42 Comments
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Holly's avatar

I brought a bag of powdered heavy cream on my last group trip to the Virgin Islands! Everybody looked at me like I had two heads! Ha! I also take a prescription for one or two broad spectrum antibiotics if I going somewhere without easy access to reliable medical care, as well as extra EpiPens, not just for me, but it could save another tourists life. It happened to my Mom!

Mollie's avatar

I always pack iodine nasal spray too. Kills those germs before they turn into a cold from the inevitable cougher on the plane ...LOL

James Schwartz's avatar

I will add something here that has been a lifesaver. LL Bean has a travel toiletries holder that is one of the greatest items I have ever purchased. It has tons of pockets and zips it all in on itself. It has a hook that we put in the bathroom of any hotel we stay at. Everything becomes accessible immediately and can be taken out and used and put back simply to pack back up and stuck back in the luggage. It even has a little mirror in it that has Velcro that allows you use it as you need. I have bought these for gifts and everyone has loved them just like we do. They come in three different sizes and are for camping but you’ll love it. One other thing I did was buy my luggage in a color that stands out so there are no ribbons or whatever people use to make theirs stand out. I can see our luggage the second it comes down the chute. We travel for leisure so it works for us too. We do the backpack thing like you do too. Nothing we will desperately need goes in there.

VictorDianne Watson's avatar

Thank you, Jill. Great tips!

Christine Smith's avatar

Virus prevention: I take hand sanitizer wipes. Even before takeoff, i wipe down my arm rests, tray table and anything else that i might touch.

Celia M Paddock's avatar

In addition to the standard medicines, my travel medicine bag (for car travel; I don't fly) contains apple cider vinegar (for preventing/curing food poisoning) and a number of 'first aid' homeopathic medicines, including 'flu' remedies. My rule is that if it isn't readily available at my destination and I'll regret not having it if it's needed, it goes in the bag.

Faith's avatar

What do you carry on you to prevent and prepare for and protect you both from shedding reactions from constant exposure to others who can still be making and releasing spike onto you wherever you go? Or for those still taking the Injectable’s? Any specifics ? Anything that works for you that you always have? Do you prepare ahead of time prior to exposure - lots of crowded places, events?

Louise Vogel's avatar

The amount of travel I've done could fit into a thimble compared to you two, but enough to appreciate what a great & thorough list you've provided us! I do remember my feeling of triumph the first time I did an 8-day business trip (read: suit & heels) to Hong Kong with only carry-on. Two things that worked for me: black, calf-length cotton leggings & black oversized T shirt for working in my hotel room, to "save" my other clothes; and little leather shoes with rubber soles so flexible they fold in half - I got mine in Lands' End catalogue - that can be very handy.

Chris's avatar

Forgot code word for back home contacts so when scammers call n say with your AI generated voice that your money, phone n ID all stolen so send money!!

Garry Blankenship's avatar

Since I changed carrying a back pocket wallet to a scaled down front pocket clipped packet of valuables, I have experienced "accidental" backside brushes with no loss. Money belts which carry more than money are also a worthwhile consideration. Area awareness is also important. A friend and neighbor recently traveling was in the midst of a full arm extension selfie with a popular site in the photo when it was snatched out of her hand by a running thief. Her husband pursued and caught the thief who no longer had possession of that phone. All carefully planned and easily avoided.

Sheila Secrist's avatar

I can't tell you how many times I've learned something I never knew from your essays. This time it was the powdered heavy cream, had no idea there was such a thing. So I've already ordered it.

My packing list pretty much matches yours. Except for one thing... the first thing I do at the hotel is put luggage in the bathroom (tile floors) and do a full bedbug inspection. 😖

I used to travel quite a lot for work too so it was imperative to have it down to a science for my own peace of mind. I still use the same checklist every time we travel to be sure I don't forget anything and it's been a lifesaver more than once. I even made a list for my daughter after one particular family vacation where she forgot to pack the soft ear plugs for her and the kids (her husband snores like freight train) but got lucky and got a pack of them from the hotel grounds crew!

Jean's avatar

Our local bug people said they use the bath tub for their stuff while they check on the bed bug issue. If there are bed bugs they don't stsy.

Danielle J. Duperret, ND/PhD's avatar

Thanks for all these tips. For jet lag, I've used the Tapping Techniques, tapping at every time zone change. It works remarkably well. Also, put your bare feet on dirt as soon as you can when you arrive at your destination. Tends to balance your energy system.

Jean's avatar

What an excellent review!

Since I left the government, I haven't traveled. My clients do, occasionally necessitating accommodations.

With my 25 yr old Intrigue, we can't handle emissions, so we can only drive 2000 miles/yr. That means careful planning for each outing to get a maximum benefit. A smaller version of your planning exercises.

I've had a long term problem with staying hydrated. What ever I intake departs in 30 min. I just found an article explaining the problem exists, the physiological causes and their product to overcome it. Noted electrolyte supplements work for young folks, but not well for seniors. Still reflecting. On the other hand, if its a problem, well to find ways to deal with it. From your advice - air travel would surely aggravate.

OFF TOPIC:

1. Got my Homesteading t-shirt! Love it! Can't wait for occasions to wear it!

2. Have come across two pieces on the Congo ebola and critical elements issues. The critical elements one focused on spurring action to pursue. The disease one focused on avoiding it. No attention at all to whether and who should be devoting help for an intervention. Leaves me continuing to speculate on what it will take to generate outside help. No roi leaves Gates and WHO not so interested?

Safe and easy travels!

Margaret Allison's avatar

Thanks! I think I will enjoy reading about your travels for now!

Uncle Mikey's avatar

Zip lock baggies. Wouldn’t be without them. Or a few manila envelopes for important literature.

Peter Joseph Smith's avatar

Great tips. My wife & I also make sure our different credit cards are from different companies so if one is compromised we can both use the other one’s cards.