A Well-Stocked Traveler's First-Aid Kit

Most people skimp on first-aid supplies when traveling, thinking they'll find whatever they need once they're at their destination (should anything untoward occur). That's definitely not the case. Imagine if you're a woman in a country where you don't speak the language and, in the middle of the night, you realize you have a vaginal infection. Good luck finding treatment or relief. The same goes for going off the beaten track only to find that you've been stung by a jellyfish or you brushed against poison ivy. Or if you're sitting beside a campfire and an ash flies into your eye. What do you do?

For these and many other reasons, I always carry a well-stocked first-aid kit when I travel. Below are my recommendations. You'll notice that I've grouped the supplies into categories based on symptom or body organ/system, which makes it easier to determine what you need for what ails you.

Bites, Stings, Rashes, Burns

Benadryl cream - for itching

Aloe vera gel - for sunburn relief

IvyBlock - to prevents poison ivy rash

Calamine lotion -- for rash/itching

Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine -- for allergies or rash/itching

Hydrocortisone cream - for rash/itching

Tecnu - poison ivy skin cleanser

After Bite -- for itching after a "bug" bite

Cuts, Blisters and Bruises

Betadine or other antiseptic wipes

Bacitracin topical antibiotic cream

Blister kit with moleskin

QuikClot - to stop bleeding fast

Spenco 2nd Skin squares/pads - for blister protection

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever

Thermometer

Bandage strips (in a variety of sizes) as well as “butterfly”-type bandages

Nonstick gauze squares and gauze roll

Ace-type, elastic wrap bandages

Adhesive tape

Aquaphor ointment - for blisters 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat, Teeth

Eye Wash

Lubricating Eye Drops

EarPlanes to unclog ears on the plane

Saline nasal spray

Stomach Issues

Bonine - for motion sickness

MiraLax - for constipation

Pepto Bismol chewable tabs - for diarrhea and to prevent traveler's diarrhea

Electrolyte replacement powder - for diarrhea

Peppermint Tummy drops - for stomach upset

Antacids

Women's Needs

Diflucan (single oral dose) - prescription pill for vaginal infection

Monistat vaginal cream - for vaginal infection

Replens

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Packing With Only A Carry-On

I never check luggage. Even when I’m on the road for six plus weeks, I only travel with a carry-on bag and a small backpack, along with my 7-in-1 wallet. Checking luggage has no upside. It’s expensive and time consuming. I like to jump off the plane and hit the ground running. No waiting at the carousel for luggage. Here’s how I do it:

On the plane, I wear my heaviest items, including my bulkiest outer wear and shoes/boots. Aside from a dress, on the plane I wear black leggings, a merino wool hoodie, and a merino wool or fleece sweater/jacket, and a down vest that doubles as a pillow.

I choose clothing that in neutral or earth tones, often black, tan or grey -- so there's a lot of mix and matching -- with tees, tanks and a scarf providing bright accent colors.

Almost all the clothes I pack do not wrinkle and are made of wickable fabrics, which means they don't absorb moisture easily so you stay dry as you race about town, but they also dry relatively quickly when you wash them. (I hand wash my underwear, pants, shorts, dresses and shirts and they dry in no time.)

When packing my bag, I roll all the clothing. 

Here’s what I pack in my carry-on:

2 dresses

1 pair of pants (that convert to shorts)

2 t-shirts

2 long sleeve shirts

1 tank top

1 buff (that doubles as a scarf/hat)

1 rain jacket

1 pair of Mary Janes or sandals

3 pair of socks (Merino wool)

3 pairs of underwear (Merino wool)

Here’s what I pack in my small backpack:

iPhone plus bluetooth keyboard

First-aid kit

Vitamin supplements
Sunscreen

Toiletries in travel sizes that fit in the TSA-recommended bag

Charging cords and international plug

Earplugs and eye mask

My 7-in-1 Wallet contains:
credit cards
drivers license
passport
lip balm
toothpicks
money
cell phone
business cards

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Gear Review: Wool Underwear for Hot Summer Temperatures

With temperatures soaring above 90 F in large swaths of the U.S. this summer, many people may be surprised to learn that I’m perfectly comfortable wearing Merino wool underwear. Yes, you read that correctly: wool underwear. This natural fiber easily wicks away sweat, keeping you perfectly cool, dry, and comfortable, whether you’re running for a bus or hiking a strenuous trail. I prefer SmartWool undergarments because they are a Colorado-based company with the garments made in America. They manufacture a select variety of underwear styles for men and women: bikinis, bras and boxer shorts. These undergarments don’t retain odor and they dry rapidly when washed. The fibers also stand the test of time. (I have two pairs of underwear that I bought more than five years ago, and they still wear well despite being repeatedly washed.)

