Packing Tips: How to Assemble a Travel Emergency Kit, AKA “Box of Awesome”

[@k-chan766]

Thank you, some cool ideas there! My suggestion is to tape a piece of magnetic adhesive inside the lid, and you can keep your pin/needle/sim tool etc secure and easy to find.

[@lisastewart-hartsock661]

I Love this idea!!!! I always have a lil of everything and YES, in case of emergency, use it. Well I’ve used it. I am the one you want on a desert island. No joke.

[@scoutyd1885]

I made a BoA after watching this video a few months back, and made another more comprehensive one for the car/go-bag with sutures, antidiarrheal meds, AdvilPM (to help re-set sleep schedule upon arrival to new time zone), and Alka Seltzer. When it's a car trip I add a new razor blade (with the paper wrap), lighter, candle, twine and such. My BoA resides in my tech pouch. I follow another traveler who also travels light, and now I have a system of 4 pouches: Tech & BoA; Wet toiletries; Dry Toiletries and a Makeup & Hair bag. The best thing is, I know where my stuff is when I need it. I have watched some of your other packing videos and Sarah, you are the packing Queen. You are practical, stylish and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing.

[@GwenGreenberg]

I like to keep small zip ties of various colors with me. I often use it to lock the zipper on my bag when i am out of the hotel. It gives me a little extra security in case hotel staff is tempted to check inside.

[@amandagunnarson813]

I created a bigger version for traveling with a toddler. It has outlet covers, a thing that holds cabinet doors closed, a drain stopper, extra sound machine, Velcro cord stripes and an simple baby monitor. It all stays in his suitcase, we always have those things if we need them. I have used most of the items, got the idea from your box of awesome.

[@marlavm]

I NEVER travel without a few each of Immodium / Advil or Tylenol (fever reducer) / Benadryl. Those three can so often alleviate a 2am emergency room visit. Bandaids that already have Neosporin on them are great too. I need to get some of that dental adhesive for crowns! Thanks for your great videos.

[@RainShineFilms]

I augmented my BOA kit with input from your previous video. I may have commented there too. In daily life, I’ve carried a little Swiss Army knife, bandana, and spork or chopsticks since high school (35+ yrs). For travel - In my current BOA, I use a clear pouch with a zipper that’s half size of the Tom Bihn toiletry bag. Typically I also pack 2 rubber bands (open jars, contain items such as bakery bag w half eaten butter 🥨), Swiss Army knife’s tweezers & toothpick, a few dog poo bags, mini sharpie pen, business card size magnifier, mini locking carabiner, hard candy (for low sugar), expandable fiber towel (size of thick sliced cuke), ginger candy (motion sickness), laundry detergent sheets, foam earplugs, waterproof post-its, & $50 bill. I keep mini nail clippers and eye glasses cleaner packets too. I always keep Benadryl in my purse - daily. Hmmm now I’m seeing how long my list is🙃 Yikes!!! Maybe I should weigh the contents, as I do everything else😆

[@ashlyeg5034]

I have my travel BoA, but I ALWAYS make sure my daughter has her own BoA for violin performances and competition trips: safety pins, clear duct tape wrapped around a thin piece of cardboard, paper clip for fixing a zipper, tiny tweezers (tweezerman brand), mini sewing kit, dental floss, clear hair ties, bandaids, tiny binder clip, small amount of clothing tape wrapped around a piece of cardboard, and a few pieces of stitch witchery (iron-on tape) for emergency gem repairs. This stays either in her violin case, suitcase, or garment bag. If you are a woman, traveling with dressy clothing, I highly recommend making a dedicated BoA. AND… a foam earplug fits beautifully in a hotel room door’s peephole (we’ve also used a strip of post-it note). ❤👍🏻

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

When getting the crown repair from your Dentist,see if they have a little bobbin of floss. Great box of Awesome.A fresnel lens for seeing the splinters to get out.

[@alisonshanahan9529]

Put an elastic band around the green tin, keeps it closed. As a poor traveller (ear problems), I always take ginger tablets (organic). Thank you very much for all the tips 😀.

[@christineshields1714]

In the past I've purchased individual tubes at the Dollar Tree. A clothespin is a good idea as well. My husband tends to get occasional splits on his earlobe that bleed profusely. I use the clothespin and tissue to clamp it until it stops bleeding then seal split with super glue. I don't recommend this for large, deep wounds but it word great for small cuts. Also, in a pinch a tampon can be inserted in the nostril to stop a nosebleed.

[@LunarEclipse-xv8jx]

I have made a smaller version of this using tiny zip lock pill bags. I keep a couple of alcohol swabs, bandages, pepto chewables, ibuprofen, Benadryl. This bag lives in my bag I carry every day.

