Packing Creative Extras
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?
Read the Distillation: Best of Packing Creative Extras, 2005
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Dinner napkin
I always take along a large cloth dinner napkin. It's great as a table cloth for picnics or something clean to sit on. I use it most often as a bib.
Laurel
Kirkland, WA USA 05/17/2013
Daybag dinnerware!
I recently discovered a Fozzils set featuring a plastic cup, bowl, and dish which folds completely flat! I got the child-sized set which is perfect, even fits in a small day backpack or purse. Great for picnics or eat-in meals. Takes NO room in suitcase at all and uber lightweight.
There are now also silicone, collapsible bowls which would serve same purpose.
Also keep a plastic "spork" (spoon, fork, knife/edge) in my toiletry bag so I always have it when traveling.
2Travelers
Arlington, VA USA 05/13/2013
Carabiners
I'm always a bit nervous when standing in crowded situations with my backpack facing behind me. I pack small carabiners to "lock" the zipper pulls together. They're quick for me to open when I need something but hopefully a deterrent to pickpockets.
Diane
Chino Hills, Calif USA 05/05/2013
Laundry
For laundry, I like to take the Purex 3-in-1 towelettes. They have the soap and softener in them and can be used in a sink or at a laundromat. They're not liquid so they are no mess.
Marilyn Ham
Cheyenne, Wyomin USA 05/02/2013
giving taxi driver's directions
I type the name and address of the hotel where I'll be staying on a business sized card. It makes it so much easier for the taxi driver to understand. Or, once there, carry a hotel business card.
Mary Schaffer
Odiaxere, USA 04/28/2013
Nifty foundation container
Ladies, cosmetic counters have teeny tiny plastic bottles for (they said) 10 days of foundation - for FREE.
Janet Brown
Greenfield, Indian USA 04/22/2013
Great ideas
I bought for my trip to Italy with friends - (bought them one as a 'surprise'!!) a 'Brita' water bottle so I can refill anywhere - it comes with a filter and it does not have to be 'replaced' until AFTER 300 uses! And the filter comes with it! Also - bought a 'Total Pillow' on 'clearance at Target for 5.00 - can be used as neck rest, lumbar support, chair pillow, or 'extra' pillow at nite! I have packed a lot of 'little' extra's.. I use Trivia (sugar) which most places don't have, extra 'locks' for my suitcase for the hotel - for not just my suitcase, but for my 'carryon'! A USB flash drive for my camera and a small table top tripod! Found a 'round the neck' flashlight - good for reading in 'bed' or in the car reading the map! Bandaids and neosporan and benedryl (for bug bites), sanitary wipes - instead of the liquid! Packing my 'carryon' with an extra pair of lightweight pants and a sweater for the plane along with 'slippers' to get comfy. Bringing along some magazines I have to catch up on-then leave for others to enjoy! I always bring 'snacks' on the plane - u know how 'skimpy' airline food is and 4 pretzels in a bag that they give u is not enough! Bring some healthy choices - usually make a nice sized sandwich in a ziplock bag .. mixed nuts, cheese/crackers, bagel chips.. even drink powders to go in your Brita water bottle!! I found a portable Alarm at Staples - on sale - it has a door stop alarm, a window/door alarm, and a keychain alarm! Can't hurt! Loved your ideas about the cooler, ziplock bags, dryer sheets, pill0wcase, calculator, hangers, blankets, and cable ties (for backpacks!!)
Happy - Safe Travels!!!
Doreen
KENILWORTH, NJ USA 04/16/2013
Electronics
I bring an adapter that converts the plug from local to U.S. dual-prong configuration. Then plug in a 1 to 3 adapter. I now can charge up to three devices at the same time.
Tim Murphy
Westminster, CO USA 04/14/2013
Packing Cubes/Organizers
Handwipes are a must.
