With the increase of terrorist attacks worldwide and the threat of natural and economic disasters, it’s important to travel with basic safety items. Be smart and safe while traveling by always carrying a travel emergency kit on your person.

Finances

Always carry some cash on you, preferably enough to buy an alternate plane ticket in case of an emergency. Not all transportation companies accept credit cards, and plastic won’t be very useful in the wake of a global financial meltdown. It’s good to carry cash in two different internationally accepted denominations and to have small bills that you can use if you need to ‘tip’ someone along the way. Carrying a small supply of gold coins is another wise move. Make photocopies of all of your credit cards. Keep one copy with you and leave one copy at home.

Hygiene

Getting stranded in an airport, bus station or random town 100 miles from anywhere is never any fun. It’s worth getting travel size hygiene items such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. Carry a toothbrush, at least one washcloth, and a roll of toilet paper if desired. Women should always travel with sanitary supplies or have a reusable sanitary device, such as the Moon Cup or Keeper, on hand.

First Aid Kit

Keep a basic first aid kit in your carry-on or purse. Include latex gloves, Band-aids, gauze, safety scissors, prescription medicine, antibiotics, laxatives, painkillers, and anti-diarrheal medication. It’s also good to have chapstick, sunscreen (bring the stick kind if you are going by plane) and a small bottle of Aloe Vera gel in case of sun exposure.

Emergency Items

Take some matchbooks and put them in a plastic box or bag. Note that you generally cannot travel with strike-anywhere matches on airplanes. A few long-lasting candles and a small flashlight with extra batteries can help provide light during a blackout. If you are going to an area where there is a high-risk of kidnapping, crime or natural disaster, wear a whistle around your neck. It is best to conceal the whistle under your shirt so as not to draw attention to it. A hand crank radio cum light and two-way radios are also essential items to have in your travel emergency kit. Bring at least two bottles of water and water purification tablets.

Clothing

Always keep a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. To increase the amount of clothes you have with you while traveling, wear layers on the day of your trip. This saves space in your bag but still ensures that you have adequate clothing in case of a delay or emergency. Roll up an extra shirt, pair of underwear and socks in your bag if you don’t have space for anything else. Wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk or run in.

Paperwork

Always keep copies of your passport, travel documents and identification documents with you. Do not keep them in the same place as the originals. If you have a concealed money belt that you wear on your person, keep a copy of your passport in there so that it is always on you in case of an emergency. Have a sheet of paper with important phone numbers listed on it placed inside your wallet or money belt.

Although the risk of encountering an emergency during travel differs form place to place, it is always best to be prepared by carrying a basic travel emergency kit.