[@pamsheets2939]

Dollar Tree has a ton of travel size items to rock in the box of awesome! They have tiny vials of eyedrops that I have 1 or 2 in my version; the little pot of dental filling paste & multi-pak of tiny super glue are at DT too 👍🏼

[@jenniferhuedepohl5451]

Great reminder to refill my box! I’ve been carrying one since viewing your first Box of Awesome video and it has been indispensable. I even have a modified version that I keep in a tiny pouch in my purse for everyday. I have found the tiny tubes of glue-and many other items for my kit-at Dollar stores. I think the only thing I think you could add are Shout wipes for stains. Haven’t found anything they won’t clean up (yet). And they don’t take up as much space as the Tide pen.

[@shelly-annwatson8133]

I use a 4"x5" mesh pouch I got from a pack on Amazon. It packs really flat and it's lighter than the boxes.

[@Brandon-0028]

I've really enjoyed assembling my own kit for our family when we travel. I purchased some very thin credit card aluminum cards which I wrap some with Gaffers tape ro cover annoying blinks lights in the places we stay as it leaves no residue, and Kevlar miceo cordage to replace my son's shoe laces on the go. Though I always have a full first aid kit. I like to arrange my kits in ultra light dyneema micro pouches which all go into a slightly larger waterproof pouch. They range from medicines and cough drops and ginger chews to sachets of tea ro sooth tummies and some of the items you have here among other things! Waving hello to you in my old home of Seattle from Portland!

[@carolgoldinher4776]

I have many of the same items but I use a zip lock quart sized bag because it lays flat in my purse or suitcase.😊👍🏼

[@AnnieGill7]

Brilliant box of awesome! Just like you!

[@seastarbutterfly]

A binder clip comes on every trip! small but very effective and helpful.

[@kkbrew1854]

FINALLY, a travel channel with actually helpful ideas!!!! Thanks!

[@shariburns6263]

I think Wound Seal powder would be a good addition to your kit. It helps to stop bleeding. This can be a huge problem for someone on blood thinners, which many older people are, and probably many of them go on trips with you 😏

[@dduke8326]

If you can't find packets of powder, get a styptic pencil. You can get them at most pharmacies, and they're used to stop small shaving cuts. All you have to do is wet them a little and wipe it on the cut/scrape/etc. I have kids that get nosebleeds, and they are also useful for stopping those. Just run it around the inside of the nostril. It stings for a sec, but it really helps it stop.

[@aprilnavarra9134]

@@dduke8326you shouldn’t reuse a attic pencil on a different person and they are heavy.

[@debrasams2362]

Thanks. I also carry a little kit. You never know what you might need.

[@loridoyle3591]

This was such a help. I’m going to assemble one for myself and one for my son, who does a lot of travel!

[@RachelLWolfe]

The Dollar Tree has their own version of the Welly kits, and the lids stay on very well!

[@arey256]

Fr I’ve never seen them. I will have to check

[@Deanazuc1984]

The OB tampons are great for bloody noses also. Sometimes you get one that one quit and these are a lifesaver.

[@Danni.D]

That's awesome for sure!

[@colleenmarin8907]

This can double for everyday carry (EDC) purposes as well - great examples!

[@christinabornman5113]

I echo the contact lens case idea for minimalist toiletries! I often carry several--just label--lol! The compartments hold more than you'd think.

[@user-bp8sq7lr2t]

I wrap a longer piece of dental floss around a flat embroidery thread spindle, which has a small cut in it to trap the loose end.

[@emilasmith4279]

Great idea using embroidery thread spindles for dental floss! I’m using that! Thx!!!! ❤

[@Fledglingcrafter987]

I made one of these after your last video and it has been indispensable! Thank you for the update. I have been able to fit a small tide pen in, but it does take room. I do recommend a small set of nail clippers and an earring back. Safe travels!

[@habituallinestepper8839]

This is awesome. Great ideas thank you

[@MrShanebizzle]

Great suggestions! Thanks!

[@Halfpint0711]

Dollar tree carries mini nail files I've even seen the tiny tweezers

[@lisastewart-hartsock661]

Wouldn’t you like the Tide pen?? I’ve used it many times.

[@mrswilliamstoyou3325]

You have GOT to have a small nail clipper. I cannot go anywhere without my nail clippers. I use them so much that I keep them in my car, in my purse, in my go bag, in my own lil "box of awesome."

[@lori2169]

I would recommend putting like things together in tiny bags, i.e. paper clip, super glue, binder clip, etc. That way it would be easier to find things.

[@carolinagirl3110]

Great tips!….Thanks for sharing!

[@comics360]

Is it a good idea to carry medications without labels or wrappers? When I went to Dubai, the stopped me getting off the plane because I had diabetes medication in a bag and insulin syringes…

[@cindacarlson9897]

I love this idea!

[@sarahschrock3511]

My dentist offers credit card sized dental floss containers as a sort of business card. I always grab a couple. They are super handy.

