These 3 home items are more handy and versatile than you may think

When traveling, you always have that list; the sweater that suits any weather, the face wash you can’t live without, and whatever musical device it is that sooths even the crumbiest situations. From there, you then have the basics. You will need the right amount of clothing for x amount of days, toiletries, and suitable medications. Further along, it will be those add-ons that will cater to wherever you’re going, and whatever you’re doing. All set? Well, let us add at least 3 more.

When traveling, it’s almost inevitable that you will run into those small set backs. Whether it’s a rip in your luggage, or a cut on your arm you need to tend, traveling wouldn’t be traveling if it was always smooth sailing. With that said, we have 3 items that will help with the quick fix. Even better, we have 3 items that will help with that quick fix, that are most likely already in your home! Throw them in the bottom of your bag, or even your carry-on, and you’ll be amazed at how useful these common grocery-list items will be.

1. 1.     MOUTHWASH – The Cleanser

Nothing’s more of a buzz kill than bad breath. However, that’s not the only benefit to having this minty stuff. First off, mouthwash is an antiseptic. When you’re hiking just outside that exotic city for those breathtaking views,  trip on that blind rock, and scratch up your knee, don’t freak out if your antibacterial gel is sitting on your hotel sink. Splash a little mouthwash on that wound, and prevent from a painful infection down the road. Didn’t cut yourself, but hesitant to put anything in your mouth, as you can’t imagine how many germs you touched all day? That antiseptic oral rinse can also be used as a hand sanitizer! Wipe off those germs, and dive into that mid-day snack. Well, you’ve reached the end of your day, and the trekking, city tour, and race to the restaurant has left you out of breath and sweaty. Don’t have time to take a detour to the hotel? No worries! Soak a tissue or cloth with the alcohol-based miracle worker, and dab it under your arms. As a deodorant, that mouthwash will not only help dry up the perspiring, but leave you smelling fresh! Oh ya… make sure not to forget to use it on those pearly whites!

1. 2.     Duct Tape – The Fixer

You probably already know this, but duct tape is known for its ability to fix anything. We agree. There’s nothing better than a long strip of duct tape to close that fresh luggage tear right off the plane. Throw a patch on that down jacket when the feathers are escaping after you snagged it on the chairlift, or reinforce the sole of your hiking shoe that finally just gave out. I guess we all knew this. What you might have not known; protect that luggage from breaking in the first place! Not so much that huge backpack, but any of those smaller items that are being thrown around your bag. Wrap the fragile corners with a hefty piece of duct tape. Not worried about the object, but more so it’s sharp edges that will harm your other items? Cover them up! Now, nothing’s more frustrating than tape residue being left on a shiny surface, so initially wrap that belonging with the sticky side facing out, which then you’ll cover with another strip. Downside of this glorious tool… man is that a large, heavy roll and who wants to spend the money on a smaller one. No problem there! You can create your own roll, and bring whatever amount you find suitable. All you need is a round object with a length that extends the width of the tape. Common choices include golf pencils, or nails (make sure to buffer then end of that nail!). Want something flat, and easier to store? Wrap as much duct tape as you need around a business card, or card of similar size. Slip it into that hideaway storage pocket, and head to the airport!

1. 3.     Vaseline – The Healer

From changing time zones, shifting altitude, or just that long 15 hour flight, dehydration is a common side effect of travel. Dehydration can lead to chapped and cracked lips and overly dry skin. There’s nothing more moisturizing than a glob of Vaseline to heal that dry pain. From sun crisped shoulders, to scaly legs that are just not use to your destination’s water source, make Vaseline your skin’s defense to dehydration (which will work a lot better if you make sure to drink a lot of water!).  You also might find that Vaseline might just be the cure to those nasty surprises you may run into on your travels. Let Vaseline heal these horrifically, painful, and just annoying set backs: Lesions from poison ivy, dry and itchy dandruff, chaffing, protecting minor scrapes, cuts and burns, blisters and sores, and even just a raw, chapped nose. Afraid you may suffer from those seasonal allergies? Rub a little Vaseline on the inside of your nose, and help prevent from some of that pollen shooting straight into your system. There are endless uses for this petroleum jelly, so make it a permanent resident on that travel list of yours.

A precursor to any trip, packing can arguably be one of the most stressful parts of a travel. The right gear, clothing, and medications can be an intimidating part of your exotic adventure. Don’t let it stress you out! Make sure you have the essentials, don’t over pack, and don’t hesitate to ask your fun, friendly tour guide!

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