Flat sheets of laundry detergent are convenient. (Purex makes them.) For RickSteve Carry-on size suitcase (13"X20") - 2 medium ebags cubes + 1 ebags slimline cube + 2 eagle creek full tube cubes pretty much fills the suitcase. Measure your suitcase before ordering packing cubes. Business travelers may want eagle creek folders for shirts.
MacNCheese Mom
Sebring, Fl USA 03/30/2013
Saving Luggage $$$
i p/u one of those small travel scales to weigh packages/luggage.
i use it to weigh my packages to ship back home so im not carrying all of my souvenirs from start to finish. most of the POs have a price break around 2 kilos. id rather spend the $$ shiping then hauling extra luggage.
i also carry a roll of shipping tape and preprinted address labels. do the same for any postcards being sent.
Ray
Portland, Or USA 03/15/2013
Smooth clothing
I always pack a small (2-3 oz), empty plastic spray bottle. Fill it with water and lightly spritz wrinkled clothes, smooth clothing with hands, and hang briefly. Wrinkles will drop right out.
Diane
Huntington Woods, MI USA 03/03/2013
wash cloth
I bought baby wash cloths at a local store. They are 3 to a pack, small but big enough for an adult to use and they dry overnight.
Lynn
Williamsburg, VA USA 02/20/2013
Packing
I like to save shampoo samples that come in the mail, because they are flat. Also, for women, I love what I call the "mom" cover-up. Basically, they are ultra-thin handkerchief jackets that have no buttons and go great with t-shirts or tank tops, so you can take them on and off according to the temps and situation. Also, lightweight skirts for women, in summer. Helps with the heat, they don't wrinkle, and you can dress up or down.Plus, they can be worn several times without being gross. One thing about all these toiletries; water is the universal solvent. We Americans use way too many "products". A brief shower in the middle of the day to wash off the sweat and grime is good, but shampoo is not necessary on a daily basis. Also, England is filled with charity shops, so I buy umbrellas, jackets, etc., according to my needs. Then, I can leave them behind when I do not need them anymore, making room for any goodies I want to take home.
Lorretta
Houston, Texas USA 02/07/2013
Pickpocket protection
If you don't want to use a lock while walking about, safety pins, or small caribiners, clipping together two zippers on a pack compartment, will add one small layer of pickpocket protection.
Greg S.
Mechanicsburg, PA USA 01/11/2013
Contact Lens Containers
Even after traveling with carry-on-only since 1998, I found another way to pack some liquids. I just returned from our first cruise, where I had to "dress" every night, which meant I wanted to take makeup I usually don't travel with. Namely, liquid "primer" and moisturizing "foundation". I only need a small dab of each of these, so I found an el cheapo contact lens case (light plastic type), I cut it in two with tin snips, and filled them with my products. Even with that small amount, I barely put a dent in their volume, so I was so glad I hadn't used more of my 1-quart-bag space limit by using larger containers.
Vivian
Kingston, Ontario Canada 01/04/2013
Dry laundry soap
I don't know why people bother with small amounts of liquid laundry soap. I will either use the hotel's shampoo or use a small amount of dry laundry detergent I take with me. I pack a small amount of High Effeciency (low-sudsing) powder for Cold Water (i.e. Tide). It's very concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way, and isn't a "liquid".
Vivian
Kingston, Ontario Canada 01/04/2013
Weather in Ireland
Michael Arloski
Fort Collins, CO USA 06/27/2012
I hope you made it to Ireland and found out they don't say "top o the mornin". Dress in layers. There is no one size-fits-all jacket for Ireland. Just make sure you always have an umbrella or decent raincoat at that time of year. It can come down hard and heavy at times even on a soft fine day.
Jim Topczewski
Scottsdale, AZ USA 12/26/2012
Travel Tip
I pack bubble wrap saved from my online purchases and use it to super wrap my souvenirs so they don't break as I travel. // If I choose to have a merchant mail something home for me I take plenty of photos before I leave the store. If the package doesn't arrive I have photos to email to the merchant so they can replace it.
