This post is all about an amazing kit I built for travelling! Note, that this article contains affiliate links and I may make a small commission off your purchases.
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| I will survive! |
As you know, I used to be a travel agent. More importantly, I love to travel. I have developed a "Survival" kit that should get packed in your carry-on luggage wherever you go. It's great for trips to Hawaii, cruises to Alaska, road trips to Vegas, journeys across the South. With a tiny bit of adaptation, it can work overseas as well. The images and links are samples. Feel free to use your favorite brand!
So what is a travel survival kit? It's not what you think. It's not like a camping or hiking survival kit where you carry food rations, flares, and a big knife. It's for vacationing, though some ingredients can assist in life-saving situations.
So what is a travel survival kit? It's not what you think. It's not like a camping or hiking survival kit where you carry food rations, flares, and a big knife. It's for vacationing, though some ingredients can assist in life-saving situations.
Remember, this survival kit is small and will shove into your backpack when doing your carry-on only travel and is TSA OK.
A Cube Tap
Why do you need a cube tap? Ever been in a hotel room with inadequate outlets for all your stuff? Ever taken a cruise that offers only one outlet in the entire state room? That's why! Just remember, this is a universal survival kit so no surge protectors because they are not allowed an any cruise ship.
Travel Laundry Detergent
It's not liquid or powder so it's TSA compliant. It works in all machines so nobody will get mad at you. It's small and compact and you never know when you might need to do a load!
Wrinkle Release Spray
TSA compliant sizes of 3 ounces, this spray can come in handy if your shirt has been stuffed in a suitcase for 6 hours and you need to throw it on as soon as you get off the plane.
A Travel First Aid Kit
A simple travel first aid kit is a must have. You'd be amazed how many times this comes in handy. Bandages and antiseptic are the two main ingredients here but a case that clips on to the outside of your luggage doesn't take up precious interior space and makes for easy access. You should also add medicines of choice to your kit. I always carry ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and antacids.
Seaband Bracelets
This is more for cruises but you never know when a land adventure will become a sea adventure. These things work. No really, they do.
Travel Sunscreen
TSA approved and necessary for any outdoor travel.
Highlighter
Why? When you pickup guidebooks or maps or, on a cruise, get your daily pamphlet, you can easily highlight things of interest.
Permanent Marker
For the same reason as the highlighter, it can also be used to mark possessions in group situations.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is the universal fix-all. Hole in your luggage or shoe? Patched. It takes up very little space and you'll be surprised at its many uses.
Emergency Blanket
It doesn't have to be an emergency but it often is. Stranded in the cold because you ran out of gas? Watching the stars on a beach in your shorts from earlier that day? Just need something to sit on while camping?
Eyeglass Repair Kit
You never know when this kit will be needed. Though my problem is usually dropping my sunglasses into the ocean, so I haven't used it yet.
Flashlight
It doesn't have to cost a fortune but you never know when you might need a little more light. I prefer the kind that can clip on to your backpack to save that precious interior space.
Gerber Shard
Small but mighty and TSA approved. You never know when you'll need one of the many tools this little key chain offers.
Paracord Bracelet
Ok ok, so this lands more in the realm of the actual survival kit but you know what? It's peace of mind and I have indeed used it as a replacement for a broken shoelace.
Quart Sized Bags
Why? Simple. This is the TSA approved size to hold toiletries so you might as well use them for other things. I take a handful whenever I travel. They're great for holding wet clothes, snacks, or acting as a makeshift dry sack for your phone and wallet at the beach.
Rubber Bands
Most commonly used as a travel clothesline, these come in handy to hold things together. Take a small variety of sizes.
Sewing Kit
Do I really need to explain why this is invaluable?
Wipes
Spent the day on the beach or hiking and need a quick cleanup before dinner? These are perfect. They're also flush-able so if you want to give yourself that fresh feeling after doing your business, you can do that too.
Water Wallet
Invaluable for beach trips so you don't have to leave your car key by your towel. Make sure to test it at home first by putting a paper towel inside, sealing it, and submerging it for 10 minutes. Also, always check waterproof vs. water resistant and to what depths.
So there you go. That's my travel survival kit. It will make your trip less stressful, which is what a vacation should be!