Whether backpacking in the woods or traveling the world in luxury one hotel at a time, here are some universally helpful items that are simple and cheap but provide sure-fire fixes in a multitude of predicaments.
1. Duct Tape
Used to stop a tub drain, form a lint-roller, patch anything from a broken window to a leaking tire to a hole in a tent, make a band-aid, or even create handcuffs, this wonder product really does deserve any praise it receives.
Can’t stand your leaky hotel shower head that sprays everywhere but in the shower? Tape it up for a temporary fix. Going out dancing but afraid your low-cut shirt might reveal more than your collarbones? Use tiny inside-out rolled pieces like fabric tape to keep the edges of your fabric where they belong—against your skin.
Can’t get your travel buddy to stop talking? Maybe just show him or her the tape roll. Tapping into the versatility of duct tape takes practice but will yield years of mind-blowing solutions.
If you find the idea of the huge silver colored roll intimidating, purchase a smaller more travel-friendly size. If you are bold, buy it in neon green or pink.
2. Baby Wipes
Powerful enough to remove stains from your clothing yet gentle enough to wipe your rear, baby wipes make you feel young and clean no matter what kind of sticky situation you might find yourself in.
Use them for a spit bath, clean your hands after eating, or even wipe your computer screen with them.
Look for biodegradable, non-chlorine, hypoallergenic wipes that allow you to toss, flush, or bury to your hearts content.
You can never have too many baby wipes on hand while traveling.
3. Mini Flashlight/Torch
An easily accessible flashlight can be your best friend. One that attaches to keys, fits in your wallet or just in your pocket can help you find the bathroom in the middle of the night, light your way in a hostel, alleyway, or jungle.
Even if it’s not for you, you might encounter someone who could borrow it for anything from checking a sore throat to fixing an engine.
Having a flashlight might help you save a life or make a new best friend. Try to get a flashlight that is waterproof, and comes on by twisting so you can avoid it turning on inside your pocket or bag.
If you are concerned about batteries, consider purchasing an LED light. While not as powerful as a traditional bulb flashlight, LED flashlights boast thousands of hours of battery life.
4. Anti-Diarrheal Pills
Photo by Eje Sociedad Publicitaria – 2008 Obie Award Winner, Multicultural Billboard
Pray you don’t need it, but if your new found passion for the local cuisine finds you caught with traveler’s diarrhea, you’ll be glad that you have them. Occasionally dubbed ‘The Delhi Belly’, ‘Hong Kong Dong’ or ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’, this unfortunate condition usually rears its ugly head when we’re least prepared.
If you don’t have the luxury of ruling out certain foods, questionably cooked meats, or water from unknown sources, keep anti-diarrheal pills handy. No reason to waste time feeling miserable on a trip where every minute counts!
Taking a widely available anti-diarrheal product such as Imodium or Lomotil should have you sighing relief as you no longer have to plan your sightseeing around easily-accessible toilets.
If you do use it, be sure to stay well hydrated and if symptoms don’t clear after 48 hours chances are you could have a more serious infection, so make sure to see a physician immediately.
5. An Open Mind
Photo by Kelly Rice
Think outside the box, watch, listen and speak without imposing your ideas. Be creative and learn to lower your expectations. Traveling with an open mind is free, it weighs nothing, and you never know when it could come in handy.
Sometimes something as simple as empathy can transcend a language barrier or a disagreement. Try it—even crying could get you out of trouble in a pinch!
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17 Comments... join the discussion!
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I didn't think about that one. Thanks! I like to do it, too!
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I always recommend cold hard cash – it's amazing how many of the problems found while travelling can be fixed with a generous dose of money. Carry a twenty, even on a hike, just in case.
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Ya i agreed.
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I think a Swiss knife is a great tool that could get you out ot trouble!!!
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Hand wash is another handy item in the same spirit as the baby wipes. Great tips here and that Imodium billboard is classic!
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Great article! I love the helpful tips and the great sense of humor — you definitely need that at certain times during travels!
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Totally agree about the baby wipes, and would add Kleenex for all those bathrooms abroad without TP.
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Suggestion for duct tape: I buy big rolls, and then wind it onto a small dowel or a pencil so that it takes up less room. You could also wrap it around your water bottle. It takes a little time, but it makes it way easier to pack (esp in my first aid kit).
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Julie- Don't use Kleenex. Kleenex is made from an ancient old growth forest in Canada. It takes 90 years to grow the tissue in one box of kleenex. The company that produces Kleenex, Kimberly-Clark is destroying one of our most essential eco-systems on earth. So please use facial tissue from companies that use 100% recycled material.
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Thanks, Alison. I've hear of people wrapping it around objects. Pencils and water bottles are great suggestions!
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wow–what an eye-opener. appreciate the info, Jason.
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Thanks for that info — I didn't know that either!! Pretty scary.
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Pretty insensitive picture you have there with the guy crying on the bridge.
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Definitely 5 great things to have while traveling. Although I’ve never carried duct tape, it obviously is the best stuff on Earth.
I always have plenty of baby wipes with me (Target has packs for $1!) but I wouldn’t recommend using them on a computer screen.
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I duct tape the loose straps on my backpack so I don’t need a cover. Ditto baby wipes!
I used to slip a 50 dollar bill in my shoe, just in case.
A working mobile phone and my credit card, can’t leave home without them!
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Led lights are better because they consume less electricity and generates less heat`~,
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