Jim
Topczewski, AZ USA 12/26/2012
Extra eyeglasses
While it has never happened, I would not be able to function if my eyeglasses broke. I always pack an extra old pair just in case.
Jan
Punta Gorda, FL USA 11/19/2012
Quick dry shirts
To help keep your luggage super light our travel club recommends quick dry shirts you can get at REI or Nike. They use lightweight polyester fabric that drys super quick and keeps sweat and moisture off your body. They are great because 2-4 shirts is all you need for any trip regardless of length. Just wash with soap and water in hotel sink and let dry over night.
Steve
San Francisco, CA USA 11/12/2012
jewelry "case"
I use a weekly pill tray (the kind with a little square for each of the days of the week) for my earrings or rings.
JDV
SC USA 11/09/2012
Packing Creative Extras
REI Quick Drying Washcloth
Even the four star hotels in the Alps do not offer washcloths. In one hour following a shower, the washcloth was dry! Just one of the American habits which makes a shower more pleasant.
Lee Marsh
Weston, MA USA 10/23/2012
Sink laundry
Several other travelers have mentioned flat sink stoppers, clothes line and hangers for in-room laundry. I bring a couple inflatable hangers--they pack flat and dry shirts faster since they hold the garment apart. I wash clothes with Travelon laundry soap sheets. I've used liquid shampoo to spot treat stains, but recently discovered an extra travel toothbrush worked well to scrub out a stubborn food stain.
Deb
Fort Collins, CO USA 10/21/2012
Carry-on liquids
I've managed to pare down the liquids I have to fit in the quart ziploc to carry on the plane. I've switched to mineral makeup and small brushes, so the only liquid makeup I have is mascara. I use Eco-dent tooth powder instead of toothpaste. Most hotels provide liquid soap/shampoo, so I only bring a small amt to get started, and use bar soap instead of body wash. This leaves room in the ziploc for some extras like hydrocortisone and neosporin.
Deb
Fort Collins, CO USA 10/21/2012
B&B Stays
Bring your own soap, shampoo and wash cloth. Many B&Bs will not supply these.
B. Hallet
Davis, CA USA 10/13/2012
Rick Steves money belt
When I wasn't using my hidden money belt, it made a great eye mask for sleeping.
Marilyn
La Mesa, Ca USA 10/10/2012
Pack a pillow case
I always take an empty, brightly colored, pillow case. Easy to pack, and I can use it for an extra pillow (by stuffing it with a sweater), or as a dirty laundry bag, or to cover my dirty shoes when packing for home, or to wrap souvenirs for the trip home. Being brightly colored, I won't forget and leave it on the hotel bed.
GA
Morristown, NJ USA 09/18/2012
Packing Creative Extras
I pack a few small paper plates, plastic knives, forks, spoons and napkins in a ziplock bag for alfresco picnics. It's so much easier and cheaper than buying packs of them when you are choosing your picnic food.
Jackie Williams
London, ON Canada 09/18/2012
Luggage Tags & Itinerary List
When traveling Internationally my wife and I always include an Itinerary List inside our luggage tags. I include the 'from' and 'to' dates, Hotel name, city/country location and hotel phone number. The list is placed behind the visible name tag containing my first name only with last name initial and the phrase "My Itinerary is enclosed. If luggage is found please remove and contact me." This will allow your lost luggage to catch up with you regardless of your present location rather than listing your 'home address' which is the last place you want your luggage to end up while still in Europe.
Robert M.
St. Louis, MO USA 09/11/2012
ziplocks!
We always pack ziplock bags in a couple of sizes, and a small collapsable lunch cooler.
Leftovers from a meal, sandwiches made from a hotel breakfast bar... all contribute to an inexpensive picnic lunch or dinner.
