMALL SCISSORS & TWEEZERS

Both of these items come as standard in most first aid kits and are extremely versatile items to bring with you on your travels.

Scissors are useful for trimming bandages or gauze to the desired dimensions. As well as grooming eyebrows, tweezers can be used to pull out splinters and to extract bits of stone or dirt from a wound.

Is It Worth Buying a Ready-Made Travel First Aid Kit?

For simplicity and for a travel first aid kit that will be packed to perfection, buying a ready-made travel first aid kit is a hassle-free option. You can be assured that the basics will be covered, and your travel healthcare essentials will come in their own sturdy and waterproof bag.

However, what you gain in convenience you lose in the ability to personalise your travel medical kit to your own needs. Also, as you will only include items that are essential for your trip, it’s likely that a DIY travel first aid kit will be cheaper than buying one online.

The Best Ready-Made Travel First Aid Kits

When choosing the best ready-made travel first aid kit, contents, size and weight are the key factors. Whilst you want to make sure you have enough of all of the essential items, you don’t want this to take up too much valuable real estate in your luggage.

Amazon has a good range of travel first aid kits and I’ve picked out the best lightweight and compact travel first aid kits that they have to offer.

Lifesystems Pocket First Aid Kit

Lightweight (100g) and compact first-aid kit that covers the bases for basic first aid.

>>> CHECK PRICE HERE

Mini First Aid Kit

A 92-piece first aid kit that packs a punch for its compact size.

Universal First Aid Kit in Bag

This 100-piece first aid kit is the most comprehensive of the three shown here and weighs in at 380g.

Best Travel Health Resources

Here are my go-to websites for keeping healthy whilst on the road.

• fitfortravel – a free, interactive, resource providing up-to-date information on avoiding illness and staying healthy when travelling abroad.
• TRAVEL HEALTH PRO – a website comprising the travel health resources of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), set up by the UK’s Department of Health to protect the health of travellers.
• CDC TRAVELER’S HEALTH – an extensive collection of resources from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Travel Medicines: Final Tips From a Healthcare Professional

Think of this list of items for travel ailments, scrapes and bangs as a tool kit, to which you can add or subtract, according to your needs. In addition, you will need to include any prescribed medicines in your travel medicine bag.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have never taken any of the above medications before. Sometimes medicines don’t mix well together – oral contraceptives and antibiotics are good examples of this –  and medical conditions or allergies may mean that it is unwise to take a certain medication.

For any injury or illness that cannot be remedied by the contents of your travel medical kit, or that does not respond to self-treatment, you should seek professional medical attention.

Although carrying these basic items will help you to deal with the vast majority of ailments and accidents as a traveller, it is no substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.  As a  mid-life traveller , I get my travel insurance from  Staysure. It offers an excellent level of cover, including that against Covid-19, and has garnered 5-star reviews.

Finally, whilst it’s essential to be prepared, chances are that you will rarely need to use the items in your travel medical kit.

Safe and healthy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a registered pharmacist who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

6 thoughts on “ A Pharmacist’s DIY Travel Medicine Kit: Pack Like a Pro! ”

Great list—thanks!

FYI: if you are traveling to or in India by air, ALL scissors are a no go except in checked bags! That includes those tiny ineffective blunt scissors in mini first aid kits and nail clippers. You WILL be stopped.

And as it happens, they fasten your checked bags shut if you’re flying within India! So you have no knife or scissors, and a sealed bag…

Great tip! Thanks. I’ll add it to the article 🙂

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.

This is a great list! Thanks!

Thanks. I’m glad you liked it!

This is a fantastic list! Thanks!

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What’s In My Travel Art Kit

Dear Wonderful, Creative You:

I am really passionate about making art on the go. Whether I’m camping for a week in the woods, in NYC for the weekend, or waiting in the doctor’s office, a travel art kit helps me put so much more art play time in my life. People ask me all the time about what’s in my travel art kit, so I want to share what I put it in and how and when I use it.

See this teeny little art kit? This is the small version. Now of course, the even more minimal version is the small journal and pen I carry in my purse daily, but any other time I might have a few minutes to create, I take a small travel art kit.

The most important thing to remember is that if your travel art kit is not portable, you won’t carry it. And if you don’t carry it, you won’t use it. So keep it small and carry it!