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7-in-1 Travel Wallet

My 7-in-1 travel wallet gives you versatility and practicality in a lightweight, minimalist silhouette, whether you’re traveling far afield or on your home turf. It can be used as a traditional wallet that you place in your purse, or wear it over your shoulder, as a clutch, a wristlet, crossbody, on your belt, or around your waist. (Bye,bye fanny bag that id’s you as a tourist.) Plenty of zippered compartments and slots allow you to organize your passport, credit cards, money, driver’s license, business cards, lip balm, sunscreen, pen, and more.

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Gear Review: New Eco Friendly Sunscreen

Most people start thinking about sunscreens when summer approaches. Many people just go by the numbers, choosing a product with a high SPF. But sunscreen ingredients are important, too. In fact, a recent report from the non-profit Environmental Working Group rated sunscreens in terms of safety and effectiveness, finding that only two ingredients -- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide -- are considered safe and effective. A according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. So, how timely that I just found out about a new product, SPF 30 TropicSport, that only contains these two physical sunscreen ingredients. The texture is light and, unlike what some people might have thought, applying this product with these physical sunscreen agents does not coat your skin so you look pasty white. Plus, because it doesn't contain any oxybenzone, a chemical sunscreen agent, it's reef friendly. The company also produces an SPF 30 face stick and an SPF 15 lip balm, both which contain zinc oxide, and no chemical sunscreen ingredients. This will be my sunscreen of choice. These products don't contain any parabens or nano particles, and can be used in children who are at least six months old. Plus, since I care about nature and the environment, it's also a plus that the company pledges to only use reef friendly, sustainable ingredients and packaging, and they donate up to 20% of sales to organizations that have similar sensibilities. 

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Gear Review: Minimalist Travel Accessories

I'm all about minimalism, whether it's the bags (and this bag also) and clothing I design or the products I buy to travel with. So, I was happily surprised to discover three travel accessories manufactured by Matador that fit my minimalist and practical sensibility. Below, in order, are the toiletry bottle, the soap bar case, and the toiletry case. What they all have in common is that they are ultra light, made of a flexible synthetic fabric, and are small and rugged.

Better than any of the other travel-size bottles on the market,  the toiletry bottle easily compresses, allowing me to have more room in my TSA-approved liquid's zip-lock bag for other items. You can fill it with anything from shampoo to sunscreen to moisturizer to body wash. And the little snap loop at the end allows you to conveniently hang it should you be staying at a hostel, or if you want to snap it to your backpack if you're hiking.

Maybe you don't travel with a bar of soap, preferring liquid soap instead, but doing so means you have fewer liquids to cram in your TSA-approved liquids zip-lock bag. What's super cool about this bag is that you can put a wet bar of soap in it and the fabric allows the soap to dry out. (After all, who wants to retrieve a slippery bar of soap from a bag?). The top rolls and snaps closed, again making it convenient and easy to carry. (The bag is waterproof.)

Finally, the toiletry case has that nifty feature that allows moist or wet items, such as a toothbrush, that you store inside to dry. Unlike so many toiletry cases, the soft fabric allows you to compress it, perfect for those who never check luggage -- like me! Like with the soap case, the top of the toiletry bag rolls and snaps closed and it can also be hung up or attached to anything, should you be enjoying at outdoor shower at a tropical resort, for example.

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Gear Review: A Bright + Rugged Mini Flashlight

No matter where I travel in the world, one item I never leave without is a small powerful flashlight. This can come in handy not only if there is a power failure at my resort or hotel, or if I find myself walking late at night on a lane with no street lights, or if I'm camping and need to set up my tent in the dark Any flashlight I carry has to have a wide beam that is ultra bright and goes the distance, it has to be small and withstand being dropped or getting wet in a downpour. My new flashlight of choice is the one below by 5.11. It's exceedingly bright: 107 lumens. It won't be damaged by rain or being dropped from some six feet off the ground, and the light beam distance is around 85 feet, which suits my needs. Plus, if I have to keep the light on for four hours straight, I know it will keep working on the two small AAA batteries. This is now my go-to flashlight, which I keep in a small zippered compartment of my carry-on soft luggage.

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Video - My Travel Bags

Whether you're traveling or simply want a practical and stylish bag to carry all your vitals on a day to day basis, you'll now have the option of purchasing my original 7-in-1 micro bag in black, or my new cross-body canvas bag that comes in three different colors/patterns. Check out this video (below) where you'll see how both of these bags function, and how their minimalist silhouette assures that they don't shout out: "I'm carrying valuables." For more information on how to buy these bags, check out my virtual store -- for the 7-in-1 bag click here and for the new cross-body bag, click here. 