Nan
Jacksonville, FL USA 08/28/2012
Head lamp
A very useful item is an LED headlamp that straps around your head. It's very useful when you need extra light for reading maps and books or for reading in bed or to walk through a dark bedroom at night without disturbing others. And since you are in Europe you never know if you'll stumble upon some long abandoned grotto where a good light might be necessary!
Kurt
Sheffield Lake, Ohio, USA 08/24/2012
Sink Stopper
A universal bath stopper. Too many times I have ended up with no stopper - not a problem except when I want to do a bit of washing. Just leave it in the suitcase for the next trip.
Lesley
Sidney, BC Canada 08/08/2012
Things to pack
Bring a tiny calculator (available at dollar stores) or make up a chart of dollars to euros so you can immediately see what something is costing you.
Bring a small pair of binoculars so you can zoom in on wildlife or beautiful vistas when hiking. They also come in handy when viewing artwork on church ceilings!
Some hotels and apartments don't have great sound barriers, and if you're like me, you want it quiet when sleeping. So remember to take ear plugs with you. If those aren't enough, consider buying a small sound machine to listen to at night. It helps lull you to sleep and drowns out any street noise.
Lastly, bring your own pillowcase. They are nice to have on airplanes and trains so you can rest your head on anything and not worry about germs. They also double as something to put dirty clothes in, or as a sack to carry things in, say when you go to the beach.
Beau
Saunderstown, RI USA 08/05/2012
Bathroom Comfort Abroad
When I travel to destinations that may have questionable toilet facilities I always take a "potty pak". This is a discreet fanny pack filled with toilet seat covers, kleenex, baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and a few coins for the "bathroom lady" if there is one. I can go to almost any place and feel confident. Plus my hands are free to hold my skirt, or keep my pant legs off the floor.
Julia
Portland, OR USA 07/16/2012
Compression socks
Just spent 3 weeks traveling around the UK and found that my ankles were swollen from day one (from the plane trip and then from all the walking/standing). I finally picked up a pair of compression socks (found them at M&S in their travel gear as "travel socks") and that made an enormous difference. Much less swelling, especially on the long plane trip home. Will never travel without them now! If your feet or ankles swell, try this.
Kaye
Seattel, W USA 07/12/2012
shampoo & conditioner
For those who don't want to pack liquid shampoo and conditioner, Lush.com offers some solid ones. I've tried them and they are very good.
Stephanie
North Tustin, CA USA 07/09/2012
Collapsible Plastic Glass
I find many hotel rooms do not have a water glass by the sink. I take a collapsible plastic glass w/ cover - find in drug store near pill containers. Pack in ziplock w/ toothbrush (refillable toothpaste reservoir in handle). One of the most useful things I take. Also a little cloth in ziplock w. sunscreen, for wiping off hands).
Can Fem
Victoria, BC USA 07/07/2012
Smelly travel
A tiny jar of Vic's Vapor rub goes everywhere with me. A little dab under
your nose will masks the smells that come along with travel.
F.M
Boise, ID USA 07/06/2012
Making Travel Easier
- Masking tape and a steak knife traveled with me for 20 years as a flight attendant. Check the knife (now) with the tip in a cork in a cardboard paper-towel roll.
- Magnifying mirror with suction cups (stick on the window for better light).
- Alarm clock whose bell you like - others get me up in a nasty mood.
- Snacks; Babybel cheese in the red wax, bagel flats, individual brownies, drink powder for water bottles... anytime, anywhere satisfy a hunger immediately. Bring a covered plastic storage container to place fresh fruit in to avoid bruises in your tote.
- Water in a PUR collapsible bottle. Fill it where you can, always have a drink ready (saves many euros when you just want a little water).
- Print out condensed cheat-sheets (itinerary, addresses, phone numbers) for every traveler ESPECIALLY if you were the planner... no one copied all that you sent them, so don't get frustrated.
- Have a plan IN CASE you get separated... our plan now is to get off at the next stop and wait for the missing party. Know the number of the travel phone that someone should have. If the lost one has the phone... plan to call the hotel and leave messages for each other. Know how to use the local phones.
