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
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Julie - you put the rubber doorstop on your side of the door (inside the room) so that if someone tries to open (push) the door from outside, the doorstop stops the door after it opens only a crack and keeps them from gaining entry. It could probably be forced open anyway, but the idea is to deter someone from entering. Any resistance and they will probably move on rather than risk being caught.
USA 07/03/2009
Fresh clothing
When travelling to Europe, I always place one fabric softener dryer sheet on the top and bottom of my suitcase. Everything will smell fresh like right out of your dryer. The fragrance is up to you, it's cheap, and very effective. Actually, I do this on all my trips now.
Doug Kinney
Suwanee, GA USA 07/02/2009
re room safety
I understand what Elisa said about the door locks not changed a lot, but I don't see what the rubber doorstop will do to prevent someone from coming in.
Julie
Chicago, IL USA 07/01/2009
Snack
I pack breakfast bars, granolas, dried fruits & nuts, petite carrots in snack size ziploc bags to snack on when I arrive the following day in Europe. By the time I get to my hotel and find a place to eat, I am extremely hungry and these snacks are great to tie me over.
Rawya Tullgren <email>
Libertyville, IL USA 06/30/2009
watercolor pencils
Capture some local color with a lightweight kit consisting of a dozen watercolor pencils, a few graphite pencils, a small brush, and a thin sketchbook. The watercolor pencils work as well as conventional colored pencils for sketching, but will do much more for you when combined with the brush and water. An internet search will reveal many sites with tips and techniques. If not accustomed to creating your own art, this is an inexpensive, non-intimidating place to start. Consider buying your supplies on arrival in Europe; you will most likely benefit from the shopowner's friendly interest and advice.
Frank Davis <email>
Chicago, IL USA 06/18/2009
Funky room odors are bye bye when I bring my Method aroma ring refills. They're flat little disks with a concentrated gel scent. I leave the ring at home and store the refill in a plastic baggie while traveling between locations.
Hannah
Forest Hills, NY USA 06/10/2009
Carrying emergency info
Another trick for writing down credit card numbers for emergencies is to put a fake entry into your address list. Even then I will slightly modify the numbers for an extra level of security.
monk1999
USA 06/02/2009
Suitcases and Bathrooms
The #1 thing I would recommend is a combo backpack/rolling suitcase. You can pack a lot in these things and it’s great if you’re navigating stairs, uneven/brick sidewalks, or crowded train stations and airports. And a lot of B&Bs in Europe don't have elevators! These are also a must for navigating Venice, where walking and stairs are unavoidable. Plus knowing that you’ll be carrying it on your back will help you keep the packing down! Mine is an Eagle Creek “Switchback 22.” They are expensive, but I’ve had mine for almost 8 years and too many miles to count and it’s still in great shape!
Other recommendations: Take a bunch of disinfecting Handi-wipes in the little foil packets. You can put them in a Ziploc baggie to keep organized and they won’t dry out if you don’t close the baggie right. These are great for a quick face/hand cleaning or for cleaning off the sink handles and toilet seats on a train or plane. Also, take a roll of toilet paper off of the cardboard tube and put it in a baggie in your daypack. Then you’re never without clean toilet paper or Kleenex.
Gina
Denver, CO USA 06/01/2009
We do as Barry suggests, but on our Spring 2009 Italy trip we also loaded eveything on to a zip drive. When we couldn't find our car rental voucher, it was easy to down load a full size copy from the drive.
USA 05/29/2009
Travel document backup
Thanks to Rick and other travel writers, we know to take photocopies of passport, license, etc. To that, I now add a wallet-sized paper with every piece of vital information on in: License and passport numbers; emergency home contact numbers; travel insurance and health insurance id numbers and contact info; credit and debit card emergency phone number (with first 4 and last 4 account numbers only recorded); reservation id numbers and contact info for all booked accommodations; all flight numbers, times, and booking numbers; list of medications; anything else of importance. All of this fits on a half-sheet of paper. Make copies, fold them up, and secrete them in multiple safe pockets and compartments. Then, loss of travel documents may not cause devastating problems.