Mini Travel Art Kit

For weekends, day hikes, afternoons at the museum, or long waits at the doctor’s office, I’ll bring a mini travel art kit like this one:

Here’s some of the supplies I carry in my small art kit:

Small journal with hard cover like this Moleskine .

Watercolor brush with well of water.

Travel watercolor set . I made mine with a small tin, bottle caps, and squeezed in my own watercolors.

Drawing pens

Posca White paint marker

Fun and sassy recycled plastic zip pouches from Blue Q

Large Travel Art Kit

For a week’s vacation, art retreat, or an art date with friends, I’ll bring a slightly larger version of the mini kit. Again, I try to limit the supplies I bring because I want to be sure I’m willing to carry it around. As an added bonus, when you bring less art supplies, it creates boundaries that force you to push your own creative boundaries.

Another version of my travel art kit is to carry a mini version of my paper cutting supplies. If I am not flying, have good stretches of time and no tiny hands wandering, I’ll bring a tiny cutting board, Excel knife, and small scale paper cutting project.

Make Art a Priority

I’m a big believer in the idea that you have time for what is important to you. Everyone IS busy, but paying attention to how you spend your time can often reveal how you waste time on things you don’t really value. I’m guilty of this too.

If the idea of being more purposeful with your time speaks to you, you might decide to try this experiment:

Carry a travel art kit all week this week. Use it for 5 minutes here and there over the next week. At the end of the week, spend 5 minutes writing about your experience, both what it was like to make art at different times during the day, but also what you learned about how you are spending your time.

Looking for Ideas to Make a Little Art Each Day?

For ideas on what to do in your journal, I’ve got just the thing. Starting August 19th, 2019, I’ll be running a 5-day Inchie Challenge.

The idea is to make a small piece of art every day for 5 days. If you sign up below, I’ll send you my Inchie Challenge PDF workbook with tons of fun ideas on how to organize your small art by themes or projects, as well as some emails that will help you prep for daily creativity, in just a few minutes. We will get you creating now, during the challenge, and beyond!

Here’s How I Make Use of My Travel Art Kit

On our drive up to Acadia last week, we stopped for lunch in Camden, ME. We ate under some beautiful birch trees, and I got to admire the color and texture of the bark, as well as the hydrangea blooms nearby. Before we hit the road, I had a chance to draw for just a few minutes.

I didn’t try to complete the drawing, just capture a sense for reference. These small stolen moments are a delicious way to insert more art in my life, and build inspiration in my journals. You can do this too!

Daily creating is about keeping your art alive, making starting easier, and strengthening your practice of creative action.

Drawing What I See

Once we arrived at our campsite, I could see I had a wonderful space in which to create. I often had a bit of time to draw and paint in the morning while my son played.

Working on Art in Progress

Frequently I create new art pieces when I’m on vacation, even if they are small, but I also enjoy tinkering with some pieces that are in process and need just a few minutes more of my time .

Making Illustrated Lists

Another way I love to use my journal while traveling is to plan out the activities we will do on vacation. Illustrated lists are fun! For this one, we all came up with the ideas, I wrote and drew the pictures, and my son helped me color them in.

Completing a Small Art Challenge

This U project was an amazing way to create in short bursts of time. During the day I looked for U’s in nature and design elements, and then plugged them into the squares here. There are 100 in total so far.

As you can see, I keep my travel art kit supplies limited, and work small. I find working small is playful, precious, and invites me to begin. That’s why this month I’m hosting an Inchie Challenge, and I’d love for you to join.

What’s an inchie, you ask?

An inchie is any piece of art, a few inches in size or smaller. For the purposes of this challenge, it’s 3 inches or less.

Join us! You can participate by creating a piece of small art each day from August 19 – 23rd, 2019 and posting it with #mindfulartstudio and tagging me @amymaricle

I can’t wait to see what tiny creations you make!

Creatively Yours,

23 Comments

I’m heading up to Bar Harbor in another week. This is very timely as I am trying to figure out what I want to bring from a creativity stand point. I will be putting together a travel kit to bring as well as one for my kids to each have. It will be good for the trip up and back as well as while we are there.

Hi Amy: Oh! You will have such fun! I’m so happy I could help and tag me if you share anything you create, I’d love to see! XO Amy

thank you !!! Love your mini travel art kits and your U drawings. Peace, love, and Mindfulness, Vikki

Oh that’s amazing to hear. Thank you so much for taking the time to say so. Happy creating!

