Packing Creative Extras: 2003
While we're fanatic about packing light, we all slip a goofy little extra in. Which soothing, handy, or fun packing extravagances can you justify? Here's what you thought:
Packing Creative Extras
There are two things that I find necessary for travel: A set of surgical scrubs (for pajamas) and my own pillow. When traveling by plane, I take a small travel pillow with me. The secret is to sleep with it a few days prior to leaving. It is amazing how much better you will sleep in strange places if you have a pillow that smells like home. Also, I am allergic to down and feathers so this is the only way I can sleep in Europe without waking up congested. As for the scrubs, even bra-less, I look decent enough (should I have to leave the room in the middle of the night) and they are loose and comfortable--not to mention lightweight.
Nancy <email>
Taylor, TX USA 12/17/03
Ace Bandage
Never again will I travel without an Ace bandage. In Europe the streets are often very ancient and it's easy to turn your ankle on the cobblestones. There is no better way to ruin a vacation than to get injured. I sprained my ankle badly while on a Greek island and although Ouzo dulled the pain, I am 32 and have lasting arthritis because I did not have one of these elastic bandages handy. If you want attention, a brightly-colored one (they make them in hot pink now!) will get you quick assistance while lugging luggage onto a train or through an airport.
Also can be used as a tourniquet in a worst-case scenario.
Eve <email>
USA 12/15/03
Mini Hairdryer
I purchased a mini hairdryer from Royal Traveler a couple years ago that folds up to about the size of a deck of cards for easy packing. It has a built-in voltage converter and only cost $15-$20 dollars. It is great for not only drying hair, but also for quick drying your just-washed-in-the-sink clothing (especially in the winter months)!
Denise <email>
Canton, OH USA 12/11/03
Water purifiers
I've read differing opinions and experiences with tap water in the archived "Drinking the Water" section of this board. At most sporting goods or camping stores you can buy lightweight water purifiers. They claim to filter out all bacteria and viruses. Some models are as cheap as $50. It might be over-cautious, but then again, getting sick could ruin a vacation.
Jason <email>
Reno, NV USA 12/06/03
A small memo notepad
I brought a small 5x3 in. memo book and it was invaluable. My pen fit in the spirals and it was light enough to carry in my pocket or purse. Perfect for jotting down train info, my email address to give to a new friend, and other random thoughts!
Zaida <email>
CA USA 11/29/03
Picnic Supplies
Always take a few basic picinic supplies: corkscrew, plastic cups, ziplock bags, plastic utensils, and a sharp knife. A small soft sided lunch box is also a great addition. Now you have everything necessary for impromptu picnic, lunch or snack on a train, etc. We hit the local markets for wine, cheese, meats, etc. Saves you $$ on meals and lets you enjoy some local treats.
Jack <email>
Winder, GA USA 11/26/03
Frisbees
Here's a good multi-purpose item to take along: a frisbee! You can use it to fan yourself in a sweltering subway, use it for a picnic plate, or use it for it's intended purpose. Nothing like tossing around a frisbee to break the ice with young locals or fellow travelers! It takes up little room, and weighs next to nothing.
Paul <email>
Saint Louis, MO USA 11/25/03
Short Wave Radio
For our month in Scotland last year I took along my little Grundig short wave radio. It's about 3 x 5in. I mostly listened to the good classical music stations and the news. It also served as alarm clock.
Arlene <email>
PA USA 11/20/03
Sweater Bag
A zippered sweater bag has been great to pack along. I always pack super
light with a carry on even for 3 weeks travel. The plastic sweater bag has
been great for keeping all the small clothing items together. Socks, underwear,
belts, scarfs etc. always ended up scattered. Since I never unpack while
traveling this is a way to keep all that stuff together. Also ziploc bags
for film, costume jewelry and itineraries or souvenirs. Give it a try.
J. Straw
CA USA 11/19/03
a journal
I never thought I was the journal type but I have discovered how fun it
can be reading tales of my travels a year or two later. Even if it is not
complete as mine are usually not. It is great fun to re-read. It is amazing
how the little things or happenings that occur during a trip are forgotten
unless written. I now travel with a small bound light weight journal with
lines when I take trips. In my golden years I can just imagine the fun times
I will have re-reading my journals.
J Straw
CA USA 11/19/03
Duct tape is worth its weight
A lot of people have mentioned duct tape as a worthy creative extra, and
they are right. I found a small flat roll in the drug store for about $2
before my last trip to England and used it to shore up a ripped bag that
otherwise would never have survived the trip home. I'm going back in 2004
and will be including the duct tape again.
Daisy
L.A., CA USA 11/10/03
Tape
I've begun taking some clear, packing tape--the new kind that you can tear
apart without scissors. Then, I tape over things like the petals that came
on a rose from a drink I bought in Rwanda, a beautiful leaf from a tree
in Rome, etc. The tape secures the items in my journal, and seals them,
keeping their color for a long time.
LBK
USA 11/08/03
The Greatest Travel Rain Protectors Are...
...those silly little umbrellas that you wear like a hat. One is now the
newest addition to my travel pack. My two complaints are that my umbrella
hat fits a little tight (I can replace the elastic, or add an extension
piece) and the bright multi-colors look a little clownish, but maybe I could
dye them a solid, dark color. Anyway, they pack small and cover most of
my shoulders, and only cost $1 at a flea market.
RKG
D/FW, TX USA 11/08/03
Packing creative extras - a deck of cards
If you are travelling with someone (or not), bring a deck of cards or backgammon
game. My travel partner and I played cards in a cafe in Madrid during a
lunch break, and it was wonderful. It also makes those long plane rides
that much faster.
Alan Greenhalgh <email>
Manalapan, NJ USA 11/07/03
packing
Film canisters are handy little travel helpers! They're the perfect size
to store earplugs, needle and thread for a sewing kit, pills, paper clips,
safety pins...
Zaida <email>
CA USA 11/02/03
Pack a plug!
I travel in places where sinks don't necessarily have plugs. I spent a couple
of dollars on a flat rubber universal drain stopper that lives in my toilet
kit and makes laundry easy.
Christine <email>
Anaheim, CA USA 10/28/03
Packing
I've done a lot of African travel and always carry a tiny bottle of Purell,
a hand sanitizer,which comes in handy when its mealtime but there is no
source of water. A very small thin plastic cutting board (4"x5") and a compact
cutlery set (from Magellen)were frequently useful. Finally, I recommend
silk underwear, which can reduce the number of warm clothes to pack. (Yes,
it is very cold in some parts of Africa.)
Joan Larcom <email>
Washington, DC USA 10/26/03
Creative Packing
"A small hot water heater -- multifunctional" Wonderful for tea/ cup of
noodles during the late night and early morning when nothing else is available.
Plastic ones are lightweight. We even used it to boil hot water for a bath
when the horrible apartment in Roma didn't have hot running water (Casa
Andree).
Nee Tang <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA 10/23/03
Backpack or Wheelie
We followed Rick's great advice and travelled only with carry-on baggage.
Travelling light works better than we imagined. But we couldn't decide on
a backpack or a wheelie. We ultimately chose a wheelie that can be converted
to backpack. In the end, we never once backpacked, and the wheelies always
worked great, even on the cobblestone streets. Wheelies seemed a better
and more secure option in crowds. And our backs never once complained!
Rick Giboney <email>
Lake , USA 10/22/03
creative packing
When I travel, I do what I like to call "throw away packing". On my trip
to Europe this summer, I took 1 pair of tennis shoes and a pair of tevas.
