Let’s talk about something not-so-glamorous… but 100% real.
Bugs.
If you’re going to travel to wild places, jungles, forests, rivers, coastlines, bug bites are part of the package.
Whether you’re photographing gorillas in Uganda, hiking through South America, snorkeling in Mexico, or camping out anywhere near the equator, you’re going to encounter some kind of insect along the way.
And they’re not just an annoyance, some of them bite, some of them itch like crazy, and some can carry things that can ruin your trip, or worse.
The Usual Suspects
Depending on where you’re going, you could run into:
Mosquitoes (some carry malaria, dengue, or Zika in certain regions)
Sand flies (they’re small, sneaky, and can cause major itching)
Chiggers (the itch hits later, and hits hard)
Bed bugs (yes, they still exist)
Ants (fire ants in some parts of the world will make you remember them)
And then there are just your everyday mystery bites that show up uninvited.
What You Should Always Pack
I recommend this to all my guests, and I live by it myself.
There are a few essentials that should have a permanent home in your travel bag:
Bug repellent (DEET, Picaridin, or natural alternatives like lemon eucalyptus)
After-bite creams (calamine, hydrocortisone, or ammonia-based sticks)
Antihistamines (Benadryl, Allegra, or your go-to allergy relief)
Fungal cream (for the inevitable foot funk that comes with tropical humidity)
Antibiotic cream (just in case a bite gets infected)
Itch wipes or spray (for quick on-the-go relief)
Don’t wait to buy this stuff after you land.
You’ll thank yourself later.
This isn’t about fear.
It’s about respecting the places we step into.
If you're traveling to wild regions, where nature still rules, the insects are part of that world.
They're not trying to ruin your trip.
They're just living their life… and we happen to show up.
Let’s not leave out one of the most annoying, and potentially dangerous, members of the bug world… ticks.
These little hitchhikers are quiet, sneaky, and often go unnoticed until they’re already latched on.
You’ll find them in grassy areas, forests, along hiking trails, and even in places you wouldn’t expect, especially in temperate and subtropical zones around the world.
Tick removal tools I keep in my toiletry bag.
Some ticks are just annoying.
Others carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or tick-borne encephalitis (depending on the region).
Pro tip:
Wear light-colored clothing so you can see them easier.
Tuck your pants into your socks (not stylish, but it works).
Always do a tick check at the end of the day, especially if you’ve been hiking, sitting in grass, or brushing through thick vegetation.
And yes, add tick removal tools to your bag. Just in case.
Bug bites are just part of the deal.
The trade off for adventure, for seeing animals in their world, and for going where few others do.
A few itches are worth the experience.
But being prepared is what keeps the trip focused on wildlife and wonder, not scratching and scrambling for a pharmacy.
But with the right tools, they don’t have to be more than a minor annoyance.
So the next time you're packing, make space for your bug gear kit.
Right alongside your camera gear, binoculars, and passport.
Trust me… Your skin, and your sanity, will thank you.
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