Thanks for the great reminder about the patterns we can see in nature and so ften overlook. I’ve sometimes made pencil rubbings of bark on a tree – it’s almost like being there again.

HI Marion: Oh I LOVE the idea of the bark rubbings. How very fun! Can’t wait to hear more about what happens with your travel art kit!

I LOVE your small travel kit that fits in the little zipper pouch. That’s exactly what I’m looking for!! Thank you!!

YAY I’m so glad to hear it Diane! XO

Loved the two page spread of branches and leaves. I am looking to start some ‘therapeutic’ art but can’t picture how to start.

Keep posting..

Hey Saalik:

Oh I’m so happy you liked it! There’s lots of ways to use art for well being. I have a class that is a great starting place and will lead you step by step. Art Journaling 101 Happy creating!

I googled your travel kit and found such a treasure here! It’s inspiring to see what you’ve done and I’m bringing your words and art with me as I prepare my own travel art kit for an upcoming trip! Thanks, Amy!

YAY so fun! I hope it serves you well Amelia! XO

Funny I’m heading up to Harpswell Maine on August 14th!

I hope you have a wonderful trip in that beautiful land, Gretta! xo

I love the inch studies with U’s I will be teaching a class with patterns from Nature and you are an inspiration. Thank you for always finding beauty … inch by inch!

I’m so happy I could offer some inspiration Anne! XO

I like the way you simplified your art travel bag. I bring way too much. Thanks for sharing the tips!

Yes, for me bringing limited supplies is the key, especially if I’m busy with family and have limited time. Xo

Thank you for your simplicity! I tend to overpack and never take anything out I think this will be doable for our upcoming trip to Croatia. I like the idea of making a list of your day and coloring it in.

Hi Marcia – What an amazing trip – I hope you record it all! xo

I’m really looking forward to the Inchie Challenge. I want to push my slow drawings to a new level. Can’t wait already!

Oh I’m so excited for you! It’s going to be so much fun. xo

This is the year 2023…I am late to the game but wanted to know if you could send me the Inchie Challenge PDF workbook. I am starting an Inchie challenge for myself. You may email it at your convenience if you still have it available to send. 2 days a week every week of the rest of my life I have day-long infusions which keep me tied to an IV pole for almost 6 hours each day. Working small and simply will be the perfect way to spend my time artistically and creatively. I am new to your facebook followers and I am excited about learning from you and others.

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Last-Minute Solar Eclipse Glasses: Here's How to Find a Pair

Warby Parker says its stores are out of stock of free ones, but you still have other options. Also, make sure you test your glasses.

• Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.

It's essential to wear a proper pair of eclipse glasses, or a  box pinhole projector  for indirect viewing , if you'll be viewing the skies during the solar eclipse today . Except for the brief period of total darkness or totality, looking at any portion of the sun or partial eclipse can cause damage to your eyes .  

Warby Parker , the popular prescription glasses shop, was making it a little easier by offering free solar eclipse glasses at its stores. However, the company is now out of stock, according to an automated message on Warby Parker's customer service line, and information from a company representative provided to CNET Sunday evening. (If you don't want to take my word for it, you can try calling your local Warby Parker store using this store-locator map .)

We're down to the wire. But if you're searching last- last minute, below are a couple more ways to snag a pair of glasses that come from the American Astronomical Society's  preapproved list of sellers  that make legitimate (i.e. safe) eclipse glasses. 

If you bought your glasses from a store or source outside the list of safe sellers, it's an extra-good idea to test your glasses before the eclipse  to make sure they're the real deal, especially amid recent  reports of recalls of eclipse glasses, including some stores in Missouri. 

Read more: Are Your Solar Eclipse Glasses Safe to Use, or Fake? Here's How to Find Out

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: The Best Photos We've Seen

Where else to look for free glasses (or buy some last minute)

A good option for finding free solar eclipse glasses is to visit your local library to see if it's offering any. The AAS has a map of  libraries offering certified glasses . Or, you can give your library a call. 

If you're out of free options, there are some chain stores, restaurants and convenience stores selling certified solar eclipse glasses, according to the AAS, although whether they carry them will depend on the individual location. 

The following stores sell certified glasses in-shop, as identified by the AAS :  

• Walmart 
• Cracker Barrel 
• Bucc-ee's 
• Meijer 
• Menards 

If you get to your local Warby Parker store and it's already run out of eclipse glasses, the company says it also has  pinhole projectors  on hand. (You can also  make your own   pinhole projector .) 

