If you’re like me and most of my traveling companions, you avoid packing like the plague. It’s a chore, and who likes to do chores? More often than not, about an hour before you have to leave for the airport, you make a last minute grab of items and casually toss them in your carry-on. We’ve covered how to pack like a pro, but a well-stocked and organized Dopp kit can save you time and a bit of your sanity. Keep your Dopp ready to go, and you’ll never need to worry about forgetting your essentials ever again. A smartly laid our Dopp kit is fifty-fifty planning and restraint.
The first step, of course, is procuring your Dopp kit. You have several options, but if you want something that looks classy and will last a lifetime we suggest you go with a leather Dopp Kit. Will Leather Goods’ Grady Leather Travel Kit in Cognac is ruggedly handsome and comes with a lifetime guarantee against wear and tear.
If leather’s not your thing or price is a big factor, go with a well-constructed vinyl or canvas Dopp kit. The canvas kits from Izola are lined with water resistant PEVA and have a heavy duty zipper, so this will make sure if there’s a spill it’s well contained in your kit and not all over the clothes in your bag.
Another way to reduce spill risk and follow TSA guidelines is to store your liquids in clear containers (3.4 oz or less) inside a clear quart zip-top bag. As far as what liquids you need to bring, we suggest a small bottle of your favorite shampoo, some mouthwash, and if you wear contacts, contact solution.
The rest of the supplies are mostly common-sense but there are some here you may not have thought of before.
- Bar of soap
- Shaving supplies
- Deodorant
- Facial moisturizer with SPF
- Nail clippers
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Band aids
- Aspirin
- Indigestion medicine
- Small sewing kit
- Safety pins
- Lint roller
- $20 bill
- Extra contact lenses
- Brush or comb
Follow these tips and keep your Dopp kit pre-stocked for effortless travel prep. Seriously, just grab it and go. That way even if your travel plans don’t work out so well and you find yourself stranded on a deserted island, at least you’ll have what you need to MacGuyver your way out of there. Now aren’t you glad you packed the dental floss, sewing kit and SPF?
