It actually happened at Lake Mead.

I grew up on that lake, so nothing about it made me nervous. My family planned an overnight camping trip at this great beach accessible only by boat. It had a little island— OK, a pile of rocks just offshore.

The sun had set, the moon had risen and it was a gorgeously warm summer evening. We decided to swim out to the little island. Suddenly, my sister in law squealed in pain and exclaimed, "I think something bit me!" as she lifted her foot up out of the water.

I slowly realized that the black stream running down the sole of her foot was blood in the moonlight. She had stepped on a large shard of glass hidden in the rocks at the base of the island.

We scrambled to shore to get her patched up. No one had a proper first aid kit and I had only a couple Band-Aids in my bag —but I learned from that experience to NEVER travel without a basic first aid kit.

I’ve found that most pre-made first aid kits are a great starting base but I add a few more items.  

Here's the list:

• self-adhesive bandages: all different sizes

• butterfly closures

• blister bandages

• sterile gauze

• self adhesive wrap to keep the gauze in place

• wound wash, such as Hibiclens

• alcohol prep wipes

• antibiotic ointment

• hydrocortisone cream

• flu and cold medication

• cough drops

• motion sickness medicine, such as Dramamine

• nitrile medical gloves

• antacid like Tums

• antihistamine

• pain relievers: different types such as Tylenol, Advil and Motrin

• electrolyte concentrate for severe dehydration (or a hangover)

• Emergen-C packets

• Pepto Bismal Chewable Tablets

• antidiarrheal medication, such as Immodium

• laxatives

Since that fateful trip, I take my first aid kit camping and traveling. I even made a mini version to pack in a carry-on.