The tennis shoes were an older pair, so near the end of my journey, I threw
them away. I also just moved before my trip and had a lot of items packed
for a garage sale. I decided to take shirts that I was getting rid of anyway,
and wear them on the trip. Again, at the end, I either tossed them or left
them in hostels, and I had room for souvenirs. I also used the cheap hotel
soaps and shampoos that I had lying about the house, as well as that half
empty tube of toothpaste. Again, take things that you can just toss at the
end, it will save you a lot of headaches in the end.
deb
sioux falls, sd USA 10/22/03
A few art supplies are worth the weight
On a month long trip to Europe, I knew how important it was to keep my backpack
light. However, I will never again travel without a few basic art supplies.
I like to bring a journal to write in, and I look for the kind with heavy
paper pages and no lines, so that I can do what I want with the pages. I
bring a few writing pens, a Sharpie marker, a glue stick, and a tiny pair
of scissors. Along the way, I pick up tiny packs of crayons and colored
pencils. Not only do I write in my journal, but I glue in ticket stubs,
make collages out of things that I gather along the way, and draw pictures.
On my last trip in 2000, I even had the people I was traveling with add
their own creative elements, whether it was poems or illustrations of sleeping
in a beer barrel in Prague. As a result, I have a detailed journal that
also serves as a scrapbook, and it is a lot of fun to go back and read.
Carrying art supplies not only made my journal more fun, it was also a fun
thing to do on long train rides or when I just wanted to sit and relax after
a long day of hiking or sightseeing.
Meghan Taylor <email>
Bellingham, WA USA 10/19/03
Cables for locking luggage
For peace of mind: buy the disposable cable ties, both long and short, in
the electrical supply department of a hardware store and use when checking
luggage on airlines. Take a retractable combination lock cable to link luggage
to a rack on a train or when storing at a hotel. Use the short (2-3 inch)
combination lock cables (available from Rick Steves website or through travel
catalogs)on double zippers, such as backpacks and purses. Definitely deters
pickpockets and you worry less if you have to check the bag at a museum.
Marilyn <email>
Hot Springs, AR USA 10/15/03
Tiny zip lock bags for batteries, etc
Our new digital camera takes two AA batteries. Having purchased several
sets of rechargeables, I was looking for a simple, lightweight container
to use to keep my spare batteries in at home and while travelling. I had
originally been searching for small plastic boxes, but what I found was
2 x 3 inch zip lock bags. They are called 'pill pouches' and come in packages
of 50 at the pharmacy for under $2 (look in the section with the pill storage
boxes). These zip lock bags fit two AA batteries perfectly, keeping them
from shifting around enough to have the contacts touch. I cut out several
red and green squares of construction paper, the appropriate color to be
placed in each bag with the batteries....red for dead batteries, green for
charged. Or you can label the outside, as each bag has a 'write on' area,
intended to indicate date and time for pill dosage. The bags are surprisingly
sturdy and would be useful for all sorts of small things (even pills!).
kba <email>
Buffalo, NY USA 10/13/03
Bright color luggage strap
I ordered a bright yellow strap with my last name on it that snaps around
my carry on luggage. Then if I have to check it, it is easy to find at the
baggage pickup.
Bette <email>
Denver, CO USA 10/10/03
I can see clearly now
Train window dirty ? Next stop take out your Squeegy and Windex and clean
it (also, cleaning your neighbor's window sure can be a friend maker). Many
people will read this and think it's not worth the trouble but they will
remember this note when on a long amsterdam to venice train ride with a
dirty window. My ideas are not esoteric; I have been there, done that!!
John Brangwin <email>
Bellevue, WA USA 10/08/03
Helpful items on trip to Ireland
Thanks to those who posted helpful hints. A friend and I spent a week in
Ireland in September and used several suggestions (ziplocs, washcloth, moist
wipes, flat roll of duct tape) I took along a few other helpful items.
Since most hotels and B&Bs only provide a bath and hand towel, I took a Turbi-twist for my hair. It took up little space, dried quickly, and could be stored in a ziploc if still damp. I also took along a water bottle and powdered electrolyte drink mix (Gatorage, Hydralyte). I purchased the mix at EMS; it was easy to pack and helped me with jet lag, dehydration, and could be mixed almost anywhere. A package of travel toilet paper came in handier than we ever imagined (see my post on the graffiti board toilet info site)
We also recommend packing clothing in American Tourister spacebags, and even bringing a few extra. They made packing bulky Irish wool sweaters much easier.
One thing I'd take next time is an extension cord. Many bathrooms didn't
have outlets and the ones in the bedrooms weren't always in close proximity
to a mirror.
Deb Smith <email>
Fort Collins, CO USA 10/04/03
[Editor's note: Remember that anything electrical from the US needs a voltage converter and the right plug adapter in order to work in European outlets. Keep in mind the strength of the electricity might be affected as well. Many voltage adaptor kits come with a range of plugs but if you just need a plug adapter, check out our online Travel Store.]
Prevent circulatory problems during long flights
Don't do this if your allergic to aspirin. I wear a pair of anti-embolism
support knee-high socks that look like regular dress socks. Then, just before
the flight I take a couple of aspirin to keep swelling down & keep the blood
thin during the flight.
USA 09/23/03
laundry stain remover
Pack a one ounce bottle of Dawn dishwashing liquid to remove laundry stains.
It got rid of a BBQ sauce & mustard stain when a dropped burger slid down
the leg of my light colored pants.
jaybee
USA 09/23/03
Personal Itinerary Booklets
Type up a mini "Itinerary Booklet" and staple the top corner. Include:
1) Detailed, day-to-day schedule (include info such as opening times for sights, walking directions from the previous sights-you'll need to study your map for this, admission charges, reference page numbers from your travel book--Rick Steves or Eyewitness Travel Guides, of course!
2) Descriptive history of places you will visit
3) Hotel(s) name, address, phone number
4) Emergency information page
5) Addresses for post cards (a hand-written card is so much nicer than a label!)
6) Phone numbers for those you are calling at home
7) Instructions for your camera,
8) Top translated phrases you are most likely to us
9) Anything else that may be important. You can also include blank sheets to double as your journal and an envelope pocket for ticket stubs. Instead of stapling, you might want to bind the pages with those plastic comb or finger bindings. Office supply stores can do this for you for practically nothing.
These booklets are great for yourself and as a special gift for your
traveling companions and they make a wonderful souvenir of your trip!
Gail
Holland, NL 09/18/03
Camera instructions
If you are taking a new camera on your trip, (or just aren't real familiar
with the old one you have), type/copy the main notes from your manual to
carry in your pocket rather than carrying the whole book (which might get
lost). You'll have just the parts you need at your fingertips.
Gail
Holland, NL 09/18/03
Copying book pages
I understand that you are allowed to copy 1 page of copyrighted material
for your own personal, educational use. So go ahead and copy those book
pages and staple them together instead of tearing the book apart for your
next trip! (Yeah, who doesn't copy books anyway, but now you know you aren't
breaking the law!)
USA 09/18/03
pen-size flashlight
Carry a pen-size flashlight with you; just-in-case! In case of a blackout
in an underground subway, trying to find your way in the dark to the toilet,
light your way on a dark street, etc. or, in the worse circumstances, if
you were caught in a disaster!