Barry
Citrus Springs, FL USA 05/28/2009
Daily facial cloths (dry)
"Dove Daily Facials" or other similar dry cloths that already have "soap" in them make decent (disposable)washcloths. I also cut them into eighths and carry a few in ziploc snack bag. They make a nice sudsy hand wash with a little water from your bottle. I'd much rather wash off the dirt than rub it around with alcohol gel.
Kathy <email>
Snohomish, WA USA 05/25/2009
Re: Vitamin E Capsules
Just a note regarding the recommendation of vitamin E capsules. Some people have really bad reactions to liquid vitamin E (myself included!). It can cause a bad rash and be very uncomfortable, not to mention it does nothing to heal a wound. Make sure to test it out before you travel!
Ashley
Victoria, BC Canada 05/22/2009
calculating sunrise/sunsets
This is a great website for figuring out what time to be at that beautiful vantage point to watch the sunset!
www.timeanddate.com
Bekah
Toronto , ON Canada 05/10/2009
Room safety
Hotels don't change the room locks very often, so you never know how many people have a key to your room. I never travel without packing a small rubber doorstop.
Elisa
Novato, CA USA 05/10/2009
Contact Lens Cases for Liquids
I can get far more liquid/gel products in my ziplock by packing them in the little contact lens cases. It is surprising how much one of those holds. I use them for face soap, foundation, hair gel, sunscreen, etc.
Jill
IA USA 05/03/2009
A clean face EASY!
I buy dry, Oil of Olay disposable face cloths, cut them in half and put them in a zip-lock. They are still plenty big, weigh nothing and don't have to be squeezed into my already overstuffed quart zip-lock bag for liquids in my carry-on.
Brenda <email>
Johnstown, CO USA 05/02/2009
wearing jeans in Italy
When preparing for a recent trip to Italy, I read on many travel sites and in travel books that jeans are not commonplace in Italy. Wrong. We saw them on everyone, in all cities in which we traveled: Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre and Rome. However, they were predominantly "skinny" jeans, tight at the ankle. Levis will definitely make you stand out as an American but then again so does your haircut, your shoes, your sunglasses, your backpack...
Theresa
Raleigh, NC USA 04/27/2009
Cosmetics/Face Creams
With the restrictions on creams and lotions, I have collected samples of various beauty products. DHC is especially nice because they send 2 samples with every catalogue. Their products are quite good and you get 4 samples with each purchase.
Ginny <email>
Largo, FL USA 04/20/2009
Here we go again - Throwing clothing away
The novices come back to this board...."let's all wear our cruddy clothing while we travel, and simple throw it away." (2 posts down)
PLEASE. dress nicely, and DONATE your unwanted clothing to a shelter or church in your area. You can pack light without tossing your clothing around the globe.
Citizen of the World
USA 04/14/2009
Wear disposable clothes
I've been over to Europe about 9 times, and one of the best tips I can give "light packers", is to wear disposable clothes the first day(s) of the trip.
When flying over to Europe, I wear clothes that I simply throw away once I arrive. And I mean sox and underwear too. That way I don't have to pack them in my backpack. I prefer to travel very light, and this leaves room for additional purchases.
TravelDood
Santa Cruz, CA USA 04/13/2009
Comfy
Last year I travelled for 5 weeks through Europe and would have died without my blow up travel pillow and sleep sheet. Loved them for trains and hostels and airplanes. Go get both!!!
Amanda
Edmonds, WA USA 04/08/2009
Travelling with kids
I am a bit of a pack rat, when it comes to traveling with kids. A few items i always bring with me:
(1) seat cushions, like the ones you would bring to a stadium. They are light, take up little space and are indispensable in museums and on guided walks.
