While traditional adventure backpackers may still stock the old standby items such as flint, matches or a compass, the requirement for budget travelers to use backpacks and small tents as a financial strategy to save money on accommodations isn't quite the necessity it used to be. Simply put, van dwelling isn't just for hippies anymore. One only has to observe the number of millennials choosing this particular tiny house option with wheels to realize it.
Similarly, long-term house sitting gigs, monthly discounts on private vacation rentals in low-cost countries and other new travel realities have made full-amenity accommodation access more affordable than many hostels, particularly for couples. This means today's travel emergency kits need to include items suitable for everything from an extended commute or an unexpected overnight to a pop-up office space or roadside vehicle incident. Following are a few categories to consider when stocking your supply stash.
Urban: Carpoolers and hardcore city dwellers alike can find themselves faced with urban emergencies and unplanned sleepovers. If you are trying to keep things minimalist with regards to vehicle doodads, consider limiting your tool items to a tire gauge, roadside reflective triangles and jumper cables. Everything else can be handled with cash and a quality auto club membership. Problem-solving personal items will vary from individual to individual, but general unisex product recommendations include blister protection for your feet, aspirin, condoms, eyeglass repair kits and alcohol wipes.
Grooming: Who hasn't been left feeling less than their best by wind, dry air, a cracked nail or a too-spicy lunch? Glamour gals and manly metrosexuals alike can benefit from having a few basics on hand. A miniature nail file or emery board is a great choice, as is a moisture-rich medicated lip balm. Other essentials include a comb, small tube of toothpaste, miniature deodorant and a travel-sized spray fragrance.
Professional: While nothing beats a smartphone loaded with functional apps for scanning, video chatting and message swapping, there are times when a few more necessities are in order for last-minute contract assignments or extended fast-food restaurant sessions due to the garage down the street taking a few hours longer with your oil change than promised.
Extension cords and plug adapters can help get you recharged if the only available booth is too far away from the nearest electrical outlet. Composition books, an extra pen and brightly colored sticky notes can assist even the most devoted digital information junkie when circumstances keep them away from their extra monitors for longer than predicted. Perhaps the most helpful and space-efficient resource for the prepared road warrior, however, is a killer mobile data plan. Free Wi-Fi doesn't always mean functional Wi-Fi, and the ability to hot spot your phone and do what needs to be done can mean the difference between landing a lucrative gig and losing one.