Gail
Holland, NL 09/18/03
Packing undergarments
Consider packing all your light weight quick dry undergarments in a clear
zippered sweater bag. This is the easiest/quickest way to find all these
little items in your luggage. Also, in a pinch if you need a waterproof
bag for the items that did not quite dry overnight you can use the water
resistant bag.
J. Straw
Walnut Creek, Ca USA 09/08/03
Hair dryers, batteries, and Benadryl
In all of the places I have stayed in the UK (outside of hostels), I have
never needed to pack a hair dryer. I have long, thick hair, so going without
isn't a good idea, esp. when cold, but most B&Bs are more than glad to loan
you one. Also, as much as I hate to say it, if you bring anything with you
to the UK that uses batteries, take your own. They are heavy, but batteries
over there are more expensive than some of your meals! Another thing that's
useful no matter where you are going, especially if you have allergies,
is Benadryl cream and/or capsules. Use the cream on bug bites/rashes, and
capsules for allergies or sleeping problems (same ingredient that's in most
OTC sleep aids).
Amanda <email>
Clayton, Mo USA 09/06/03
I pack one of those plastic school supply boxes that are about 8in
x 6in x 3in to protect my crushable/bendable souvenirs. They are fairly
sturdy and inexpensive - around a $1.00.
Lynn H. <email>
Portland, OR USA 09/05/03
Windows users can download 3M's Post-it Notes software, free, from
http://www.3m.com/market/office/postit/com_prod/psnotes/ These notes can
be copied to and from - collect travel tips on one, copy product details
for comparisons on another. The Notes can be "always on top" of the screen,
or hidden. Also handy as to-do notes.
Stf <email>
Zurich, CH 08/26/03
I took Rick's advice and for my last holiday I brought along with me
a Swiss Army type knife. However, it had a lock and this caused me problems.
While I could easily go through airports (Heathrow, Liverpool, Belfast),
various museums and ferries (Stena from Belfast to Stranraer), and other
places all around UK where they had security checks, when I went to Buckingham
Palace they confiscated it from me. They showed me a notice saying that
knives with a foldable blade are illegal in UK. However, even so, if you
can prove your point you can get away with it, but if it has a lock, then
it is confiscated without further arguments. So watch it next time you buy
such a knife: make sure it comes without a lock.
Gabriel <email>
Abu Dhabi, UAE 08/23/03
Compact Laundry Soap
Space and weight are always an issue. Pack a powerful soap that doesn't
require alot of volume. We always ended up washing clothes in the sink.
I had a small baggie of the Amway laundry soap and it lasted the 3 of us
for 2 months. Just a pinch in the sink does the job. A great soap to pack
because it is made without fillers and therefore the required amount is
much less than regular soaps. It doesn't have fillers so even for the washing
machine it only takes a small scoop. Their Trizyme spot remover was also
helpful because again, we only packed a little and it is more effective
than the usual spot removers.We brought along the small bottle of Shout
gel spot remover for the easier jobs. Packed all of the laundry stuff in
a small drawstring bag (Rick's) to keep it handy.
Susan <email>
CA USA 08/22/03
Dirty clothes bag
A zippered pillow protector (the kind that you put on your pilllows to keep
them clean before you put a regular pillow case on it) made a great lightweight
dirty clothes bag...lets the air in but the clothes didn't fall out because
it has a zipper; better than a plastic bag which is slippery. Another option
is a zippered laundry net that is made for keeping items together in the
wash.
Susan <email>
Yorba Linda, CA USA 08/22/03
Take along crafts
I take my artsy toys and have a blast - When I'm not reading or
taking photos, I knit on the plane, train, elephant (just kidding - almost),
slow boat, etc.. I've met a lot of wonderful people whose curiosity tickles
me to no end. I also track down local yarn shops, knit up something for
a new friend or two, knit on the long leg home and usually deplane with
a new and beloved article to keep or give away. My friends and I paint when
we're on location - another great way to meet locals, create memories, etc..
Artists - we do our best to uphold light-packing desires and have each become
Ziplock queens and plastic bottle hoarders. I'm using a limited palette,
almost used-up paints, minimal brushes, and a flat portfolio. I'm sending
stuff over and shipping stuff back. My precious and tiny digital camera &accessories - 512 mg flash cards, extra battery, etc. are my next adventure.
Ciao!
kc <email>
Redwood City, ca USA 08/10/03
Inexpensive cosmetic case
For an inexpensive cosmetic case, go to the "back to school" section
of your discount store and buy a soft sided lunch box. They have zippers
and are plastic lined. Just the right size to hold makeup, shampoo, medicines,
sewing kit all in one place. The one i bought ($9) is plain blue but you
might consider "barbie" or "hello kitty" just for fun.
MARIE BOURGET
SALINAS, CA USA 08/08/03
Scoth-Brite has come out with a microfiber dishcloth that makes a perfect
washcloth for our travel kits. It's waffle texture feels good on the skin,
but best of all, the thing dries quickly! I've found the cloths at Big Lots
and Wal-Mart. Thanks to the 3-M Company for a great travel product that
they didn't even design to be a travel product!
Rebecca
D/FW, TX USA 08/02/03
When I was in Italy, I got a single serving container of yoghurt from
a supermarket. It came with a collapsible spoon. A year later, I still have
the spoon in my purse. It's fantastic if you decide to get some yoghurt
or pudding in a store for a snack, and is always there for you.
Karla <email>
Moncton, NB Canada 07/30/03
Last year my 13 year old son and I traveled to Italy. We brought our
beading supplies and we spent many evenings and rainy afternoons beading
with Italians. Some of them spoke no English so it was a great way to spend
quality time getting to know them and folks at the hostels. We used every
bead that we brought and had so much fun!
Linda Hubbard <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA 07/30/03
one more extra: a bottle of nail polish and a couple of individually
wrapped nail polish remover pads. All that walking can really make you feet
look gross. A fresh coat of polish on your toes makes you feel less like
a hobbit!
Miranda Lucas <email>
toledo, OH USA 07/30/03
creative extras
I recently spent 5 weeks traveling with a group of 30 students from my university.
Here were the best extras that some of them brought:
1. Travel sound soother. I found this on ebay made by the Sharper Image. About 3 by 4 inches, uses headphones and makes nice sounds like ocean waves to block out the sounds of the city or your six sleeping roomates in the hostel.
2. Portable battery operated fan. Can be clipped onto the upper bunk or anywhere else to make sleeping in an airconditioning-free room that much more bearable.
3. Blister covers. Band-aid brand and Dr. Scholls make these. They take up as much space as band-aids but actually work for crippling blisters. Don't leave home without them.
4. Laundry detergent tablets. Packing light means you will probably have to visit the laundromat. These are cheaper then if you have to buy detergent there and they come individually packaged and cannot spill. Throw a few in your large compartment with all your clothes and they will help keep things smelling better too, until you use them. Also essential for laundry is a travel size bottle of Fabreeze, and Shout stain remover towelettes, for in-between laundromat visits.
5. A deck of cards. Can provide the entertainment for the night if you are running low on money. Buy a cheap bottle of wine get some friends together and voila! A party!
6.MP3 player. Really tiny and can do the job of your sound soother as well as keep you entertained.
7. Rick Steves fold up tote bag. Folds up to about 2" x 3" and clips onto the back of your backpack. I used this as a carry on, a shopping bag, beach bag, you name it and when I didn't use it it took up no space at all.
Packing Light is possible. I proved it to myself this summer. Remember
when packing extras consider if it has multiple uses, and does not take
up much space or it will help make you more comfortable on your journey
- pack it.
