6 essential items every traveller should pack to survive in unwanted situations

Here are six things that need to be in your travel bag. Image credit: Zhao !/Creative Commons

Travelling to new places is an adventure which everyone should experience, because it not only helps you to grow as a person but also makes you more self-reliant and self-dependent.

No matter if it’s around the United Kingdom or any other part of the world, it is never too late to pack your backpack and wander off. However, there are some essential items that you should always have by your side to avoid unwanted situations. Read on find out what they are:

1. Compass

A compass can help you navigate you out of trouble, or on to your next destination. Image credit: Virginia State Park/Creative Commons

Nowadays, people prefer digital maps to traditional compasses because they are more user-friendly and straightforward – but what if there is no signal? This is a typical scenario on camping trips because when you are in the middle of nowhere, finding a signal is next to impossible. Having a small compass in your bag may come off as a quick win if you get stuck in a sticky situation. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so keep one nearby.

2. First-aid kit

A first-aid kit may come in handy in a medical emergency. Image credit: Marcin Wichary/Creative Commons

This will not come as a surprise, because a lot of other travel blogs state the significance of a first-aid kit. However, this does not make its mention in this post any less crucial. Keeping the basic medication, bandages and medical necessities are critical to getting out of situations like slipping on a rough surface, scratching your body severely or hurting yourself while cooking. It won’t take as much space as you think, and even if it does, then you should prioritise it over clothes and other accessories.

3. Survival knife

Knives should be used only for practicality. Image credit: Mike Petrucci/Creative Commons

Are you looking for a handy, yet useful hunting knife in the UK? If you are planning a camping trip, then having a survival or hunting knife is essential to protect yourself in unwanted situations. What if you need a sharp object to build a fire the old way, open food or need a knife to make other tools? Now, you may be realising the significance of a survival knife, right? If you go for a foldable one or a small one then it won’t even take up that much room.

4. Rain poncho and water-resistant shoes

Ponchos are not just good for covering yourself, but also your travel accessories. Image credit: Ribeka Kim/Creative Commons

The weather can affect a significant part of your travel plans. If it rains heavily are you prepared? Do you have a rain poncho and water-resistant shoes? It is a necessity to have them to protect yourself from getting wet and preventing your valuables from getting damaged. Rain can spoil any trip if you are not prepared for it, and while double-checking the weather forecast for your destination is also advised, carrying a poncho is great preparation.

Need some inspiration? Here’s a look at the 10 best rain ponchos of 2020.

5. Cash

Make sure you have some cash reserves on you in case you can't use your card.

Do you have a habit of carrying credit card everywhere? Do you know how crucial it is to have local currency in your pocket no matter what, especially when you’re in a foreign land? What if your card gets declined or any other technical problem arises? How will you purchase food and water or any other necessity? It is advisable to keep some walking around money in your pocket so that you have sufficient resources should you ever need to call upon them or an emergency arises.

6. Food supplements

Packing some cereal bars will come to the rescue when hunger strikes. Image credit: Sodanie Chea/Creative Commons

Water is something that you can never have enough of, but packing a few food supplements like snacks and protein bars make sure you always have a source of energy, particularly if you are heading somewhere off the beaten track. Camping and hunting trips often lead to situations where one is left with no food for a prolonged period of time, and if he you’ve got a couple of protein bars to help to help you out, then you won’t go hungry.