What’s in Your Emergency Travel Bag?

Everybody has those five or six things that can make or break a vacation — items that become clutch when you need quick support for your health, your hygiene or simply your comfort. Call it a travel emergency stash, a travel essentials kit or a save-the-day bag; whatever the name, it contains crucially helpful items stored in a roller bag or checked luggage that ensures a vacation can get back on track.

While vital travel needs like prescription medicine go into backpacks, purses or other personal items, a save-the-day bag has the items you need for longer trips, in your hotel room or rental, those household necessities that you wouldn’t think twice about unless you aren’t at home, and there’s none to be found.

Jennifer Monna, a former flight attendant and current diplomat in Washington, said she always packs sachets of one of her favorite beverages.

“I pack these decaf coffee packets, since decaf is hard to find in other countries, and you can’t expect your host to provide you decaf,” she said. She also recommends taking along a multi-type power adapter, one that doesn’t take up a lot of space.

What’s in your save-the-day bag? Below are some of the staples that can make your next trip a lot more comfortable.

Eye mask and ear plugs: Packing them in your save-the-day bag gives you a second chance to not forget them — and sleep. Even if you don’t use an eye mask or ear plugs at home, it’s better to not lose sleep over a drape-less window or a rowdy bar next door.

Emergency medicine: Everyone’s health story is different, but for most, some medication comes in handy during a vacation pinch. That might include basics like Tylenol, aspirin, melatonin or vitamin C. A more individualized stash might include a thermometer, a Covid-19 test, rehydration tablets, Miralax, Gas-X, ear or eye drops, allergy pills, insect repellent, condoms, birth control, menstrual products and so on.

Some people consider bringing common antibiotics, but doctors may not want to prescribe medication before you fall ill. What’s critical is rechecking your medical supplies before and after each trip, and throwing out anything that is expired or degraded in any way (imagine your bag sitting on a hot tarmac).

Electronics accessories: Consider a universal adapter that works around the world, so that you can charge up in China and blow-dry in Brazil. An extra cable for cellphones, USB devices and laptops is also a good call. (But remember, a battery or power bank can…