Miranda Lucas <email>
toledo, OH USA 07/30/03
Necessities
If only I had remembered my Tylenol PM! I've been to Europe several times,
and never had a problem with jet lag (more on a way to help avoid this in
a minute!). But for some reason, the last trip I took to London, I slept
very little on the plane and was exhausted and pretty much out of commission
for a day and a half when I got there! I have found that if you can take
a later flight to Europe, it seems to help. My flight to London left at
5 or 6 PM and most of the flight I spent awake because my normal bedtime
is around midnight! If you can take a later flight (for example, when I
went to Paris, I was on a 10 PM flight), it helps because by the time you
finish the meal, you're ready for sleep! (Of course, the Tylenol PM would
have helped here also!).
Some of the things I couldn't live without in Europe are the Olay daily facial cloths (disposable! saves room in the backpack!), my Rick Steves mini backpack and my money belt, a hair clip (for those windy days! I could not have lived without this- in fact, I had to go without it for a day because mine broke, but I found a new one in a little shop in Irun, Spain! Thank goodness!), AND a large travel backpack (as opposed to my R.S. mini pack!). I tried the whole, "luggage" thing... and due to my small stature, it was almost impossible to carry around France and Spain. (And it is a suitcase that has wheels and i packed extremely light).
Unfortunately, I found that most of the Parisian subway stations do NOT
have escalators. No matter HOW strong you think you are, this became increasingly
exhausting to have to lug it up and down the stairs. I bought a backpack
immediately after that trip. It's just as large as a suitcase, is just
as easy to pack (maybe even more so!) and WOW it's SO much easier to carry
around! Just put it on, snap the belt and off you go! You can just zip
in and out of people traffic and can make it through those really small
turnstiles in the metro systems! My next trip: Ireland, November 2003
and you'd better believe, I'll have all of these things with me! (Along
with a lot of items I read about on this page!) THANKS!
Col
Atlanta, GA USA 07/29/03
Footrest and picnic supplies
I am petite and hate it when my legs are left hanging for hours in planes
and trains. I bought a folding foot rest from Magellans and it has been
a lifesaver. I think they could make it cheaper (it's about $25) but I haven't
found the product anywhere else so I count it as a really good investment.
I have often wished I brought an immersion heater and a few of those chemical
cold packs meant for athletic injuries, the kind you crush in order for
them to work- good for when you're packing a picnic in the morning and don't
want to eat everything really warm. But you can get those in Europe if you
know how to ask in the local language. :)
Kristin <email>
Rochester, NY USA 07/25/03
For those of you who plan to send postcards home, print out address
labels to take with you. It not only relieves you of bringing addresses
but it also tells you to whom you already sent.
R4 <email>
El Cerrito, CA USA 07/24/03
A while before we left for Europe, I made a project of saving the crossword
puzzles from the newspaper each day, and made sure that everyone in the
family had some. They weigh almost nothing, and helped pass the time on
train rides.Sometimes one puzzle would become a family project for an hour
or so. An easy "creative extra" if you like puzzles!
Michelle
Rochester, NY USA 07/23/03
I've spent about 15 months total in Europe over the past few years,
travelling, studying and visiting the friends I made along the way. Apparently
the U.S. is the only place you can find Purell and other cleansing gels.
My European friends always love it when I pull that out after the bar or
aerobics class, in restaurants and trains... anywhere! Before my last trip,
I bought a 12-pack of really small bottles at the drug store and gave them
away to people as we went. It was a good way to make friends and keep space
for souvenirs in my backpack!
Kristin Karl <email>
Victor, NY USA 07/22/03
For the love of God, BRING A FAN. We wanted one, we needed one, we
had to steal a broken one from a hotel hallway one night, and my son fixed
it and we used it. (Heaven) Someone below mentioned Wallmart as a resource,
by all means find something. European A/C is about as effective as putting
an ice cube in the middle of a hot room. C'mon, you can squeeze it in between
your Rick Steves Books.
Maureen Crawford <email>
San Diego, CA USA 07/16/03
Two Tips
Two things I have found to be very useful: A seam ripper. You don't have
to take this with you. Use it to remove all of your inside labels from your
clothes before you go (some you will need scissors for). Especially in hot
climates, those itchy tags get irritating. So much more comfortable without
them. Second thing is to buy several colors of mini-ribbon (spools about
$.50-$1.00 at Walmart or fabric stores). Tape the ribbons together in a
row at one end (I do three) and then tape into the back of your books. Measure
by pulling them over the front and to below the bottom. Tape and then cut
above the tape. You now have three page markers that don't fall out! Take
the taped ribbons and continue with your next book. Happy travels!
J Vosburgh
San Diego, CA United States 07/15/03
No Air Conditioning?
Walmart sells a small portable, battery operated fan that folds flat for
under $7. Approximately 6 inch square. Great for those rooms that have no
airconditioning with windows that don't open.
Marie
Salinas, CA USA 07/14/03
ThumbBeam Light
My family was recently shopping in the narrow pedestrian streets of Torremolinos,
Spain at night. Boom! The power in the whole town goes out. No worries,
'cause I have a handy dandy Rick Steves ThumbBeam Light. I used it to light
the sidewalks all the way to the hotel, which proved invaluable to my clumsy
family over the rough sidewalk / curb topology. The guy selling candles
(handy, eh?) didn't look happy, but oh well. The button's hard to push for
an extended time, but we managed. Who knew it'd come in so handy!
Kevin Bleicher <email>
Northbrook, IL USA 07/10/03
Rick on a ring, plastic hangers
Its great that so many take the time to share something they found helpful.
When I travel I throw in several of the really cheap plastic hangers that
salesclerks don't bother to remove when you buy an item of clothing. They
supplement the sometimes meager number you find in hotel closets, since
they're plastic you can drip dry clothes on them, and just leave them behind
when you check out. One of my favorites was actually a friend's idea, its
what we refer to as "Rick on a Ring" . As part of his travel light philosophy
,Rick Steves advises tearing out and carrying only the pages of his books
that you will actually need on a given trip. To keep the pages in order
and easy to find info needed, we punch a hole in an upper corner of each
page, apply a reinforcement ring around each hole (available wherever school
supplies are sold) and hold all the pages together with a simple key or
binder ring. This was very handy throughout Italy, and we never lost a page.
Sonia
sonia botos <email>
Mt. Laurel, NJ USA 07/08/03
Little important extras
If you are travelling with others, split up the toiletries. There is no
need to have everyone bring the same heavy, space consuming things. Pack
a lightwieght towel. I used mine to dry off, as a pillow, a blanket, a seat
cover, and a window shade. Always have a small rope with you to dry laundry
on. Bring lots of ziplocks, safety pins, and bandaids. One of the best things
is a camping headlight. The absolute must is a journal. Write addresses
of people you want to send postcards to, confirmation numbers, phone numbers,
and credit card phone numbers in the back. This way you have everything
in one place instead of spread out all over. My journal is more important
to me than my pictures because it captures what I felt and thought along
with what I saw.
K. Candullo <email>
Ridgefield, CT USA 07/07/03
TSA seals
If you have to check a bag, pack a pocket knife in an outer pocket of your
checked bag. You might need it to open your checked bag after it has been
re-sealed by TSA. The irony is if you hide your knife in the main compartment,
you can't get to it to cut open the plastic seals.