Wherever you get your glasses, especially if you buy them from a source that hasn't been vetted specifically by the AAS, it's a good idea to give them a test run before the big event. To help you figure it out, the  American Academy of Ophthalmology says that while looking through them, no light of "ordinary brightness" should be visible through your eclipse glasses or solar viewer; only the sun or sunlight that's reflected somewhere. 

For more on solar eclipse eye safety and where to find glasses ahead of time, here's what an optometrist would like you to know . Also, here's more information about the path of totality and how to watch the solar eclipse .

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A woman kept reaching across me to close the window on our flight, so i got my revenge.

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Nabbing the window seat on a flight can have its pros and cons. I love it because I like being tucked away and being distracted by the view.

My husband, however, hates it because he never wants to bother the person on the aisle seat if he needs to go to the bathroom. 

One woman has found another con for being allocated the window seat after things got rather uncomfortable for her during a short domestic flight. 

The woman, who took to a ‘petty revenge’ thread on  Reddit  to share her story, was flying a short-haul flight when the female passenger seated next to her kept invading her personal space. 

“I was flying in the window seat, because I like looking out the window. The woman sitting next to me reached in front of me multiple times to close the window shade,” she woman shared.

“She never asked me, she just reached directly in front of me to close the shade. I would immediately reopen it, and a few minutes later she would reach in front of me again to close it.”

The woman continued to explain that there was really no reason for the shade to be down – it was a short domestic flight and they were not taking off or landing. It appeared as though the woman, who was wearing headphones the whole time, was just trying to be annoying. 

“It was a noon domestic short haul flight, so no reason to need darkness in the middle of the day. And absolutely no excuse for violating my personal space multiple times without asking me or acknowledging me or treating me like a human in any way,” she said. 

Woman’s petty revenge 

Annoyed by the woman’s lack of care, the passenger then explained how she reacted – and that’s when things got a little petty. 

“So I pulled out my book and turned on the reading light, despite there being ample natural light from the open window for me to read. I then positioned my hands in such a way that my watch would reflect the reading light directly into her eyes,” she shared. 

“I read like that for an hour, jiggling my hand the entire time, so it would shine the light back and forth across her eyes and be super distracting and annoying.”

But it didn’t stop there. 

Once the plane disembarked, the woman took things one step further and confronted the other passenger the moment she took her headphones off. 

“I turned to her and said ‘next time you fly, book a window seat if you want to control the window. Or at least treat me like a human and ask me before you violate my personal space. What you did is unbelievably rude,'” she shared. 

“She looked SO OFFENDED.”

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I fly twice a month for work. Here are 5 mistakes all travelers should avoid making.

• I'm an adventure-travel writer and typically find myself at the airport at least twice a month.
• Over the years, I've made many mistakes, both in the airport and on the plane .
• Now, before heading to the airport , I always screenshot my boarding pass and pack lots of snacks.

As an adventure-travel writer, I typically find myself at the airport at least twice a month for work.

I've certainly made some mistakes along the way, but have developed some go-to travel hacks to ensure a smooth air-travel experience.

Here are five mistakes you should avoid making during your next trip.

Forgetting to screenshot your boarding pass

It's frustratingly common to step into the airport only to realize cell phone connectivity has disappeared, airport WiFi is nonexistent, and the airline app you've become dependent upon is unresponsive.

Once that crucial connectivity is lost, accessing a boarding pass becomes nearly impossible. That's why I now screenshot my boarding pass before heading to the airport. I've found this works well for me when all other options have disappeared.

Counting on in-flight food and beverage service

Catching a flight can be chaotic, and slowing down to grab a quick bite to eat in the airport can sometimes get deprioritized. However, in-flight snack and beverage service can't always be depended upon.

Related stories

I've often found myself counting down the minutes until the flight attendants come by with the service cart, just to find out there won't be any food or drink served on my flight. This can be due to anything from a short flight time to turbulence.

To avoid encountering this travel nightmare , I always bring a reusable water bottle and a stash of snacks with me to hold me over until my flight lands.

Not using the bathroom before boarding the plane

It's easy to get caught up in the boarding process and skip the last opportunity to stop at the bathroom before getting on the plane. However, the boarding process can be long and passengers often have to wait a while to safely use the restroom after the flight takes off.

