Travel is full of excitement and fun, but it can also be overwhelming when little things go wrong, which is why I always carry my travel emergency kit with me. My travel emergency kit is full of useful items that can fix everything from a stain to a headache!
All of the items I talk about in this article are items I use and love. I do not make anything from the links I have added, they are just for your convenience! Enjoy.
On my most recent trip to Vancouver and Banff, I pulled out and used this emergency kit many times a day. On this trip alone I used this kit to cut tags off a new shirt, glue a fake nail back on, release pain, deal with a blister, take out multiple stains, sanitize a table, sleep on a plane, help my ears pop, and so many other small problems. When I handle these small problems quickly with my travel emergency kit, I can easily and comfortably enjoy each part of my trip.
I guarantee you have a lot of these things around your house, and you have needed at least a few on a trip you have gone on. You can use this list as a template and expand or leave things out based on your preference. Post your version of a travel emergency kit and tag @shecanmovemountains on Instagram. We would love to see it!
So, what is in my Travel Emergency Kit?
- Gum
My favourites are cinnamon and bubble gum! Gum is great if your ears are sensitive to pressure changes on the airplane, or as a quick way to freshen your breath. I also use gum as a simple fidget when I am feeling restless.
- Single Use toothbrushes and tooth flossers
It can be hard to brush your teeth with bottled water in the tiny washroom while fifteen people are waiting. These single use toothbrushes don’t need any water and work better than gum. I always keep flossers in my bag.
- Nail trimmers, nail file, and nail glue
I have gel nails, so I keep nail glue around in case one pops off (it has happened before). A file and trimmers are great for everyone, in case you get a nail snag or crack, you can take care of it right away.
- Pen
I like to keep a couple of pens. I always end up needing a pen, and it is such a pain when I don’t have one. Many hotels do not have a pen in the room any longer, so make your life easier the next time you need to write a postcard, note, or immigration form.
- Sharpie
I use my sharpie so much. I can label sandwich bags or toiletry bottles or anything that a pen won’t work on. I get the tiny one, so it takes up no space at all.
- Hair ties
These can double as an elastic to hold things together. They are very versatile, also for my hair.
- Carabiner
I carry two carabiners on every trip. The small one comes in handy to attach a small bag or water bottle to my backpack. I also carry one of these huge mom/ stroller carabiners and wooooooow. Use it to hang your really full backpack on a hook and keep it off the floor, attach multiple bags to your suitcase, attach Minnie ears to your backpack, hold numerous bags of groceries at one time, so many things.
- Comb
Seems obvious, but it’s for my hair. That’s all. Just for my hair.
- Antibacterial Wet wipes
The world is a dirty place. I carry a huge pack of these in my backpacks side pocket. I wipe my hands, tables, plane seats, shoes (I really like white), bottles, Starbucks cups when they overflow them just a little and you have a sticky cup that gets all over your hands and makes your whole hand sticky and gross and you don’t even want the drink anymore but you spent six dollars on it and it feels like the world is ending…. Solved with a wet wipe, you’re welcome.
- Advil, Tylenol, allergy medication
I get swollen sinuses on flights, and allergy meds help a lot. I also have allergies…. And migraines… hopefully you aren’t as much of a mess as me, but they are great to have around in case you need them!
- Lip balm and hand lotion
I use these all the time. When I fly I also like to pack my face lotion in my carry on. The lotions need to fit in your liquid bag, but it makes me feel like a new person when I can lotion up during a long dry flight.
I mentioned I like white, a lot. These are always packed and they always get used. I used to use a tide to-go, which is a great option too, but these wipes don’t need to go in my liquid bag. This can get really important if you fly carry on only.
- Tampon
I actually don’t use tampons, I generally use a diva cup or period undies from Knix (only the boy shorts, the others leak on me), however, in an emergency or if someone asks me for one, I like to have one around.
- Bandages and alcohol wipes
I get blisters a lot.
These are so handy. They fold up and are small like sewing scissors so they are generally allowed through security, unless you get a grumpy guard (happened once to a friend of mine). I haven’t had a problem and they follow the official rules. They help me open new packages, cut up paper for games, cut off annoying tags, etc.
- Blotting Papers
In the summer, for oily skin, these can be a savior if you care about that sort of thing.
- Lozenges
These are great if you get a tickle in your throat or to help your ears pop on the plane. I hate being that coughing person everyone side eyes when I swallow weird, or my throat gets dry.
- Tweezers
For splinters, stray chin hairs, other stuff.
My deodorant is a lotion and gigantic, so when I fly with a checked bag, I throw these in my carry on. It’s nice to freshen up.
- Tissues
Am I the only one who gets a crazy runny nose during altitude changes? And temperature changes? And while cutting onions? Like, come on, I need to deal with it.
- Ear Plugs and eye mask
Ok, I am so picky when it comes to ear plugs and eye masks, so here are my recommendations. Loop ear plugs, these ones block all the sound, but suction cup to my ears, which bothers me a bit. These ones block a little less sound but are more comfortable for my ears. I know they are super expensive for ear plugs, but they are worth it. This eye mask is a great price, super light blocking and does not put pressure on your eyes. If you have lash extensions, it is great.
- Cord headphones
For planes with a TV built in.
This thing works pretty well. I will say, my favourite is the cramp cream from Somedays. But this is tiny and travel sized and fits in my liquid bag easily. If I have sore muscles or a muscle cramp, or just cramps, I roll it on, and it takes the pain away for about an hour. I use it with Advil, then the Advil kicks in by the time the roller wears off.
Here are a few honorable mentions that I always bring on trips, but don’t keep in my emergency bag. Ziploc bags in many sizes. Use them for wet clothes or bathing suits, sorting small things in your bag, a make shift vacuum bag to fit more stuff in your suitcase, a snack you snuck out of the free breakfast, endless uses. A power bank and an extra charging cable. Pack on in your suitcase and one in your carry on just in case. Electrolyte powder to help you stay hydrated. A pad of paper or sticky notes. Sticky notes are perfect for leaving messages or remembering small details.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
While you are here, check out my complete carry-on only packing list for an 11-day trip to Vancouver and Banff.
Till next time, xoxox
Bee
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