Urban Aid to the Rescue!

When embarking on any trip, whether it be plane, train or automobile, it's always a good idea to pack an emergency care kit. Care kits? Like what kinds of care kits, Christina? Oh my little vagabonds, I will tell thee what kinds. You're going to want to bring one that contains items that heal, fix and repair. Forrrr Instanccccce....the Urban Aid kits!!

These two are perfect examples of the basic necessities needed whilst being adventuresome (I can't believe that's actually a word). The On-the-Go Sport Kit, Oops No. 2 Kit and Travel Fix Kit, contributed by the great team over at Urban Aid, make living life lively.

What's so great about them?

The On-the-Go: Sport kit (under $10!)

Contains: 2 Moist Towelettes, 1 Sunblock Towelette, 1 Lens Wipe Towelette, 2 Adhesive Bandages, 1 Pack of Lip Ointment, 1 Hair Band, 1 Packet of Pain Reliever

• Small compact tin is small enough to fit in most clothing pockets as well as in any baggage, the tin can take a beating and can be reused when the kit is emptied
• Airline friendly! No liquid rule breaking here!
• Hair band can be used for other emergencies like keeping a bag of snacks rolled up so they stay fresh
• Lens wipe can also be good for cleaning off some electronic screens like iPods

The Travel Fix Kit

 Contains: 1 Sewing kit, 1 Toothbrush, 1 Disposable Razor, 1 Vanity Kit, 2 Dental Flossers, 1 Moist Towelette, 1 Hydrating Lotion Towelette, 1 Pair of Ear Plugs

• The sewing kit solves a lot of problems on its own. Minor snags, wardrobe improvisations etc.
• Slightly larger durable tin, but still compact enough to fit in the toiletries kit
• While I had some of these supplies already packed away, the tin is usually stored in my day pack or sling bag for emergencies
• Ear plugs are essential for backpacking in shared rooms in hostels and sleeping on long trips

The Oops Kit: No. 2Thai sunset at the elephant park

Contains: 1 Urban Aid tee, 1 Stain Remover Towelette

• I think I've worn my Urban Aid tees a million times over since I got them. They roll up nicely to fit in my backpack and I usually always keep one in my day pack in case of dirt emergencies. The fit is perfect and that's even after a dozen washes. 

Other available kits include the humorous Shame On You kit for one night stands and the Clean Getaway kits, packs for both men and women. As well as the unisex One Too Many kit for hangovers and Naughty Nite kit for whatever you can imagine. They also have an awesome packing check list you can print and take with you so that you make sure you've got everything!

Visit UrbanAid.com for more fun kits!

Tag, You're It

Creative Luggage Tags - under $10

They're not exactly protective talismans against luggage thieves, in fact I'd put them in the "Keep Off The Grass" level of reprimanding. I suppose the only way they might actually protect your belongings is if a thief were to read the tag, laugh and then think to themselves, "Wow, a person with a sense of humor. They are not a douchebag, therefore they should be allowed to keep their belongings. I'll be moving on now." *Pause* Yea, that's exactly how it would happen.

If anything, they'll make you're bag easier to pick out of the mass amounts dark hued luggage. And I am unashamed to say that this little one ($1.99)...was picked out by my mother. Thank you Mother, it deterred many a SE Asian scoundrel. 

 TravelPro 1070012F Stop Sign Luggage Tag

Honestly, sometimes it's just nice to see a little bright and shiny beacon coming down the conveyor belt that puts my worried mind at ease.

 Looking for something similar? Check out these quirky tags. They might be a good mini-gift for a fellow traveler.

 

Wipe-out

Kleenex Splash 'n Go - Moist Wipes (Travel Pack) - available at Drugstores - $5

It's gonna sound like a last resort, but believe me, you'll do it even when its not. What it is is a mini bath, one might say. It won't give you a full cleaning head to toe, but if you have concerns about bodily hygiene while on the road, it'll ease your nerves for awhile. I use them the most on overnight bus rides and when I went camping in Surin Thailand with the elephant project. Most of the time it was just pleasant to have something to clean my filthy feet with. Also, these Kleenex wipes can stay in my Dopp kit with me on the plane without breaking any silly regulations.

What's so great about it?

• A resealable pack! Take one or two and save the rest for later. And even a month after first opening it, the remaining sheets are still moist and fresh. Sounds like a cheesy afternoon commercial, but it's true.

• Travel size! The pack itself is compact enough to fit in my Dopp travel kit and still leaves room for everything else.

• I actually feel cleaner and not like the dirt was just moved around. I also don't smell like I just bathed myself in lemon scented household cleaner - which is a plus.

Bite Me

Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment - under $10

This one little tin has lasted me about 5 years now and I’m still working on it. Made with almond oil, olive oil, beeswax, comfrey leaves and other root extracts, it pretty much treats any minor annoyances you might have acquired. Bug bites, itchy bumps, bruises, minor nicks, scratches and burns; all covered. Even the largest mosquito bites can’t seem to stand up to this stuff; doesn’t hurt that it smells nice too. Oh and it's all natural, just in case you're like me and happen to be allergic to ingredients in everyday body care products. The tin never leaves my purse regardless of where I go in the world, be it a big city or rugged outdoors. In the office I used it on all of my numerous, silly paper cuts and when I travel it seems to be the duct tape of body care. Tell me, oh mighty tin of Burt's! What will you solve for me today?!

Jonesing for Indiana

Envelope Hip Belt - $10, bought at a vintage Levi’s jeans store in Midtown Manhattan

Also known to my travel buddies as the “Indiana Jones belt”. Another great, inexpensive investment I made, although, I’m afraid it looks better on girls. Sorry guys,

What’s so great about it:

- Small envelope pocket with magnetic snap closure

   - It fits my IDs, money and maybe a paper with the directions of location I’m headed to

   -   Or one slim cell phone or one MP3 player

-  2 metal links

   -  Easy to clip things to it, for instance, my HMDX speakers, carabineers, baseball cap and my camera usually loops through the buckle. Makes everything hands free!

- Can wrap around a dress nicely or loop through pants to work as a functional belt

- Also good for nights out on the town. Hands-free, no losing track of your things, dance without having to hang on to your bouncing purse

Want something similar? Try Happy Cow leather goods

As featured on Fiona on the USA show, Burn Notice. I’m dying to get my hands on this one. *Ahem…wink wink, nudge nudge*