- Duty-free isn't a great deal vs. US prices, BUT can be a very good buy depending upon destination. If you prefer your favorite spirits to the local beverages, check destination prices before the flight.
- I always pack my hanging clothes 2 per wire hangar, cover all in dry-cleaner bag, then fold in half and place in suitcase, carry-on or checked. They stay almost wrinkle-free and unpack in a sec.
Pat R G
Marietta, GA USA 07/05/2012
Best Men's Jacket for Ireland in September
Will be in Ireland the later half of September this year and am wondering what could be my best most-everyday jacket (middle-aged man) choice. Trip will be a combination of city time in Dublin and about 8-10 more days traveling about the countryside. Would a lined leather jacket be too heavy? I can certainly bring a Gore-tex type rain jacket and wear sweaters underneath, but am wondering what men have found to be their real go-to favorites? Thanks and Top o' The Mornin' to You!
Michael Arloski
Fort Collins, CO USA 06/27/2012
Spray Water
My salon sells small containers of spray-on Evian water. At the salon, they use it to spritz women, sitting under hot hair dryers. Traveling, I use it on airplanes, trains, and walking tours to give myself a much needed "wake up" and refresher. I have also used it with student travelers who were feeling a bit ill. It's a great pick-me-up.
Leilani
Dallas, TX USA 06/20/2012
Travel Use Ultralight Camping Gear
Sometimes ultralight camping gear such as the Thermarest Neo-air Trekker air mattress (less than 2 pounds and packs small), a Cocoon air pillow (about 4 oz and packs about the size of a baseball), and a light microfiber blanket can come in handy if travel lodging doesn't work out as planned such as not enough bedding for your group size. The pillow and blanket can add comfort on commercial flights. All can add comfort on military Space A flights if they let you sleep on the floor. Added bennie: they are super comfortable and need not be used just for travel.
Dan
Morgantown, WV USA 06/18/2012
Money Belt
I love the security of a money belt but found it inconvenient. I decided to sew pockets on the inside of some my clothing (shirts, shorts and even in the lower leg of my jeans). Now I can keep my passport and the bulk of my money securely hidden.
Janet F
Shreveport, LA USA 05/30/2012
Mail things home!
If you stumble across something you really like, and have to buy it but don't have room for it... mail it home! I mail filled journals back to my house for safe keeping :)
Chants
San Diego, Califo USA 05/27/2012
Luggage locks? Another idea!
Instead of using luggage locks, I use plastic cable ties, available at any hardware store. I use them to keep my duffle's zippers from opening (happened to me once). Upon arrival, I cut them off with fingernail clippers.
Stan
Moraga, CA USA 05/26/2012
Dryer Sheets
I always tuck in a couple of dryer sheets in a ziploc bag as some laundromats don't carry them. They also work great to alleviate static cling on dresses, skirts and blouses by just rubbing the dryer sheet on the underside of the clothing. It also helps to "freshen up" the smell of your clothes.
Hana
Fort Collins, CO USA 05/13/2012
Art Supplies
If you want to keep an art journal, several suppliers make little holders for half pan hard watercolors. Mine holds eight colors and is about the size of a medium sized point and shoot digital camera. Unlike other paints, they're solid so they go through security.
Solid Chinese ink works too. One stone, one bamboo brush, and a paper plate and you are ready to paint--in black and white anyway.