Bob <email>
El Paso, TX USA 07/01/03
Light
I have found the best flashlight is my backpacker's "miner's light". It
is a bright flashlight on an elastic band which is worn like a headband.
It leaves hands free and is great for finding one's way back home on winding
streets or up staircases of B&B's!
Linda Ringwood <email>
Gainesville,, FL USA 06/25/03
State quarters
On the last several trips to the UK, I have brought a plastic coin roll
filled with state quarters. You can use them as change in the airports in
the states, or you can pass them out to people as you go. They are great
conversation starters, especially if you are going somewhere by train. I
met the nicest lady and her grandson on a train from Edinburgh down to London
a few weeks ago, and we had a blast going through all of the quarters, and
she told me about the time that she spent in the states when she was younger--she
had been to all 50--more than I have!
Amanda Finley <email>
Clayton, MO USA 06/13/03
Wrinkle Releaser/Watercolour Postcards
Downy wrinkle releaser in a small spray bottle works miracles on wrinkled
clothes. It also has a scent similar to Febreeze that masks odors, so there
is no need to carry both. I like to paint so I carry a Cotman Field box
and a small block of postcard sized watercolor paper. Instead of buying
cheesy tourist postcards I paint quick impressions of places I've seen and
send those instead. The Cotman Field Box is very compact and holds water,
palettes, brush and watercolours. They are expensive, but I bought mine
on Ebay for a steal.
Emily <email>
Portland, OR USA 06/13/03
Pack gifts to insure space later.
Here's a tip for packing creative extras - always pack a host gift or other
small, inexpensive items to give (jellybeans, seed packets, or other american
novelties). This thoughtful gesture is always well received and it insures
that you have saved some space in your luggage for those inevitable souvenirs
that you'll want to bring home.
Emily <email>
Portland, OR USA 06/13/03
FABREEZE IT!!
Put some FABREEZE in a small plastic spray bottle. At the end of each day
when you take off your clothes, spray it with Fabreeze and it will smell
nice & clean when you repack it & wear it again. It's smells like you just
washed your clothes. It's great when you are a backpacker and don't have
time to do laundry. It worked wonders on my clothes during my 3 weeks backpacking
through europe. Just Fabreeze it!!
Alyssa <email>
Burnsville, MN USA 06/13/03
Washcloths
On a recent trip to Thailand I found, as in many other places, that they
do not supply washcloths in many of the hotels. If you like "real" washclothes
like I do, go to Wal-mart and buy a 18-pack of washcloths (they're about
the size of a brick) and throw them away as you go. They're about $4 for
18.
Laura
Omaha, NE USA 06/13/03
MP3 CD Player and Speakers
On my trip to Greece last year I brought a MP3 CD player that allowed me
to fill up a single CDR with about 10 cds worth of MP3s. So with the 15
CDs that I brought I had the equivalent of 150 CDs worth of music. The CD
player also plays regular CDs so I could listen to some of the music I bought
along the way. I also got a little set of portable Sony SRS-T77 Personal
Travel Speakers. They take up as much room as a stack of 3 CD jewel cases
and have decent sound for their size. I always like to have a little music
in the background but I hate to block everything out while using headphones.
Plus if you are sharing a room or have company it is nice to share your
music. It was one of the first things I always did when I got to a new hotel
was set up my music.
Drew <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA 06/10/03
Solid Shampoo Bars
You might try Whole Foods/Fresh Fields for these. I bought shampoo bars
there a couple of years ago (haven't looked recently). They weren't the
exotic nuts and berries and twigs type from Lush, but worked great. Also
much cheaper--under $5.
susan
USA 06/09/03
Solid Shampoo Bars
I have to agree with the Lush Shampoo bars, they are awsome, however living
in the US, just one bar and carrying case cost me $24 with the shipping!
OUCH! There is a place in DE called the Soap Fairy that I just found that
also has them and cheaper they are online at http://www.soapfairy.com, but
you will have to email them for info on the shampoo bars, they were not
on the website. They have a great on called "Judy's beer soap". Happy Travels
- Candy
CandyB <email>
Millsboro, DE USA 06/06/03
little plastic bags
I have found the really small ziploc-type bags that come with bits of hardware,
beads, etc. are indespensable for keeping little things together, like seashells
or pocket change for a collection. They are quit inexpensive too - if you
don't mind buying 100 at a time. ;)
Alex
Alexandria, VA USA 06/01/0
Extension cords
I learned the hard way that an extension cord is a necessity and NOT necessarily
a "creative extra"! Our 1-star Paris room only had 2 small outlets....BEHIND
the beds!
Gail <email>
Almere, NL 05/28/03
Instant boiled water
My travel-size steamer was a great addition to my packing for Paris last
week. It boiled hot water in just minutes for coffee, tea, cup-of-soup,
etc. If only I had brought an extension cord to have made it easier.
Gail <email>
Almere, NL 05/28/03
Palm Pilots
Another benefit of taking your PDA: games! Solitaire, Tetris, and many other
games on handhelds can help pass hours on planes and trains.
Sara <email>
Joplin, MO USA 05/27/03
packables
A Collapsable plastic cup. They come in 2 types, the telescoping kind
and the one I prefer, the flexible kind that folds in on itself. I got
mine at REI. It's gone on many a motorcycle trip with me and I wouldn't
leave home without it.
If you're going to be doing some backpacking or are likely to be in
a spot where there are frequent downpours you can take a pack rain cover.
I have a convertable pack similar to the one sold on this site. It's old
and the water protection is breaking down. A garbage bag will also do
in a pinch and is probably better to take if you only expect occasional
rain. I got my cover from STA travel. They came in several sizes. Replacements
for your pack belt and chest strap connectors. The adjustable end that
can come off.
Lisa <email>
Portland, OR USA 05/21/03
Creative extras
I pack a few clothespins and a length of nylon cord &/or a bungee cord or
two, plus a small water bottle. Lots of uses for all the above always turn
up. Earplugs, too. Also, a finger puppet or two can entertain a cranky kid
in any language, and makes a fun ice-breaker.
Linda
CO USA 05/21/03
First Aid
New Liquid Band-Aid Rocks No need searching for the right size it's liquid
- paint on with a swab, waterproof, also relieves the pain. I've tried the
Nu-skin this is much better. It has cut my 1st Aid kit in 1/2. Made my recent
blister from new shoes - feel like it wasn't there.
USA
USA 05/13/03
Packing Creative Extras
For small plastic, refillable bottles, check out the ones made by Nalge.
They are marketed under the Nalgene name, and are essentially travel size
versions of their scientic bottles. They don't leak (although I still put
them inside ziplock bags). I don't know if anyone else does this, but I
take a compass with me. I am direction-challenged, and it helps when I come
out of those underground stations and have no idea which way to go. I still
get lost, but I have a better idea of which direction I have to go. Even
found a nifty little one to strap onto my watch last year at Covent Garden
- 25 pence!
Mary N
San Francisco, CA USA 05/12/03
Another vote for GPS
I took along my GPS on my last trip. It was invaluable. On planes, trains
and ferries it can tell you your speed, altitude and ETA. Most are the size
of cell phones, and some cost less than $100. Some models keep a track record
of your journey. You can mark the exact locations of places you'd like to
re-visit. Another fun thing to do is Geocaching. Geocaching is a game, where
someone will hide a box of trinkets, record the location with a GPS, and
post the location on the Internet. (www.geocaching.com) The idea is to find
the cache, exchange trinkets, and sign the logbook. It is a worldwide game,
and often caches are hidden in little known areas. It's a great way to see
some spots known only to locals, off the beaten path.