[@lisasilverman6038]

This is so helpful. Anyway to make a list of everything, so we can access quickly ?

[@SarahMurdochadventures]

Yes! I’ll take any extra suggestions and compile them into a blog later this week

[@lynneeie5226]

I started carrying this box in my purse and pulled something out, impressed my Norwegian husband, but "McGyver eske" was the closest I came to Box of Awesome in Norwegian 😂.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I wear down a lot. How have I never heard of Tenacious Tape? Thanks for all these great ideas!

[@arey256]

Do you have links for the items in the video? Great video and items

[@paddlegal3097]

You are my travel geru!❤

[@dianafrances6880]

Thank you❤

[@SarahMurdochadventures]

You're welcome 😊

[@kevinleong4467]

For medications do you put them in smaller containers or do you have to leave them in their original bottle?

[@SarahMurdochadventures]

You can put them in smaller container like these: amzn.to/47Tuiw5! Just make sure to take a picture of your current prescriptions to have handy on your phone.

[@kevinleong4467]

Do you have a link for the pepto bismol tablets? I only see the chewable on Amazon

[@SarahMurdochadventures]

You could try these: amzn.to/3zE2GOV

[@gailcostantini2894]

Diphenhydramine is Benadryl

[@janwilliams3545]

WHERE do you get the PACKETS of antibiotic ointment, cortisone cream, etc???

[@chalchaneldmaking]

Waooo amazing is beautiful my friend

[@arey256]

What kind of pills are those pepto bismal ones? And where can I get them?

[@soniaschweis542]

Great clip. Can you please send me the links video you made please

[@JennCampbell]

Put hair ties around the box. The indents on the sides should help them stay in place well. 😊

[@wavamy]

OK. Challenge accepted! I created an emergency box which I called my box of awesome for a 3+ week epic cruise and trip to Europe. We ended up using a number of things in it and thanks for the great ideas! I have all of my items broken down and flattened and am amazed at how much I can fit in a small zippered clear pouch about the size of my hand. I knew it was a success when the first question from family was, "is there something/ do you have ___ in the box of awesome? Here is my list of stuff I crammed in: bandaids, alcohol wipes, saniwipes, cough drops, glasses repair kit tweezers, safety pins, hair ties, rubber bands, bobby pins, aleve/Naprosyn, excedrine, immodium, benedryl, Coricidin HBP, liquid IV powder, protein bar, fixodent, dental repair kit, eyedrops, tactical hair clip, off! Wipes, screenwipe, pen, duct tape, ear plugs, sewing kit with scissors, sunscreen, n95 mask, sim card tool, tampon, magnifying glass (like a credit card size) tiny flashlight. I found that I took some of it out rather than carry it around. Work in progress and thanks for the ideas!!

[@SarahMurdochadventures]

That sounds awesome! It always feels good to be prepared.

[@esbs3268]

Don’t the creams have to go into your TDSA liquids bag? I have always found that to be annoying. I like to put things into various small pouches according to category. But, then I have to take out all of the liquids to put them into the TSA liquids bag.

[@paolaandreu4191]

Can you share a full list in your blog?

[@hkmatsumoto6870]

Sarah, do you have links to these products or an affiliate with Amazon link? I would like to purchase some of the items and get exactly what you show in this video. I have purchased products from Amazon, which were identical looking (packaging, wording, color but Not the correct product and didn’t function/work). Particularly interested in the dental filling “Temparin” (sp?). Also would be good if you got credit for purchasing from Amazon. Thank you. Your “box of awesome”. Is AWESOME

[@SarahMurdochadventures]

www.amazon.com/shop/sarahmurdoch?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsfshop_aipsfsarahmurdoch_77XJ87QRB6A7ZXB3VKW2

[@lonelobohikes]

Benadryl is also dyphenhydromine

[@RegalCreek]

Yup. Nite nite!

[@lorideming7237]

I wear contacts so I like to bring those individual eye drops that you can break apart.

[@lisamarinelli6263]

Zip ties

[@sarahschreffler5407]

I love Welly bandages. Those do not cause my daughter to get rashes.

[@heatherkembel1190]

I have also heard that tampons are great to staunch the bleeding from a bullet hole.

[@RainShineFilms]

Wilderness emergency training recommends tampons to apply to large wounds /deep gashes, and contain blood.

[@lindapindabelinda3570]

Please note that any loose pills can be a significant issue if you are officially searched

[@annkan526]

Safety pin

[@llwil2003]

My emergency kit seems to get heavy which adds to my weight.

[@CreachterZ]

I don’t have any trouble cutting the cheese all by myself.

[@tschellao7504]

That is not enough sunscreen! For any trip! Ever!

[@historybarf]

Smacking your lips after every sentence is super annoying.

[@marilynm5024]

You can use a hair tie or rubber band to keep that case closed