The items a doctor never travels without

When it comes to packing a suitcase, most of us tend to overfill rather than under. But there are a few things this doctor says should never be left at home.

If you came here hoping that maybe the author of this article would be an authority on these things because the title mentioned the doctor thing, let us take a small reality check:

Doctors rarely follow our own sound advice we give to our patients.

I once met a paediatrician who slunk into work one day, quietly announcing that his daughter’s “nonsense” abdominal pain for the last three days was in fact appendicitis that had duly burst.

This doctor has revealed what he won’t travel without.

I think the title of Most Savvy Traveller (Savvy Travvy) should probably go to any parent attempting to wrangle an energetic toddler across to the other side of the world. At that age, while they are able to generate quite a pace on their little legs, they still sway alarmingly towards every conceivable sharp-edged object in the room as they motor forward.

With than in mind, let’s go:

1. Skin care kit

No, not that kind. Bumps and bruises. Probably inevitable if you’re doing a holiday right. How can you guarantee if your wound won’t turn infected? Short answer – you can’t. But keeping this magic trio together will help: alcohol wipes (a bit stingy but necessary), band-aids (different sizes) and medical tape (good for reinforcing a dressing/all around helpful to have in the day pack).

2. Covid care

Regardless of how you’ve viewed the pandemic so far, you might be tempted to be extra cautious on your holiday because of who you’re visiting, the country (and their healthcare system, or lack thereof) or simply not wanting to bugger it all up by getting Rona’d on day one, just as you’d seen that hunky guy by the pool as you were checking into the hotel.

Don’t forget an N95 mask if you want to avoid the Rona on holiday.

You weren’t imagining it. He definitely looked at you. Your best defence is an N95 mask (like the stage 5 clinger version of the more casual cloth/surgical mask you’ve been seeing the last few weeks) and a face shield as a super combo. Healthcare workers wear this as standard on most wards currently. It works.

3. Koala cling-on finger toys

I stumbled across these once in one of those god-awful souvenir shops on Swanston St, Melbourne and struck accidental gold. And just 83c each! Keep them in the day pack, and on public transport if you end up sat next to a curious child you can pop Mr Koala onto your finger to say hello. If the child enjoys having it on their finger offer to sell it to them for $5. Time they learnt about capitalism.

4. Chewing gum

A simple help if you find it difficult for your ears to “pop” during take-off and landing. Bonus secondary effect of helping clean your teeth (a little) on a day when you may not be able to brush your teeth for quite a long time.

This is one way to let everyone know that you’re Aussie.

5. Sleep care

If you’re not catching a flight right now and not sleeping that well, google Sleep Hygiene and follow it for a week and reap the benefits. If you are catching a flight … melatonin. Ask your GP if it’s right for you, but it’s a big help.

6. Spare kidney

Useful in case you run into some financial difficulty while abroad. May also come in handy if you’ve used up your first two trying to woo that hunky guy you saw by the pool earlier. I think he said his name was Adrian? Surely not. Hot guys aren’t named Adrian.

Melatonin can aid sleep problems when travelling.

7. Reusable water bottle

Carry it empty to get through security, then take it on full, baby. Those little packets of nuts can be salty. Staying hydrated is a useful way to combat the risk of potentially life-threatening DVTs, too. (Note – if you think you might be at increased risk of blood clots, speak to your GP before you travel.)

8. Skin care kit

Yes, that kind. Look after the biggest organ in your body. I use a good quality moisturiser + La Roche Posay Retinol Serum. I probably should just try sleeping more, though.

9. Flying hygiene – wet wipes, toothbrush, second pair of undies.

Even if you’ve absolutely crushed it and remained completely soil-free the whole first leg of the flight (nailed it!) treat yourself – pop a fresh pair on in the stopover. If you doubt the wet wipes idea, think back to the last long flight you took. Remember that slimy feeling your face took on? You’ll be moaning into the wet wipe once that sensation is lifted from you in just a single stroke and making your neighbours quite uncomfortable. And then you’ll offer one to them, too, and be an absolute hero.

10. Leather forearm guard

The kind favoured by people who train hawks, eagles and the like to protect from talons that may grip just a little too hard if your partner in crime is a nervous flyer. Will also be very handy if you’re taking your pet hawk to the Bahamas.