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.