Jason <email>
Reno, NV USA 05/07/03
Disposable cutting boards
In regards to the comment below about cutting boards - I recently picked
up a pack of those new disposable cutting "boards" (really more like a sheet
of paper) to take on my upcoming trip. They work quite well and are (obviously)
disposable.
jane
San Francisco, CA USA 05/06/03
Music for the Road
For two weeks of a recent three-week adventure in France, we were the happy
caretakers of a lovely Citroën (which we reserved from home in advance --
always a good idea -- from Europe by Car, with whom we were very pleased).
I assumed correctly that the car would have a CD player, and having been
disappointed before by European radio stations, we brought along a small
collection of CDs in a little travel case. To be fair, we did find some
great radio stations this time, but it sure was nice to have good tunes
on demand. We listened to the Bach double violin concerto as we soared through
the Champagne region, cranked up Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" as we
sped towards Provence on the autoroute, and tried to remain calm in busy
cities with the soothing tones of Norah Jones. In Arles, we stumbled upon
the Harmonia Mundi store (music and books), where we indulged in half a
dozen French CDs, mostly jazz and folkloric. They were kind enough to let
us listen to each one before we bought, and it was great fun to have some
terrific French music, too. If you have expat friends in Europe, your CDs
from the U.S. might make nice parting gifts, even without the jewel case...
Jan B. <email>
Bend, OR USA 05/03/03
band-aids
It's a great idea to bring band-aids or these moleskin band-aids for thoes
days when you are doing a lot of walking and you find yourself with bleeding
feet!!! (and wear shoes that you have worn in, or try them out prior to
your vacation)
Melanie
Seattle, WA USA 05/02/03
Next time's memories
Next time I travel I'll pack one white or very-light-colored t-shirt without
logo or anything printed on it, and several fabric markers. I'll ask folks
I meet to draw a picture, add a note, leave a message. I'll have one compact "fun shirt" when I return, loaded with memories.
Carolyn
Portland, OR USA 05/01/03
Palm Pilot and external keyboard
I understand that for most people (including me), a Palm Pilot (or other
PDA) is something we wouldn't want to bring on vacation. However, I find
that it is a great place to store information I need, plus with the external
keyboard, it took the place of my trip diary and was easy to type with on
the train, in the hotel room, etc.
Paul Hughes
Albuquerque, NM USA 04/23/03
Thin plastic cutting boards
On my last trip, I brought a thin plastic cutting board with me. It was
as thick as a few sheets of paper, weighted almost nothing, and only about
8x6 inches. It was MUCH faster to cut crusty bread, sausage, cheese, and
fruit, because you could cut firmly with a knife without being worried you
were cutting through the food's wrapping paper, the table surface in your
hotel room, or your hand (if you were holding it). My traveling companions
didn't think it was worth bringing, until we used it for the first time...
Paul Hughes
Albuquerque, NM USA 04/23/03
Roll On Baby Powder & Debit MasterCards
I just went to the store and found Gerber roll-on baby powder. it rolls
on dry, but its spill proof and pretty much only goes where you put it (not
all over the floor). also, they have baby oil gel, which is lighter and
much less messy and accident prone as body oil.
I've also seen a MasterCard that you buy in various denominations and
use up like a credit card. It would be a good way to keep extra cash instead
of a credit card. If a regular credit card is stolen, they can do a lot
more damage than the $50 or $100 you have on the debit card. I'm not sure
what the replacement policy is but it's worth looking into.
E <email>
Houston, TX USA 04/16/03
Nice travel notebook
A product I haven't seen in the US is a pocket-size spiral-bound notebook,
I bought at the big W.H. Smith bookstore in Victoria Station in London.
The neat thing about it is an elastic strap riveted to the back cover, so
you can't lose it. You can snap it around the front cover, or on any page
of the book. The cover says "Europa Minor Pad"; on the back "www.tollitandharvey.co.uk"
Chris Kerstetter <email>
Renton, WA USA 04/15/03
Mmmm... Lush.
The Lush shampoo bars mentioned below are also great in place of a bar of
soap. So... wash your hair, body, and clothes with one little bar that lasts
nearly forever.
Bentley Clark <email>
Las Cruces, NM USA 04/15/03
packing creative extras
I swear by ziplocs and any plastic packaging that other people discard.
I use them to pack products that can leak. And, I always take snacks from
home.
amy <email>
houston, tx USA 04/14/03
anti-bacterial gel & solid shampoo
We just spent a week in London, and really appreciated a 8 oz bottle of
anti-bacterial hand gel. We would eat picnic lunches in the parks, and it
felt good knowing we were not eating all the germs from the bus or Tube.
You can buy a small bottle at Bath & Body Works (or any drugstore) for about
two dollars.
Also, love the solid shampoo bars from Lush (www.lushcanada.com). It's
the same amount as a bottle, much more portable, and we also used it to
wash our clothes, which we hung to dry in the shower.
Beth <email>
Brunswick, ME USA 04/13/03
Packing creative extras
To prepare for a trip I use a spiral-bound binder with manila pocket dividers
(like a school subject binder). I create a calendar page for each day of
the trip and jot down things to do or see that day (handy for sights and
events that are only open on certain days and/or times). I paste in a copy
of my passport info page, contacts at home, and list phone numbers and addresses
needed. While traveling, the pockets are handy for receipts, newspapers
articles, postcards, etc. The final section of the binder becomes the trip
journal. I keep these binders to relive past vacations and plan for future
trips. They are a fun way to enjoy the vacation all over again!
One example that made it into the journal was a sign I saw at Heathrow
Airport. At a moving sidewalk, a sign said "Temporarily out of service.
We've ordered some parts; they should be here soon." The sidewalk was
moving. The explicitness of the sign amused me.
Donna <email>
Bishop, CA USA 04/11/03
Plastic Squeeze Bottles
Small plastic squeeze bottles are great for shampoo, hand lotion, ect. Most
travel stores or web sites sell them in sets of four, ranging from $8 to
$9. However, most beauty supply stores and many drugstores carry the same
bottles for about $.65 each. Scientific/medical supply stores have them
also, but you usually have to buy them in bulk lots.
Sean <email>
Boston, USA 04/07/03
Nausea Cure
I always pack crystallized ginger. It is a tasty remedy for nausea that
actually works!
Annie
UK 04/05/03
Tokens of Appreciation
About a month before our trip I placed pansies from our garden in an old
phone book to dry. Just before we left I glued them onto 2 1/2 by 8" tagboard
strips. I wrote our name/address on the backside and had them laminated
at a local Kinkos. These cute bookmarks made great thank-you gifts for our
new friends. Also, they were inexpensive, lightweight, and indestructable.
Everyone loved them.
Elizabeth K
Carnation, WA USA 04/03/03
Laminated Maps
I just got back from a week in Italy and besides a comfortable pair of walking
shoes there was one thing I could not have survived without: a "Streetwise"
map for each of the major cities that I visited (in my case it was Venice,
Florence & Rome). They are laminated fold-up maps that can usually fit into
a regular sized purse (or probably into a money belt too) and you can purchase
them at most bookstores. The great thing is they're small enough that you
can pull them out discreetly and easily to find out where you are (even
if its windy or rainy).
Alison Marcoff <email>
Boynton Beach, FL USA 04/02/03
Fight those germs, baby!