As tempting as it is to get on board and claim a spot for my carry-on, I always take a few extra minutes to hit the terminal bathroom first.

Not hydrating while in flight

Many times, I've found myself not drinking water on a flight to avoid having to disturb those around me to use the bathroom. However, this often means I arrive at my destination dehydrated.

No one wants to be a nuisance, but most people understand that, no matter how long the flight, someone nearby will likely have to access the bathroom. At the end of the day, getting up to let someone out of the row is a minor inconvenience and an accepted part of air travel.

Leaving hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes at home

Ideally, airplane bathrooms should be thoroughly stocked with hand soap and sanitizer. However, this isn't always the case.

Rather than depending on the airline to help me stay germ-free, I always come prepared with my own hand sanitizer or wipes.

Watch: 5 dangerous flight moments passengers and crew won't forget soon

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Every Road Trip Car Breakdown Kit Should Include These Tools, According To Our Travel Expert

T here's nothing like taking an epic road trip. It's undeniably a perfect way to travel , especially if you're exploring large countries like the United States. Unfortunately, traveling by car comes with all sorts of problems. Many of the best road trips take you to remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can experience the natural beauty and rugged landscapes, but it also means you'll be far away from any mechanic should something go wrong with your car.

According to data gathered by Agero, more than 69 million cars break down in the United States each year, and an AAA  report  shows that if your car is over 10 years old, you run an even higher risk of car trouble. Nothing ruins an unforgettable road trip vacation like being stranded on the side of the highway for hours while you wait for a tow truck. Even the most seasoned road tripper can face problems if unprepared. With some preparation and planning, you can avoid getting stranded roadside by packing a car breakdown kit.

Nate Murphy, author of the best-selling Van Conversion Guide and founder of DIYhero, a van conversion course , has spent years of his life on extended road trips. In an exclusive interview with Explore, Nate told us everything he recommends, including packing a road trip breakdown kit to get back on the road faster when you run into unfortunate car trouble.

Read more: Safety Items You Should Pack For Your Next Road Trip

Perform Some Basic Vehicle Checks Before You Begin Building Your Tool Kit

Before you begin building your road trip breakdown kit, having your car checked out is a good idea. Going to the mechanic for a trip check is much like going to the doctor for a check-up but on your vehicle. You don't want to wait until something goes wrong to have things checked out. Nate Murphy suggests taking your car to a trusted mechanic before your trip to ensure nothing major is wrong and to help you feel safer on a long-haul road trip.  "If your vehicle is due for a service or has been showing signs of trouble, it's a good idea to address these issues before hitting the road. No one wants to spend half their road trip waiting for a vehicle to get fixed," Nate told Explore.

Even if your car seems okay, Nate recommends doing some basic checks. "This includes checking the oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels. Additionally, check the condition of the brakes, tires, and lights" he told us. Before you begin purchasing items for your kit, read over your owner's manual because tools can depend on the make, model, and year of your car.

Plan Your Route Ahead Of Time So That You Can Be Prepared For All Types Of Conditions

Nate Murphy has ventured all over on road trips, so he knows what to expect in almost any situation. If you're new to road-tripping or visiting an area for the first time, he suggests doing some research ahead of time so you know what to expect. "Properly consider the weather and road conditions you may face on your trip. If you are traveling through mountainous terrain, or other places where it may snow, be sure to pack snow chains or socks — or appropriate tires," Nate told Explore. 

You should also check that you know how to use everything you bring for your vehicle. Ensure you know how to apply the chains before you leave because "no one wants to be figuring that out in the freezing cold!" he reminded us. Knowing the weather, terrain, and potentially hazardous conditions along your road trip route will ensure you pack everything you need and can make  road trips so much easier. 

Take Care Of Your Tires

Once you're well aware of the condition of your vehicle and the conditions on your road trip route, it's time to start packing the perfect road trip breakdown kit. During his many adventures, Nate discovered that self-sufficiency is vital when traveling. He recommends packing some essential tools to be well-prepared and ensure your trip is stress-free. First, he suggests purchasing a tire foam or tire repair kit to help repair them quickly. "If far away from services, this cheap and lightweight item can be a lifesaver. It is worth checking out how to use them before you go, just in case you do not have data," he told us.