Jenny
Salem, OR USA 05/11/2012
Best stuff to take
Pack light, with interchangeable pieces. If you don't wear it here, you won't wear it there. Comfortable shoes. Laundry: to handwash, take small packets of laundry soap, clothesline (the one Rick Steves sells is awesome), plastic hangers, and a couple of cheap wooden clothespins. Never assume your clothes will be dry by the next morning. Take a few big ziplock bags to put dirty clothes in. Take those little Wisp toothbrushes in your carry-on so you can "brush your teeth" when you arrive. I love the Travex skorts from Eddie Bauer, paired with a Land's End t-shirt and sandals. Also, the polo dresses from Land's End are great for travel. Makeup: less is good! Moist towelettes, tinted moisturizer with SPF in it, and your favorite night moisturizer, and you are good to go. I actually have my eyelashes tinted at the beauty salon so I don't have to wear mascara. Best thing ever!! Also, pack a very light weight tote bag inside your suitcase in case you need an extra carry-on. I took my iPad when I went to Italy so I could download photos in the evening and clean off camera memory cards. Speaking of cameras, unless you are a pro, you only need a good point-and-shoot for great photos. I recommend the Panasonic Lumix with its extremely long optical zoom and high resolution. Absolutely stunning photos, and fits in my pocket. I would also recommend sticking a bar of soap in your suitcase for each city you are going to visit. That's the one thing I found to be very sparse. OR you can buy a lovely bar of locally made scented soap when you arrive at your destination. Space Bags are awesome (the kind you roll up, not the kind you use the vacuum cleaner to deflate). If you insist on taking along a lot of clothes, you can put them into these bags and compress them down for more room in your suitcase. Of course, it just means you can pack more and your suitcase will weigh more.
Thanks to Rick Steves and the two week Italy tour (Venice, Florence, and Rome), I learned how to pack light. The rule at my house is: if you buy it, you have to carry it. With that rule in mind, remember that you will be hauling around whatever you take with you. You really don't need to take flashlights, door wedges, pillows, towels, etc., unless you are going to a third-world country where that stuff isn't available. Europe is wonderful and full of conveniences (although I was shocked by the hole in the floor toilets I saw in Trieste, Italy).
Karen
Overland Park, KS USA 05/04/2012
Washcloth Replacement
Instead of packing washcloths, I carry a bunch of Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths. NOT the premoistened ones. These are about the same size as washcloths, already have cleanser on them, and can be tossed after you use them. They weigh nothing and take up almost no room, and I never miss using a real washcloth.
Julie
Queens, NY USA 04/28/2012
broken jewellery
I still like to travel with a bit of costume jewellery as it can break the monotony of wearing the same clothes.
So I always pack a tiny pair of jewellery pliers. I can fix links that come apart, beads that come off shepherds hooks etc. Many fellow travellers have appreciated my having this little device.
Pat
Calgary, AB Canada 04/21/2012
Binder Clips
I always take a few small, medium, and large binder clips with me on all my trips. They work to hang clothes to dry, keep window curtains together, weights for shower curtains - hate when they blow up and makes a mess (also on cruises), clips open bags shut, and so on. Every trip I find something to use them for numerous times. Well worth it. Can buy them at the local office supply store.
Jody
CA USA 04/16/2012
Wipes!
Individually packaged wet wipes or flushable baby/toilet paper wipes. Multiple uses: hand/face wiping, baby bottom wiping, emergency (though damp) nose tissue and bathroom toilet paper. For toilet paper crisis - only use a flushable wipe. Otherwise, toss it in the garbage for the sake of plumbing.
Barb
Sebring, Fl USA 04/09/2012
Packing pills
I pack my pills in little (2"x3") plastic bags which I found at Walmart near the plastic pill boxes. Other drug stores have them but they are not as heavy duty. I mark the bags AM or PM and put them all in a plastic bag. That way I don't have to use the plastic pill boxes which take up space even as they are emptied. The pill bags can be saved and still don't take up space. They can be used again for future trips.