My best friend and I swear by Emergen-C. It is a dissolving powder "enery
booster"--individually packaged for appropriate consumption--with astonishing
amounts of Vitamin C and can be found at most health food stores. It seems
to really help fight those germs you are bound to get from others on the
flight to and from. And as few of us eat the way we "should" when on vacation,
it can help supplement one's diet and stave off that on-coming cold. It
doesn't take much room to pack and at a packet a day, is gone by the time
you get home.
Bentley <email>
Las Cruces, NM USA 03/29/03
American gifts to pack
I am taking 2 of my Girl Scouts for a 2 week tour of Europe in June focusing
on the international Girl Scout/Girl Guide centers in London and Switzerland.
We decided in this time of war to make earth-peace friendship bracelets.
We learned how to make these when the girls were in 3rd grade (they are
seniors in high school now). The bracelets are made with leather cord and
pony beads. There is a short explanation of what each pony bead color means
and we had it translated into French, German, and Italian. It is our way
as representatives of Girl Scouting USA to let others know that harmony
and peace is what makes a beautiful world without making any political statements.
The bracelets are cheap to make (about $.30 each) and are light to carry.
I also bought some Ohio keychains as that is where we are from.
cindy <email>
uniontown, OH USA 03/29/03
Tips
For great discounted prices on travel items, luggage and clothes -like a
small folding raincoat - try sierratradingpost.com. We've bought lots of
stuff from them. Campmor.com also has decent prices.
A
Tallahassee, FL USA 03/26/03
folding duffel bag
I found this GREAT large folding duffel bag(like 25 inches when open I think)
at WalMart. It zips into itself so that when it is folded up it is not much
bigger then a small 3 ring binder. I am going to pack it in my luggage and
that way if I shop too much in Europe I have a bag to bring home all my
stuff in! The best part was it is only 10 bucks!
Jeannette <email>
Akron, oh USA 03/24/03
Petite Necessities
Little lifesavers that don't take much room: I line the edges of my suitcase
with fragrant laundry powders in little paper 'envelopes' (they act as sachets
until needed in the sink); tiny spray bottle with French linen water (lavender
scent is very soothing) helps with wrinkled clothes, hat hair, etc. (in
hot weather, keep it in the mini bar fridge or cooler for a little refresher
spritz on the back of the neck, feet...); binder clips keep papers together,
work as bag clips and emergency fix its. Last but not least, fragrant travel
candle in a tin. Good for emergency or mood lighting (don't you hate it
when the hotel bathroom lights blind you?) - a lot safer than plain votives
as they won't tip easily and wick/hot wax is contained in a coverable tin.
Jan B. <email>
Bend, OR USA 03/17/03
Nice and Clean Anti Bacterial Wipes
The best item I have found for Sanitizing bathrooms- (on airplanes, in restrooms,
etc) is a product called Nice and Clean Anti Bacterial. It is actually a
skin cleaner- but I use them mostly for disenfection. I find them at Target
stores and are .99 a piece. They are always on my Target shopping list.
Delray Beach, USA 03/15/03
Men's Nylon Travel Clothing
Bass Pro Shops carry a line of men's nylon shirts (some with mesh air vents)
and pants (some with zip-off legs), that are lower-priced "dead ringers" for the higher-priced ones found in travel catalogs.
RKG
Euless, TX USA 03/15/03
Five Tips...
When I went to Greece, I brought along a handheld mini battery fan I bought
in the local dollar store. It kept me cool on a hot bus and was also nice
to have in our un-air-conditioned room.
Bring over-the-counter remedies, such as Pepto Bismol tablets. On the plane ride home, I was quite sick and the flight crew did not have anything in their first aid kit to help me.
For anyone with allergy/sinus problems: I follow three steps whenever I fly. First, I take a decongestant 45 minutes before takeoff. Secondly, I chew 2 pieces of gum while the plane is taking off or landing. Finally, I use those earplugs that help your ears adjust to the air pressure changes. I put the earplugs in before the plane takes off, and remove them once the plane reaches a steady cruising altitude. I also put them in before landing.
Pack some duct tape. One of our bags was ripped when we arrived. Had we packed duct tape, we would have been able to repair it.
Also, I'd pack some snacks for the flight. Our plane was delayed on the
ground for about 6-7 hours! Our in-flight meal was accordingly delayed
for the same amount of time and everyone got quite hungry.
Theresa
West Trenton, NJ USA 03/08/03
Balloons
Pack balloons! I make balloon animals, and a gross of 260s (twist balloons)
doesn't take up much space and makes a lot of people smile, whatever language
you speak.
Tricia
Tallahassee, FL USA 03/08/03
Small Candy Bars
I like to travel with a bag of my favorite bite-size candy bars (Snickers).
It is nice to relax at the end of a long day with a bite of chocolate. The
sugar gives you energy and the familiarity of something from home makes
you feel good. It is also a nice thing to share with others you meet along
the way.
Matthew Johnson <email>
Oakdale, mn USA 03/08/03
Walkie-Talkies
We took walkie-talkies on a big cruise ship, and our family members could
go separate ways, but always locate each other. They would work as well
at parks, beaches, museums, etc.
G & C
Morristown, NJ USA 03/08/03
[Editor's note: American-purchased, "FRS-type" walkie-talkies are NOT legal to use in Europe. For more information, see the FCC's website. Alternatively, you can buy walkie-talkies in Europe to use while you're there. Use google.com to search for European retailers.]
Hotel Fire Safety
I recently found a great travel safety product called the EVAC-U8 smoke
hood. I also carry it with me now. It protects you from smoke inhalation
in the event of a fire. About the size of a pop-can, it can fit right in
my carry on bag. I won't leave home without this one!
Tobias <email>
NYC, NY USA 03/03/03
Sink stoppers
One of the best items i have ever brought with me is a universal sink stopper.
The smaller version which runs about $1.49 at your local hardware store.
Have you ever tried to put in a contact lens with the sink plugged up by
a washcloth?
r. neves <email>
sacramento. ca/, ca USA 02/24/03
Febreeze
If you're on a trip for a few weeks and washing your clothes often isn't
convenient, I've found that taking along a small spray bottle filled with
Febreeze works like a charm. Nothing like being able to take the smell of
smoke out of your clothes after partying in a pub all night!
Toronto, 02/22/03
Tub & Shower Safety
After encountering a slick-bottomed bathtub on a recent trip, I purchased
some 4"x5" suction grip bathtub appliques to keep with my travel gear. A
fall in a shower or tub could not only ruin a trip but it could literally
involve a year or more of recovery time, not to mention lost wages, medical
expenses, and pain & suffering.
RKG
D/FW, TX USA 02/22/03
Tiny binocs let you see much more.
I always bring my little binoculars on trips. Whether peering at the frescoes
on the ceiling of Florence's Duomo or gazing at far-off Parisian landmarks
from the Eiffel Tower, a lightweight pair of binocs will help you see more
of what you came for.
Dave <email>
Washington, D.C., VA USA 02/19/03
Picnic equipment
We picnic alot so in addition to a corkscrew, we bring a rollable cutting
board (flexible plastic). You can find them in almost any kitchenware store
for under $10 (or even under $5).
Karen Hemphill <email>
Berkeley, CA USA 02/14/03
Velcro
Re cleanliness & Velcro: On our first trip years ago to the Yucatan Peninsula,
Mexico, I left our hotel room one morning and passed by another room where
the housekeeper was cleaning drinking glasses by rinsing them IN THE TOILET!
