Michele’s Travel Survival Kit
Written by Michele Vieux
I’ve shared this with a few of you before but I’ve always been interested in survival kits. In the summer, when I was a kid, my mom would take us to the library once a week to pick out books and educational videos we had to read or view before we could go out to play. Mine usually fell into the same theme – wilderness survival.
Along these same lines, I have created for you my survival kit for world travelers. I wouldn’t leave home without these things next time you plan a trip abroad. You never know what you will or will not find in the airports and the first day or so you’re at your destination. These five items could save your life.
1) Water Containers – Bring your own and fill it up inside the terminal so you don’t have to purchase an overpriced bottle each time. PRO TIP: If there is no drinking fountain, do not fill from the sink – there is no fountain for a reason. In this case, just buy one or wait until you board your flight where they will most likely provide you with some.
2) Snacks – My favorites are unsweetened coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, hard boiled eggs, homemade jerky, fresh fruit and chopped veggies. If you are traveling abroad, they frown upon you bringing many of these items into the country with you, so only take what you need for the flight or be prepared to turn them over if you get caught. PRO TIP: The U.S. is one of the few countries who actually checks, in my experience. I took my goodies around the world by always entering customs through the “nothing to declare” lane.
3) Stomach Relief – To avoid Montezuma’s, Mohammed’s, or any other kind of revenge (i.e. nasty food poisoning), pack some Pepto or something of the like. PRO TIP: Take some every morning to prevent undesirable situations but drink plenty of water with it!
4) Toilet Paper and Baby Wipes – For where there are toilets, there are not always toilet papers. The baby wipes have multiple uses. Besides wiping your bum, they can be used for a quick sponge bath in a pinch or to wash your hands when no sink is available.
5) Mobility Tools – Nothing spells douche bag shoulders like sitting on a plane for hours on end. Take a lacrosse ball and your voodoo floss with you to use in the airport and on your flight. PRO TIP: These items do you no good if they are in your checked luggage, so make sure to pack them with your snacks and TP in your carry-on.
I hope this makes your world exploration more enjoyable – bon voyage!