In addition to the tire repair kit, ensure you have a tire pump for when you have a slow leak and need to add air to balance your tire pressure. Some varieties run off your car's battery, and manual pumps are also on the market. Most cars have a spare tire in the back, so pack a four-way lug wrench if you need to change one during your trip. "I would recommend that you learn how to access the spare tire before you go, on some vehicles this is a little more complicated than you may realize," Nate told us.

Prepare For Battery Problems

Chances are, there's probably been a time in your life when you've returned to your vehicle only to find that the engine won't start. Perhaps you were so excited to hit the trails that you unknowingly left your headlights on or something plugged into the vehicle that slowly drained your battery. We've all been there!

According to Nate, "A dead battery, especially in colder weather, is not uncommon." He's right — it's one of the most common car problems. And since batteries are one of the most critical aspects of our car's electrical systems, the vehicle will not turn on without a jump start. Keeping jumper cables in your car is always a good idea, especially on a road trip. Nate recommends keeping cables at least 16 feet in our road trip breakdown kit so that a kind passerby can jump you in a pinch. It will also ensure you're empowered to help other, less prepared road trippers should you run into someone who needs a battery jump during your travels. 

"Again, spend 20 minutes to familiarize yourself with how to properly jumpstart an engine," Nate told us. If you're traveling to a super remote area, consider a 12-volt battery-operated jump starter that allows you to give your car battery the boost it needs without the help of another vehicle. Prices for the portable jump starters start at about $50.

Other Essential Items To Keep In Your Road Trip Car Breakdown Kit

Nate recommends packing a socket wrench set before you head out. Socket wrenches are handy for all repairs, especially if you're familiar with a car engine. "If you know nothing about engines, this might not be so useful — but if you have a bit of an idea, you can fix something before you get to a mechanic," he told Explore. 

Bring a flashlight for car problems at night so you can see what you're working on. A reflective triangle is also helpful for safety during late-night road trips . Duct tape can be beneficial for temporary fixes, and a multi-tool is suitable for all sorts of repairs. Pack a physical map in case your phone unexpectedly dies, or you don't have enough signal to use GPS.

"Lastly, check that you have appropriate breakdown assistance and insurance," Nate told Explore. "A roadside assistance plan can save you thousands if you break down somewhere remote or need a tow." You should call your insurance before you depart and ensure you're covered for your trip, especially if traveling internationally. Adjusting your policy to ensure that you're covered is a good idea. Once you've created your perfect car breakdown kit, it's important that you periodically check that everything is in working order. Some items, like tire repair kits, may expire, so ensure your equipment is up to date before each road trip.

Read the original article on Explore .

The Ultimate Diabetic Travel Kit: 11 Items You Can’t Forget (Updated 2023)

A guide on what to bring when traveling with Type 1 Diabetes.

I’ve been traveling as a Type 1 Diabetic for nearly 15 years.

I’ve never had a problem with airport security or TSA – they see diabetics and diabetes supplies all the time. What I have had a problem with is underestimating the number of supplies to bring and having to pick something up locally. It’s not going to end your trip, but it is an annoyance that you’re better off being prepared for.

Here’s my own personal, tried-and-true checklist that you can follow to make sure you’ve got everything you need in your diabetic travel kit.

The Diabetes Travel Checklist

Other things to consider while traveling.

A good travel kit should include everything you’ll need to properly manage your diabetes, wherever you’re going. I designed my kit for a diabetic like myself who uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and takes multiple daily injections (MDI) using insulin pens. But most of the supplies listed below are necessary for all diabetics. In general, you’ll want at least the following:

• A durable bag
• Extra insulin
• A backup method (or two) for checking your blood sugar levels
• Fast-acting sugars

With that said, here is what I keep in my travel bag at all times!

1. A Zippered Diabetes Travel Bag

This is what you’ll use to hold everything. If you Google “diabetes supply travel bag” you’ll find all sorts of stuff. But, I prefer to use something that’s more like a toiletry bag. I find that travel-specific toiletry bags are better designed, lighter weight, and higher in quality than the generic “diabetes bags” you’ll find elsewhere.

My personal favorite is a Mountainsmith toiletry bag . Here are some other good options: Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag , Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer , Peak Design Small Wash Pouch , Maxpedition Pocket Organizer .

Pods, vials, pens, or whatever other types of insulin you need. I recommend bringing at least 2x what you estimate you’ll use while you’re gone.