She then dried, wrapped them in plastic and added the ubiquitous "Sanitized..." sticker. Fortunately, I had already learned at an early age (I am an international
commercial pilot's daughter) to bring my own cup, etc.!
I always use and pack a small amount of Velcro. With the new security
searches on luggage, etc., storage in clear zip bags is very convenient.
However, they are slippery and often slide around during travel, a search,
etc. I keep bags together either in larger plastic zips or other larger
bags or place adhesive backed velcro on the plastic zip bags and other
items I want to stay together. This also works to tack even very small
zip bags to one area of a suitcase, bag, clothing, etc., to secure keys,
papers, etc. It seems every time I travel, I find another use for Velcro--either
temporary or permanent.
Dinah Ackerson <email>
Concord, CA USA 02/10/03
Clean and safe!
Sometimes sleeping quarters and restrooms are not as clean as we'd like.
My next trip to Europe I plan to bring half a dozen or so Clorox wipes to
clean and disinfect toilet seats and bathroom fixtures as well as doorknobs.
Since the sheets are pretty big, I'll cut them in half then stack them up
in a ziploc. One thing I will no longer travel without is a small, plastic
tumbler to use when brushing my teeth or drinking a beverage in my room.
Last time I stayed at a 2-star hotel in Paris I discovered that the glass
I'd used the night before with my cheese, bread and wine supper had merely
been wiped out with a cloth - the smears on the glass from my greasy "cheese" lips were the give away!
Jana <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA 02/09/03
Keeping Clean
Bring Olay Daily Facial cloths. Just bring one for each shower you'll be
taking during your trip; they will squish down to nothing in a Ziploc. Great
for showering - you can wash your face, rinse it, then add your soap and
use it as a wash cloth for the rest of your body. Throw it away when you're
through. Also, Dove makes body refreshing wipes which I used after night
trains to feel a little cleaner in the mornings I couldn't shower. I couldn't
travel comfortably without them.
Rebecca <email>
West Chicago, IL USA 02/07/03
Dryer Sheets
I have found that bringing along a bunch of dryer sheets -- I brought along
100 for a 3 month trip -- was a great way to keep my clothes smelling fresh.
After a long night at a smoke-filled European restaurant or bar, it is hard
to put on the same clothes the next morning. Wipe a dryer sheet on them
and they smell (almost) like clean laundry. It makes wearing three outfits
for three months not quite so bad!
Ryan <email>
Golden, CO USA 02/04/03
Ziploc bags and scented lotion
I always pack all of my toiletries in ziploc bags - they take up less room
than cloth bags and if something leaks, the rest of your stuff is protected.
Another favorite? Lotion scented with my favorite perfume. I'd be taking
lotion anyway and this way I can still smell pretty and don't have to worry
about the glass bottle breaking!
Debbie
Washington, DC USA 01/30/03
Mini-kettle
A mini electric kettle is great - I got ours (under 1 lb) at a local store
for $20 and it's wonderful for those times when there is no way we can get
anything to eat or drink. Many countries don't have coffee or tea available
24 hours a day like the States; even getting a cup before breakfast is impossible
- or late at night. We carry sugar, powdered creamer, coffee, tea, some
soup and some instant oatmeal. Kettle is dual-voltage - Franzuz - and comes
with 2 tiny cups - but we bring our own travel cups.
planetgirl
Tally, FL USA 01/28/03
mini kettle
when i travel, as at home, i live on tea. esp when in europe in fall, i
stop alot and get tea in restaraunts. but at the hostel tea, cofee, hot
cocoa, etc are either expensive or unavailable. i found a mini hot water
kettle on www.korjo.com, an australian travel site (prices are in aus dollars,
so dont be alarmed). i read a previous poster saying she took anything and
everything she could that only needed hot water to be cooked-cup o' noodle,
hot chocolate, tea, coffee, instant oatmeal, etc. if you are a backpacking
hosteller or just frugal you should really appreciate this. i also plan
to get one of those large indestructible plastic mugs that serve as a single
serving bowl too. it will really fill in the gaps and save me alot on buying
hot beverages and snacks with my sighseeing money.
elizabeth <email>
deer park, TX USA 01/26/03
Washing Clothes
On our 2001 Best of Italy trip, I washed clothes in the bathroom sink using
Clariol Herbal Essence shampoo. The shampoo made a nice amount of suds,
had a good fragrance, and rinsed clean.
Jennifer Mills <email>
The Woodlands, TX USA 01/26/03
Door Stop and Oops!
You're never more vulnerable than when you are sleeping or taking a shower.
It's also impossible to know how many people other than yourself have the
key to your room or to the shower/bath down the hall. I never leave home
without a small door stop. The door stop prevents and/or significantly delays
the unwelcome intruder. Now the oops... Attentive and friendly hotel staff
can be wonderful. Unfortunately, there is nothing more embarrassing (and
scary) to discover while taking a shower, that housekeeping staff have entered
the room to collect the tip and clean the room while your spouse is downstairs
paying the bill. It happened to me in Egypt. The male housekeeper saw my
husband leave and decided to clean the room, not knowing that I was taking
a shower. Very scary knowing there's a strange man in the room and you're
wearing nothing more substantial than a towel. From then on, my husband
and I leave the room together.
Elisa <email>
Novato, CA USA 01/25/03
Cutting Board!
When my wife and I travel in Mexico we take a small (roughly 6 inch square)
cutting board. In Mexico we go to the local market and buy salsa or guacamole
ingrediants and feast in our hotel room! We'll usually buy a couple of forks
and a plastic bowl at a local department store. I guess now days we'll need
to purchase a knife when we arrive in Europe but we'll definately take along
the trusty cutting board!
Dylan <email>
Athens, GA USA 01/25/03
Digital Camera and MP3s Together
I'm planning my first trip to Europe and found a great solution for both
digital camera picture storage and music storage. I love digital cameras,
but you can't always find and internet cafe to unload your pictures and
memory cards are *expensive.* I'm also a bit of an audiophile who would
like to carry several hundred CDs worth of music with me for the next few
months. The solution comes from one of the newer, Harddrive based MP3 players
made by Archos (www.archos.com). Its a relatively small MP3 Player with
a 20 GB harddrive build in, easily storing weeks worth of music. There is
also a multimedia kit that is available that comes with adapters for interfacing
with digital camera memory cards. Now I can hold all my music and my pictures
(along with other things I may need, such as Word documents, etc) in one
place without the bulk of a laptop. There is even a digital camera module
for the mp3 player itself, but the quality just isnt there.
JP
Austin, TX USA 01/22/03
Creative things to pack
I packed peanut butter (plastic jar) and crackers as a "just in case", and
it came in handy when we arrived at odd hours. We hadn't adjusted to the
time change and when we got hungry often before mealtime, we had some peanut
butter and crackers. Once, in our hotel room, we dipped our fingers in the
jar and just licked our fingers...rather uncouth, but the ultimate in no-muss,
no-fuss.
Sophie <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA 01/10/03
Motion Sickness
Relief Band saved my life. I always have motion sickness. I'd tried ginger
tea, etc, but nothing worked. Last year I bought a relief band from Magellan's
travel catalog it was $130 when I bought it but now it's $99) and never
have had problems again. It's looks like a wristwatch on the inside of your
wrist. It sends electrical signals through the wrist to interfere with nausea-inducing
messages between the brain and the stomach. I never go anywhere without
my band!
USA 01/06/03