(2) head phone "splitters". You can rent one audio guide and use it for two people
(3) ketchup and soy sauce - ok, don't laugh, but it made all the difference for my 8 & 12 year olds, as well asfor my (Japanese) third child = husband
(4) ipod charger with two plugs (WalMart for 15) - no fighting over who gets to charge his/hers first
(5) "miner's" flash lights - double up as reading lights and night lights (again WalMart in the camping section)
(6) bungee cords and clips - you can never have too many of those. Not only can you hang laundry, but organize backpacks, wrap one up around the jacket and hang onto the backpack, etc
Dina <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA 04/05/2009
Air Freshener
I always take a "concentrated room spray" from Bath & Body Works whenever I travel. They are less than 3oz. and cost $5. I've used the same can for more than two years of traveling. I've used it in airport restrooms, stores and out in the open. One tiny squirt produces a lot of fragrance. Not only will your nose thank you but chances are so will somebody else. In a pinch you can also use as perfume.
Tamara
BG, OH USA 04/04/2009
packing tip
I love packing light and will never go back to a heavy bag. I've found including a pair of flip flops is really handy -- better than slippers for relaxing in the hotel room and they can double as shoes in the morning if you want to have enjoy your coffee early before being fully "dressed out" for a day of touring.
Willa
Thousand Oaks, CA USA 04/03/2009
Cosmetic / Medical
Tiny vitamin E gel caspules are very useful. Prick the 'skin' to release a gel which can be applied to sunburns and blisters, as well as puffy eyes and wrinkles. Left for a few hours, the puncture 'heals'. Happy travels!
Beks
NY , NY USA 04/03/2009
Brochures/Maps from Sites
I have e-mailed the tourist information offices on the web for various sites (i.e. Versailles) and have received in the mail wonderful brochures and maps. Good to have a lay of the land before arriving.
Maire <email>
CA USA 03/27/2009
Easy Travel Plate
I'm sure that someone has already though of this.
A Frisbee is not only a fun and light toy. But it makes a great picnic plate. Waterproof and the grapes don't roll off the edge!!!!
Michael Huestis
Tehachapi, Ca. USA 03/13/2009
Returning my mail on travels.
I write the names and address of people on envelopes before I leave from home. I send a short note with a preaddressed envelope. If I don't, I might as well not go home. Emailing isn't accessible. $$
Edward
California, USA 03/09/2009
Hand Washing Clothes
DON'T PACK...liquid soap/detergent for clothes. Instead, buy some in a small tube at the local grocery or drugstore for about $3-5. We have found it in Holland, France, Italy, Germany(REI) and clothes have never come out cleaner.
Bea
New York, NY USA 03/06/2009
Money Organizer
Snack size baggies are perfect to organize notes of money for different countries. They fit in a money belt perfectly. I take notes of 5 lbs. or $$$ depending on the countries I visit. I can get a cheap lunch on the go, or other small items without the worry of extra money to carry around.
Ole C.
Mobile, Alabam USA 03/04/2009
Labels
I bring adhesive printed labels of my family and friends with some envelopes and postcards. If I have labels, I don't forget anyone! Once, I even sent 2 to the same person, and forgot someone. It's a breeze to respond to my mail.
Joseph
CA USA 03/04/2009
Travel Necessities
I take preprinted labels, and an internationsl calling card to keep up with my special people while I'm on travels. If I foget someone speical who's been good to me, I'm duck food. I need to email a response just to say "hi".
Penny
USA 03/04/2009
Wool, Wool, Wool
If you want to pack less clothes, wear wool! They now sell wool undershirts, underwear and socks that feel like synthetic material. No itching. The best part is you can wear them 2-3 days and wool doesn't smell. It dries extremely quickly when you hand wash it as well. It is not cheap, but it works great when you travel.
John <email>
leesburg, va USA 03/02/2009
Postcard Labels
I have made up a sheet of address labels on my computer and when I'm going on a trip, I just print out a sheet or two. They take no space in my bag and I can just stick them on the postcards. Saves time and I am more likely to send a card if I don't have to get out my address book and write all the addresses. Next trip, all I have to do is print another sheet.