Dee
Evergreen, CO USA 04/01/2012
Travel with little or no liquids
When planning for my upcoming trip to Europe I was troubled about how I could possibly get all my liquids into 1 quart sized zip lock bag. So I looked at a few options... At a local travel store I found sheets for shampoo, conditioner, etc.. but was concerned they would be bad for my sensitive skin. Then I remembered that Lush sells lots of solid products. I found solid shampoo, conditioner, body moisturizer (body butter that looks like soap but is used in the shower), hand and body soap, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, hand moisturizer, perfume, and even tooth paste (toothy tabs). What this means for me is the only liquid products I will need bring on my trip are hand sanitizer and hair styling products (curl cream, hair spray, that sort of thing). Word of warning LUSH is not cheap but worth every penny.
Vanessa Smith
Seattle, WA USA 03/10/2012
creative packing
Buy a 3 or 6 pack of matching socks (black and white)--if you lose, damage or fail to dry one sock you will not have to scrap the other.
I also pack an oversized white t shirt to be used as a pillow case, beach cover up, nightgown, beach bag/towel, undershirt for warmth...and endless other possibilities
Sue McGill
Edina, Mn USA 03/09/2012
Packing Tips
I'm in a wheeelchair (manual) but also a frequent traveler. I just returned from touring China.My favorite place for acessability is Lucca, Italy (that town wall is amazing.) But my packing tip is good for any beach or picnic vacation, handicap orotherwise. not. Pack one of those cheap, old-time plastic tablecloths, peferably with felt on one side and plastic on the other. They're great for:
Picnis on the hood of your rental, in a park or where ever.
Beach blanket. (Felt side up.)
Rain protection - for wheelchairs and anything else you want to keep dry, even you.
I love multi-tasking.
Happy traveling.
Linda Huebner
Linda Huebner
St Louis, Miss USA 03/04/2012
Lightweight purse/bag
I take two or three colorful eco-grocery bags, on which I have sewn Velcro closings. The bags roll up in compact packages and best of all look more like grocery bags than purses. They are lightweight and easy to clutch in a crowd...and I don't need to worry about carrying a heavy purse.
Sally J.
Burlington, NC USA 02/24/2012
Germany & washcloths
@Patricia, I can most certainly assure you that Germans do use washcloths. They simply consider them too personal an item to share, so travel with their own. Any German department store sells washcloths, and every German home I've visited has had them, as has every German guest that has visited mine.
Machtnichts
Austin, TX USA 02/02/2012
keeping track of travel info
One trick I have for keeping track of my passport, itinerary, money, emergency contact papers and other important information is putting it all in a very bright green cloth pencil bag with plastic window. It's got a zipper so secure, it's flat, fits in my bag and the window allows me to see stuff without having to open it. I add a couple empty bank envelopes for receipts or ticket/museum stubs The nice thing is that it's got a hole in the corner of the bag so you can clip it inside your bag-for extra security. My friends laugh but I know where everything is when I travel.
tammy
tri-cities, wa USA 01/17/2012
Must for ladies
Ladies - one of the best things I've ever packed for travel is from www.thePakstore.com. They have these very small (about the size of your palm) little bags that hold 30 essentials in a very organized/small way. Small scissors, emery board, floss, toothpaste, lotion, hand wipes, tissue....list goes on and on. Seriously, it's a must!
Sarah
San Francisco, CA USA 01/16/2012
Important extras
1. Soft, disposable washcloths - by Johnson and Johnson.
2. Clothepins - to hang lingerie after washing, or to keep curtains closed tighter, & many other uses.
3. Coins and bill in the currency of the country you are traveling to.
4. Small compass that has velcro closure and is worn around the wrist.
5. Scarf for sudden showers or to cover shoulders in a church
Linda
Broomfield, CO USA 01/07/2012
Tips
Save tiny containers to repackage and reduce the size of cosmetic and drug packing. Spray athletic shoes and luggage with waterproofing spray. Make a luggage "raincoat" for small wheeled bag using a stretch kitchen garbage bag. Take tiny metal clamps to use as clothespins and a couple of wire coathangers. Use the bathroom wastebasket placed in the shower to launder a few things at night and hang them in the shower to drip dry.
LEE
BRADENTON, FL USA 01/06/2012