15 Travel Essentials I Pack in Case of Emergencies

Travel setbacks are never fun, but when the cyber outage that rocked airlines worldwide occurred in July, many people started thinking about how to better prepare for unexpected travel disruptions. I’m no stranger to unexpected travel roadblocks, whether running through airports like Kevin McAllister’s family in “Home Alone” to catch a flight, being delayed or rerouted, arriving at hotels when my room isn’t ready, and more. 

Many components of travel are out of our control, from weather delays to technical issues, which is why being prepared on how to navigate anything that might pop up is key. Having a packing list that accounts for all of the necessities you might need makes the hassle of it all a bit less painful. From products to make a delay more comfortable to necessary tech to keep your devices charged no matter where you are, I rounded up the travel essentials I pack in order to be prepared for any travel hiccup.

Meacolia Travel Pill Organizer

Stress and different time zones can affect immunity, so I always make sure to have this pill holder on hand, packed with medication for emergencies. The double lock ensures no pill spillage into my purse, while eight compartments accommodate my must-have medicines and supplements, like vitamin C and D pills, to keep me healthy and energized to face any travel setback. The compact size is easy to transport and comes in a number of fun colors like light blue and candy green.

Vuori Performance Jogger 

I will sing the praises of these ultra soft Vuori joggers forever. Being uncomfortable during travel disruptions feels even worse when you aren’t dressed comfortably. I make sure to have these on when I’m traveling, should any setback arise. The comfortable elastane and polyester material is lightweight and soft and feels like your favorite pair of pajamas. Each pair has pockets, so you can keep essentials nearby, and there are a number of colors to choose from to easily find your favorite pair. 

Ostrich Pillow 

Sitting in airports as you wait on any travel updates can be taxing on the body. Sometimes, due to hotel availability, you may even find that the airport becomes your room for the night. That’s why this memory foam travel pillow is always securely fastened to my luggage. The ergonomic design provides plenty of comfort and the Velco closure is easy to adjust to get the perfect fit. I can’t even recount the number of times I’ve dealt with neck pain due to travel, so this pillow is a game changer. I also love that the cover can be removed and washed between trips.

Calpak Luka Passport Wallet

If you’re dealing with a travel emergency, you’ll want to have your crucial documents easily accessible. I like this Calpak passport wallet in particular because of its lightweight design that makes it easy to travel with. It’s big enough to hold everything in one place, including my passport, ID, credit cards, and cash, so I never have to search through my bag to check if I’m missing anything. 

State Travel Pouch Set

There are a number of items that I always rely on while traveling and being able to easily access them in the face of any emergency is important. The State travel pouch set is a multi-size trio of bags that keeps all of my favorite toiletry items and medicine in one place. There’s also a convenient hook for when you’re traveling and want to hang it in the bathroom.

Studio Oh! Under Reusable Under Eye Patches

Another part of my skin that typically takes a major hit during unexpectedly long travel days is the area under my eyes. To combat puffiness, I pack these reusable under eye patches that boost hydration via the cooling effects of their silicone material. You can also apply your favorite serum or cream under to enhance the effectiveness.

Calpak Luka Duffel

If you ever find yourself stranded, you’ll want to have a duffel bag on hand to easily access some of your favorite clothing items and toiletries. This Calpak duffel is the squishy travel companion that I never leave home without. The nine spacious pockets help keep me organized so I never have to ask myself where I put my passport or rifle through my bag for my lip balm. It also has a luggage trolley sleeve so you can keep it on top of your suitcase, and it’s lightweight so it won’t weigh you down if you’re stuck waiting a while for your next flight. Another added bonus? There’s an exterior shoe compartment — stash a pair of comfy slides or slippers to change into while you wait.

Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes 

The wear and tear of travel on your feet cannot be understated. If you find yourself racing to a new gate due to a travel disruption, or simply roaming the halls of an airport because of a delay, these Hoka Bondi shoes will give you the cushion support to keep your feet comfortable. The rear crash pad of the shoes allows for a balanced stride from heel to toe, and the mesh construction makes them very breathable, so you won’t be stuck with sweaty feet at the end of the day. 

Courant Dual Charger

There is nothing more anxiety-inducing than being stranded somewhere and not having any battery life on your phone or other electronics. That’s why this dual-device charging pad from Courant is a must-have whenever I travel. I like to use it in the airport to simultaneously charge my phone and earbuds. The sleek design is made even better by texture options that include Italian leather and Belgian linen.

Nurture Valley XL Ultra Thick Body Wipes for Adults

Sometimes, there’s just no way around having no access to a shower once a travel obstacle arises. To quickly freshen up no matter where you are, these ultra thick body wipes are a great item to keep in tow on any trip. Gentle natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E are great for my sensitive skin, and I’m also a big fan of their thickness. You won’t have to worry about any sticky residue with these wipes either.

Sony Noise-cancelling Wireless Headphones

I am often overstimulated by the amount of noise at airports, and having a lengthy delay definitely exacerbates it. These noise-canceling wireless Sony headphones are a great way to block out all of the chaos surrounding me. They also make for an excellent travel companion to listen to my favorite music or watch any shows as I wait during travel setbacks. This particular model offers one of Sony‘s lightest headbands for added comfort, and it has a battery life up to 34 hours so it’ll last you even a long delay or layover.

Neutrogena Makeup Wipes

When it’s time to wipe the grime and stress of travel off of my face, I always use these handy Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Even the thickest mascaras don’t stand a chance against these, and the gentleness of them means I can use them multiple times while traveling without feeling like I’m drying out my skin. 

Comrad Compression Socks

Sometimes travel emergencies involve longer flight days to get to where you need to be. These Comrad compression socks are always in my bag because they provide soft support that promotes circulation, perfect for days where I’m on my feet or sitting in a plane longer than expected. In addition to preventing swelling, the moisture-wicking nylon fabric offers the breathability needed to keep your feet from overheating.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich

Dry skin and hours of wait time go hand-in-hand, particularly if you’ve already been in the moisture-zapping air for a previous flight. I never leave home without Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream Rich, as it helps to keep my skin from feeling that scaly dryness that often comes along with travel. Antioxidants refresh my skin, and ingredients like vitamin E and avocado oil deliver moisture. I’m also a huge fan of their hyaluronic acid — which comes in a formula for darker skin tones like mine.

Away Sleep Mask

If your travel emergency leaves you in the middle of an airport without a hotel option or you simply need a nap before you gear up for more travel, this Away sleep mask fits the bill. The molded interior shape leaves ample room around the eyes, and there’s even a hidden pocket for earplug storage. The temperature-regulating fabric is also designed to keep you cool or warm, depending on whether you’re cold or hot. 

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