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Sneak Peak - New Men's Multi-Pocket Vest

I'm happy to announce that I now have a fashionable but practical man's multi-pocket vest in my collection. This is a sneak peak at this Made in America item that's constructed of a blend of cotton and poly. And, unlike typical men's travel vests, this one can be worn under a suit jacket for business meetings or trade shows when you need to look good and also keep all your vitals close at hand. Of course, it can also be worn with jeans and a casual shirt if you're traveling domestically or far-afield where it's vital that everything from train tickets to your passport are secure. The six zippers are all on the outside of the jacket and each pocket provides enough room for everything from your cell phone to a small notebook. We're taking pre-orders on this item and anyone who's interested and wants to know more can contact me directly.

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Gear Review: Tiny Headlamp for Travelers

If you’re not hiking, cycling or Nordic skiing at night, you might think you have no need for a headlamp. But, I often bring along one on my trips that don’t doing involve any of these or other adventurous activities. Whether I’m staying at a rural accommodation or an urban inn, a headlamp comes in handy. Just a few weeks ago, I was staying in Guildford, Connecticut that’s hardly a wilderness retreat. Yet, my inn was a 10-minute walk from the town green, a 10-minute almost completely dark walk at night where the street lamps were mostly nonexistent. I carried my UCO Hundred, a small headlamp that measures barely 2” x 2” x 2” and weighs in at two ounces. The light is ultra bright and has three settings with the high beam producing 100 lumens that was bright enough to light up the sidewalk almost 200 feet ahead of me. This lamp not only allowed me to avoid any sidewalk obstacles but it also made me visible to drivers who crossed my path at intersections.

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My New Bag Collection

When I design clothes and accessories, I’m all about minimalism and pockets. I don’t believe a bag should reveal itself to everyone who, for example, may be standing next to you on a crowded metro. My bags -- as well as my vest -- revolve around simplicity, practicality and pockets that are hidden. And that includes my new canvas cross-body bag collection. From the outside, this cross-body canvas bag has a minimalist silhouette with a magnetic snap. Flipping it open reveals three zippered compartments that, together, are big enough for most any of your personal items, including sunglasses, cell phone, credit cards — organized in a separate, easy-to-access section with its own snap flap — currency, plane or train tickets, sunscreen, lip balm, travel toothbrush, you name it. There’s a limited quantity of these bags -- they sell for $49.95 and are Made in America -- that are perfect for traveling to far-flung locales or around town.

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Gear Review: Performance Mary Jane Shoe for Women

Unlike most women, I only travel with two pairs of shoes -- and one of 'em -- always the heaviest -- is on my feet. (That's another reason why I can travel for weeks on end without checking luggage.) These Mary Janes by Astral Designs -- a U.S.-based company -- are not your average casual, walk-around-town shoes. The sole is made of a material that easily grips wet surfaces, such as metal gratings or steps I might encounter when racing around urban areas. I brought one of these (the red pair) on my most recent trip to Galicia where, during the day I was hiking nine to 10 miles, and, late in the day, I was running around villages and towns, checking out shops, restaurants, lighthouses, museums and wine bars. They have a low profile so they pack small and come in several different stylish colors. Again, it's all about looking good while wearing items that perform well. (Never sacrifice performance for aesthetics.)

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Gear Review: A Flattering Warm Shirt That Looks Good and Performs Well

One of the reasons I'm able to never check luggage -- including on my recent two week hiking trip in Northern Spain -- is because I pack clothes that serve more than one purpose. Stio, a company based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is noted for manufacturing items that perform well and look good, whether you're on the trail or working or playing in town. This item (below) is the women's Thermop Fleece shirt, which is warm and comfortable, perfect for hiking when it's a bit chilly but also ideal when paired with leggings and even a skirt when running around an urban area. The fabric has a little bit of a stretchiness, so the shirt doesn't feel confining, and the silhouette is flattering. Fleece is a perfect material for aerobics in the Fall or Winter because it wicks away sweat while providing warmth. Underneath it, I wear a thin Merino wool long-sleeved shirt. And, though, the front looks like it's a bottom up, in fact these are snaps, which reduced the fuss factor when you need additional ventilation.

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What's in a Complete Travel First-Aid Kit?

When traveling domestically or far afield, I carry most, if not all, of the following first-aid items because you never know when you’ll have an accident or end up with an unexpected ailment. And, even if the city you’ll be visiting isn’t lacking a pharmacy, it might very well be closed just when you need it. This list is even more essential when your trip involves a biking, hiking or other adventure-type trips.

• Quik-Clot - an ultra-specialized bandage to stop bleeding when you know that simply holding a gauze pad won’t work, such as in someone taking anti-clotting medication or who suffers from a clotting disorder.

