5 Things Every Traveler Should Bring Abroad

The moment you start telling people that you’re going abroad, it seems everyone from your older cousin to the hobo down the street has advice on what you should and should not bring. But before you go and trade Boxcar Larry advice for sponge baths, here is the definitive list of things every traveler should pack before stepping out on that tarmac:

1) Duct tape.

Duct tape – beyond making sweet ass prom ensembles – has saved my physical sweet ass on many, MANY occasions. From resuscitating ripped luggage to constructing impromptu pillow fortresses, duct tape is a traveler’s cure-all.

2) Peanut butter.

“But Anna,” you cry, bosoms heaving, “I’ll just buy food once I land!” Aw, that’s cute. But no, seriously, you are going to die. If you plan on traveling anywhere outside of Paris and/or Denny’s, just keep a jar on hand.

3) Medical kit.

Seemingly a no-brainer that lots of brainless folk forget is a basic medical kit. You don’t need anything fancy: a thermometer, Advil, Band-Aids, and some kind of antiseptic is plenty for most everyone. The last thing you want to do is try your luck in a Cambodian hospital because you nicked yourself shaving and contracted the plague.

4) Towel.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy had the right idea with this one – a towel is indispensible when you’re living the expat life. From sketchy guesthouses to makeshift bedding, your own towel provides all the comfort of a blanky with all the manliness of a jetfighter.

5) Water bottle (with filter).

It blows my mind how many people think of this as an unnecessary luxury – or who would think that if they didn’t keep dying of cholera. Unless you plan on traveling as far as the Pacific Northwest, invest in one of these babies and let the good times roll. Your colon will thank you.