A few months ago I posted the list of medications I take with me on business trips. The list hasn’t really changed in the last 
four or five years (aside from when I was pregnant and had to have Tums on hand AT ALL TIMES). I don’t like to bring too much stuff, and what I’ve had has worked for me. After my trip last week, though, I’m adding something else.
In the past, I have said that it’s never smart to wear something for the first time on a trip. Even though it may be exciting to use your new shoes/dress/tights/etc. as soon as possible, you don’t want to be stuck wearing something that is uncomfortable with no way to change out of it. I learned that the hard way at Blog World a few years ago. Until now I’ve done a pretty good job of heeding my own advice, but not last week.
I got a very cute new pair of shoes a little while back, and was ready to wear them. Ignoring that voice in my head that said, “Wait until you only have to be at the office for a little while! Don’t wear these on a travel day!” I packed them. You can probably guess the rest of the story—they rubbed my heels and it hurt. A lot. It hurt so much that eventually I had to slip out of them every time I sat, and step on the heel when I was walking. At the airport I bought a small box of bandaids and used every last one to protect my heels for the flight home. Not a very professional look!
My new and improved medicine bag includes:
- ****BAND AIDS****
- Ibuprofen
- Pepto Bismol
- Emergen-C
- Tylenol PM (when I go to Manila)
While I have no plans to wear new shoes on a trip ever again, it will be helpful to have bandaids just in case I forget my own advice (again).
Readers, do you carry bandaids with you? Ever needed them?
****************************************************************************
Have a travel question or suggestion? Send it to RoadWarriorette @ gmail.com.
Follow Road Warriorette on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!
This post may include affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
I always take benadryl or some kind of allergy pill – you never know what kind of pollen situation is going to be going on on your trips, and if nothing else, they can help you sleep a little better!
Advil cold and sinus and oddly enough body glide stick form. Helps w shoes new or old and in a pinch I can use it as a primer. Not a medication but I use it 3 out of 4 trips. Always band aids. Arnica cream.
Last year when I traveled to Singapore I came down with a cold and had a hard time finding any cold medicine that worked. I’ve been carrying some NyQuil caps with me ever since. Recently, one of my UK colleagues was in the US for a meeting and he had a cold – I told him about NyQuil. He said the ingredients in NyQuil are illegal in the UK. My Australian colleague has mentioned the same thing about an allergy OTC. My question is has anyone run into problems bringing OTC meds into other countries where they may not be legal?
I always have a few Band Aids in my wallet – this started 15+ years ago when my nieces were little. They have come in very handy a few times when I’ve needed them on the road.
Instead of band-aids for shoe blisters/rubbing try some “friction block”… I believe it’s made by the “band-aid” folks (comes in a ruble like a little deodorant). Completely awesome, I carry mine wherever I go. Did the whole new shoes in NYC once, ugh! Here’s a google walmart link to the product: http://www.walmart.com/ip/12167313?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=t&wl3=41833582510&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=19880599990&veh=sem
yes! yes! yes!!!!
Trip before last, I did the same thing and ALSO added bandaids to my bag from here on out! The shoes were SO cute and I didn’t have a problem with them for a SHORT time. I just went out and bought a couple cute pairs of FLATS, too. You’re getting through!! =) You’re my hero(ine)!!! =)
Thanks Road Warriorette!!!!!
You could also try having the shoes stretched (if too tight) or put a padded heel protector on the inside to prevent the shoe moving and rubbing as you walk (heel too loose). I always carry Band Aids in my travel bag-they come in useful for cuts, fixing a badly fitting shoe and occasionally helping others.
I swear by blister bandaids. You use just one rather than a whole box. They come in different sizes. I also always have a pack of gum and at least one granola bar for when I miss meals.
Any prescriptions, extra glasses or contacts if you ear them, antibacterial ointment, scissors and wet wipes. In addition to all mentioned above and very helpful!
Band-Aids are on my list and until recently I used them all over my feet. I’ve since discovered Dr. Scholl’s bunion cushions, though, and now instead of using Band-Aids to cover blisters, I preventatively place bunion pads on the areas of my feet that I worry might rub while traveling. Presto! No blisters. And they aren’t as bulky or noticeable as I expected.