• Bonine - to prevent motion sickness

• Saline eye wash - to wash out debris from your eye

• Aleve (naproxen) - for pain

• Aspirin - for fever or a heart attack

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Gauze pads and adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

• ACE bandage - for sprains, strains, pulled muscles

• Bacitracin - topical triple antibiotic ointment

• Topical cortisone - for itching/rash

• Oral Benadryl - antihistamine for allergies

• Caladryl lotion - for itching/rashes

• Mylanta or Tums chewable tabs - antacid

• Sudafed - oral decongestant

• Afrin nasal spray - nasal decongestant

• Pepto-Bismol - chewable tabs to prevent traveler’s diarrhea

• Imodium AD - to treat diarrhea

• Probiotic - for good intestinal health (or a mild laxative such as OTC Miralax)

• Azithromycin or Zithromax (Z-pac) - a prescription antibiotic for severe diarrhea

• EpiPen - a prescription of injectable adrenalin in case of a severe, life threatening allergy (anaphylactic) reaction

• Digital oral thermometer

• Sawyer Controlled Release - DEET-based insect repellent OR

All Terrain Herbal Armor - a DEET-free insect repellent

• Blister kit, including moleskin, Spenco Second Skin, and Band-Aid blister bandages

• Robitussin liquid gel - cough suppressant

• Ricola throat lozenges

• Tweezers - to help remove a splinter or even a tick

• Neutrogena or another broad-spectrum sunscreen - at least SPF 30

• Steripen - UV device to decontaminate water

• Monistat cream - for women in case of a vaginal yeast infection

• Blistex lip ointment/balm

• Aloe gel - for sunburn

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Gear Review: Collapsible Water Bottle

On my recent trip to Sri Lanka, I decided to pack even lighter than usual. Of course, I never check luggage -- even when traveling internationally for 6+ weeks. But, this time, I wanted to minimize the number of bulky items I packed because I planned to stow my soft luggage under my seat rather than in the overhead compartment. Aside from one extra pair of shoes, the bulkiest item was my special water bottle that is a water filter. So, instead of traveling with the Lifestraw Go bottle, I purchased the Katadyn BeFree which is a soft, collapsible, BPA-free flask. It comes in three sizes: a little over half a liter, as well as one liter and three liter models. (I picked the half liter model for my travels.) Weighing in at just two ounces and packing relatively small, this was ideal for my journey. You simply suck from the spout and the filter removes 99.9% of protozoa and 99.9999% of bacteria from the water (It doesn't remove viruses.) And, when you unscrew the spout, the wide mouth of the flask makes it easy to fill from the faucet.

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Gear Review: Tiny Convertible Backpack

Unlike most people, I didn't immediately jump on the Fjallraven bandwagon. Fjallraven is a Finland-based manufacturer of sturdy gear that now has a loyal following, including customers who would never set foot on a hiking trail or a ski slope. Nonetheless, I recently got ahold of one of their products, the Kanken Mini that, like many of their products, comes in a rainbow of color choices. I didn't choose this to make a fashion statement, however, but I wanted to test it out as a small convertible bag/backpack to tote along on the plane for the bare necessities as well as once I land as a backpack to carry a beverage, lunch and sunscreen once I hit the trail. It's exceedingly light (barely 8 ounces) and small, measuring just over one inch by five inches by just under eight inches. It's waterproof, which is more than I can say for most packs where you're still forced to wrap everything inside in a plastic bag to keep things dry. I wore it recently during a snowstorm in New York City, and found that it kept everything completely dry. The only downside I found: I literally had to watch a short video in order to figure out how to convert it from a hang bag to a backpack! But, once you follow the directions, you're all set.

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Avoiding Extras on Budget Flights

A budget airline may sound like a great deal, until the extras pile up, whether it's the pricy food options or the minimal free carry-on baggage allowances. I get around all of these add-ons by doing the following:

1- I bring my own healthy snacks, such as hummus dip with red pepper and unsalted pretzels; shelled unsalted pistachios, low-fat cheese, high-fiber low-sodium crackers, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, red grapes.

2- I don't check any luggage. Instead, I have a small carry-on that fits the airline's dimensions. I wear my bulkiest clothing and, aside from the shoes I wear, I only pack one additional pair.

3- I don't pay extra for choosing a seat, opting, instead for the seat I'm given.

I was recently interviewed on this topic and my one of my biggest tips is gaining access to an airport lounge without having to pay the day rate. American Express gives its Platinum members free access to lounges all over the world. Not only are lounges a prime place to de-stress but they also have numerous food and beverage options. In some, you're able to take a shower, which is a real perk when traveling across numerous time zones internationally and then having to deal with a long layover. And you can check email without paying a surcharge. Of all the lounges available, its AmEx's own Centurion lounges that are some of the best. The image below reflects just one of the many placid spaces in their lounge at the otherwise horrid LaGuardia Airport in New York City.

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