3. Needles (If You Use MDI)

Same as above. Bring at least 2-3x what you think you’ll need.

4. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Supplies

If you use a CGM, make sure to bring enough extra sensors, transmitters, receivers, etc. Again, at least 2x what you expect you’ll need for that period. We all know how often a sensor can fail to insert, not calibrate, or start acting up and need replacing.

5. Fast-Acting Sugars

Snacks for addressing low blood sugar. I recommend glucose tablets or glucose powder because they’re easy to travel with. They also work faster to raise your blood sugar than other regular snacks.

For glucose tabs, I always carry some 10-count tubes . They are a super convenient size. You can throw in some powder packets like these , though as a general diabetes rule of thumb I recommend treating lows 4g or 8g at a time. Fifteen grams is usually too much to take at once, but will of course do the job in an emergency. Sometimes I’ll throw in a Gatorade powder packet or two as well.

6. A Backup Method For Checking Your Blood Glucose Levels (BGL)

These days you can get a blood glucose meter at just about any pharmacy in the world. That said, you should always carry a backup. I use a Dexcom G6 that doesn’t require calibration. But I always carry a manual BG meter so that I can double check my readings if they look off. I can also go back to manual checking if my sensor fails. You know what they say – two is one and one is none.

I carry a CVS meter and backup test strips because CVS is ubiquitous pretty much everywhere in the United States. Alternatively, Accu-Chek meters can be found at nearly all pharmacies and grocery stores.

7. Snacks (Optional)

I always carry a few extra snacks – usually nuts, granola bars, or protein bars. These days I bring a few RX bars or two as a meal replacement if I can’t find something in the airport that I like.

It’s a good idea to bring something that you regularly eat. That way you know exactly how much insulin to use to cover it and you’re almost guaranteed to maintain a stable blood sugar level after eating it. For me, I eat RX bars pretty regularly so I know exactly what my BGL will do and how to handle it.

8. Cooling pack (optional)

Depending on when and where you’ll be traveling, it may be a good idea to bring a cooling pack.

Airport security usually doesn’t like liquid cooling packs (frozen packs tend to unfreeze at the worst times…) so I use a Frio Cooling Wallet ( small or large ). These work via evaporative cooling and don’t use any ice or frozen products. Eventually all the water in it evaporates away and you’re left with a small cloth bag with gel beads in it. No big deal for the TSA.

9. Doctors Note (Optional)

I’ve personally never had a need for one of these, but it could come in handy in an emergency. There are always horror stories of diabetics being hassled unnecessarily about their supplies. My preparation for this is to be courteous and treat other people with respect – they’ll usually do the same.

10. Notecard With Emergency Info

I keep a small index card that has my name, cell number, my condition, and an emergency contact clearly written out. I like Rite in the Rain Index Cards – they’re super high quality, thick, water-repellant, and hold up great.

11. An Awesome App That Lets Other People See Your BGL at All Times!

Last but not least, I have to recommend Gluroo as the best app for collaborative, comprehensive diabetes management. Specifically for travel, I love using it because my partner and anyone else I want to add to my GluCrew can see my readings at all times and message me about it if something seems off.

I can even tell Gluroo to automatically call them in an emergency, like if I have an extreme low overnight and I’m not responsive. It’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes on your numbers, just in case.

One other issue that often comes up when traveling is when to take your basal dose(s) if you’re in a new timezone. Depending on how long you’ll be gone, you may want to adjust your basal dose +/- 1 hour per day until it’s back to your normal time. For example, I take a basal dose at 9PM every night. If I’m going somewhere +5, then I’ll take it at 2AM the first night, then 1AM the next, then 12AM, etc. each night until I’m back to 9PM local time.

Also, a lot of times when we’re traveling, we are more active than normal. Walking in the airport, hiking, or exploring tourist attractions can throw off your normal activity levels. For this reason, you should check your blood sugar levels more often.

It may be worth it to learn how to say “I have diabetes” in the local language, in case you need to explain it to someone in an emergency. Or, you could have a diabetes tag or necklace with the medical symbol that you can point to.

Final Thoughts

Having diabetes can change the way you travel. If you’ve got a good kit with you at all times though, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue. I hope you got some good ideas for things to add to your travel kit. Is there anything else that you carry that I didn’t mention here? Feel free to leave a comment below!

And don’t forget to download Gluroo for free today. Worry less and live life more!

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