From a bird’s eye view, it’s fairly obvious what you need to include in your suitcase for any trip: the proper clothes for your destination, a comfy pair of shoes, and the basic toiletries to get you through days away from home. But any well-prepared traveler knows a good packing list isn’t complete without the right gear to preempt emergencies, and nobody is better-suited to provide recommendations on what to store in your “Just in Case” bag than a nurse.

To get a clearer picture of exactly what emergency essentials should have a permanent home in your suitcase, Travel + Leisure spoke with Karen Fischer, RN, BSN, CCRN to uncover exactly what additions your carry-on needs for trips of any duration. From the more obvious picks like pain relief medication to more surprising recommendations, keep reading to find the 12 products this registered nurse thinks everyone should keep in their bag while traveling, so you can stock up on packable must-haves from just $6.

For Every Trip

Band Aids

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From blisters to scrapes and cuts, you never know when you might incur an unexpected wound while traveling. So, keeping a stock of band aids in your carry-on is essential. Fischer prefers fabric bandages since they fit more snugly on the skin and have better staying power, and she adds that she always has a multi-pack with several sizes on hand. “For blisters/irritation in heels, go with the 2×4’s, toes and top of the feet, 1.5×3’s,” she explains. “Trust me, the “regular” size (1×3) will come off in 10 minutes.”

Neosporin or Bacitracin Ointment

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Infections are the last thing you want to worry about while traveling, so if you do end up having to treat a blister or any other wound, it’s a good idea to have an antibacterial ointment on hand. Fischer explains, “Neosporin can be purchased over the counter, bacitracin is a prescription—either one is fine.” When applying the ointment, Fischer emphasizes that less is more, explaining “If you overdo it, the band aid will slide off.”

Tylenol and or Advil

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Anything from a headache to muscle soreness can cut into your trip’s enjoyment, so Fischer recommends having some sort of pain relief medication packed into your bag while you’re on the go. However, if you forgot to add it to your pack, she suggests knowing the generic name of these medications in the country you’re traveling to, so you’re able to get it over the counter. “In most of Europe, if you ask for Tylenol, you will be told they do not have it. In Europe, Tylenol (acetaminophen), is known as Paracetamol,” she explains, noting that Advil (Ibuprofen) is also known as Nurofen.

Tums, Alka-seltzer, or Pepto Bismol

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One of the most exciting parts of travel is testing out new cuisines from around the world. But in case an adventurous dish doesn’t sit well with you, Fischer suggests keeping Pepto Bismol or another stomach aid at the ready to provide some relief. “The last thing you want is to feel terrible at 2 a.m. in a hotel off the beaten path with no open stores,” she says. If you’re more prone to heartburn, Alka-seltzer or Tums may be more helpful. Pepto Bismol is great if you’re a generally queasy traveler.

Vicks Vaporub

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Nobody wants to think about getting sick while traveling, but in the event that you do come down with a head cold on your adventures, Fischer recommends keeping a small container of Vicks Vaporub tucked into your go-bag. The cooling formula works to suppress coughing while simultaneously easing aches and pains, making it easier to breathe and taking the edge off your illness so you can still enjoy your trip. Plus, if you’re struggling to get comfy in your hotel bed and end up straining your neck or otherwise pulling a muscle while you’re traveling, this formula can help with that pain, as well.

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

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Whether you struggle with seasonal allergies or are met with surprise allergens when traveling to a foreign destination, Benadryl is a must-have for your “Just in Case” bag, according to Fischer. It helps to quickly provide relief to symptoms such as watery or itchy eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and coughing, and it can even work to treat cold symptoms. Fischer notes that keeping just one or two tablets in your pouch “should suffice ‘just in case’,” unless you struggle with consistent allergies, in which case you should bring enough for every day of your trip.

For Camping Trips

A Brightly-colored Jacket

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If you’re headed to a more rural area and are planning on doing some hiking or camping, Fischer recommends keeping a brightly-colored jacket in your pack, explaining, “You want to stand out if you’re lost.” However, she notes that your jacket of choice should not be green as it’s more likely to blend into the surroundings—and yes, this tip still applies for the summer months since the evenings often dip into cooler temperatures. This lightweight layer packs down into itself and will take up minimal space in your bag, plus it comes in 19 different colors and is stuffed with a cozy filling that will keep you warm throughout the night (and in case of an emergency).

Honey

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This addition to your “Just in Case” bag may come as a surprise, but according to Fischer, honey is a great multipurpose hack. “In a pinch, spread [honey] on a wound if there is no other option,” she says. Honey has naturally antibacterial properties and can be incredibly soothing—not to mention it has anti-inflammatory properties, as well. Fischer adds, “It can also help get a camp fire going, and if your blood sugar is low, a bit of honey [will help].”

Whistle

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There are a number of circumstances in which a whistle is helpful to have on hand, especially while camping or hiking. If you’re lost in the woods, encounter a bear, or otherwise need to alert other travelers to your location, you’ll be happy to have this item in your pack. Plus, it’s louder than your voice and creates a more consistent sound, so it’ll help you preserve energy in a pinch.

Ice Pack

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The easiest way to bring down swelling is to ice the affected area, so you can’t go wrong with keeping disposable ice packs in your go-bag when you’re spending time on the trail or off the beaten path, according to Fischer. To activate the packs, simply squeeze the bag and the liquid inside will immediately begin to cool without any need for a freezer or cold storage system. These ice packs can help ease pain from sore muscles, bumps, and bruises, and even work as a great relief if you’re getting too hot while hiking in the summer.

Small Headlamp

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Sure, your cell phone is equipped with a built-in flashlight, but if you find yourself lost or still headed towards the trailhead with sunlight waning, you’ll be glad to have a headlamp at the ready to illuminate the way. This best-selling duo is currently marked down to just $8 per headlamp. Each one is rechargeable and equipped with up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. The beam can be adjusted to shine straight ahead or down at the trail, and it’s even programmed with eight lighting modes to best meet your needs.

Rolled Gauze

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In the unfortunate event that you incur an injury on your travels, Fischer recommends keeping a roll of gauze on deck to bandage up larger wounds and keep them clean until you’re able to get them treated. The soft material will absorb blood without irritating the skin, plus it’s able to cover more surface area than a bandage, making it an asset to fully protect the wound from contaminants along the trail. It’s easy to pack, won’t take up too much space, and is a sanitary solution for emergency situations.

More Essentials to Pack for Every Trip

On top of the standard medication and first aid essentials, Fischer also recommends keeping one or two pairs of medical gloves, safety pins, Q-tips, alcohol pads, and an Ace Wrap tucked into your pack to keep your preparations well-rounded. If you take prescription medication daily, she suggests packing the physical prescription in its original labeled bottle, just in case.

“Do a bit of research about where you are going—where is the nearest clinic/hospital?” Fischer says. She also notes the importance of knowing the route to the hospital in case of an emergency, and suggests pre-emptively checking to see if cabs or Ubers are readily available from your lodging.

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