Grandma Jean <email>
Montevideo, MN USA 02/28/2009
Few small extras - just in case.
I always take along a roll of duct tape - just in case my luggage starts to fray (which happened in Krakow) or if something needs to be temporarily held together. Also, a few zip-lock baggies for things like loose change, or medication. It's easy to find what you're looking for in a hurry since they're clear. And, I always take a small bottle of Febreeze and a few laundry dryer sheets. They help with static cling and luggage that may get that "travel smell".
Celeste
CANADA 02/20/2009
Zip Lock Bags
Zip Lock now makes vacuum bags. They are inexpensive and so is the little hand pump to use with them. Bought mine at Wal-Mart. They come in quart and gallon size. After to insert your item, and zip, you simply pump out the air. Using this for all my liquids that go in my checked luggage. I use them all the time for meat in the freezer - no more freezer burn.
Marie
CA USA 02/20/2009
Clear Plastic
You know those heavy clear plastic, zippered bags that sets of sheets come in? They are great for toiletries etc. Both you and TSA can see inside without opening.
Steve
Richmond, va USA 02/20/2009
Packing extras
Every time I go to London I admire the gorgeous flowers for sale by street vendors. This time I will pack an unbreakable vase that I can leave in the hotel room. I will then be able to add something extra to an already enjoyable situation.
Linda Landry <email>
Donaldsonville, LA USA 02/18/2009
Travel Shoes
I take my water rafting sandals as my extra pair of shoes. They come in handy for river and fountain wadding. Just call me the waterworks queen.
Cloe
Jersey USA 02/09/2009
Laundry
I dont travel without a universal plug because few hostels and hotels provide them, and dental floss, which is very strong, and can be used as a washing line.
Margaret <email>
nanaimo, B.C. USA 02/07/2009
Cheapies
I collect packets of sugar, ketsup and other staples from restaurants for my travels. I take foil packets of wet wipes for free food samples and wine tasting I have a knack for finding.
Ettel
Nebraska, USA 02/06/2009
Freebies
Loved all the tips. In cafes etc. I always bring a few of the little packets of salt, sugar, ketchup etc home and keep for travelling. Also, tea bags and idividual instant coffee sticks, little packs of jam and cheese supplied at breakfast in most hotels.
Catherine <email>
BELMULLET, mayo Ireland 02/05/2009
Substitute wash cloth
Budget hotels in Europe and South America often don't provide wash cloths. I need one to wash my face, and rather than lugging my own (too bulky) I travel with a round, disposable makeup sponge or two. The ones I like are white on one side and a coarser pink on the other. They work well and dry quickly.
Elizabeth
Mercer Island, wa USA 02/05/2009
more on iPhone
For iPhones, rather than remove SIM, I think you can also just turn "data roaming" to off, to avoid the HUGE data roaming charges. You can also buy data roaming blocks in advance, and save a lot of money that way too.
C.M.
CO USA 02/04/2009
Travel Hat
Viola! I take a cloth hat for European travels. When I go into the churches, it folds right up into a pocket or purse. I spray it with scotch guard to keep it waterproof to double as a rain hat.
Jeanette
USA 01/29/2009
Address labels/plastic bags
Before I leave for a trip, I run a sheet of address labels containing family/friends addresses. Then, when it's time to send postcards -voila -just peel and stick! I also use large-size sealing plastic bags for packing instead of paying lots for those "packing cubes." Just fill a bag with carefully rolled clothes, seal most of the way, sit on it (yes, sit on it!) to squeeze most of the air out, then finish zipping closed. Takes up much less room.
Holly
Durham, USA 01/28/2009
Fix broken fingernails
I broke an acrylic nail on vacation in Italy and couldn't find a salon to fix it. I know it's a small thing, but I felt very self-conscious with this botched up fingernail. So now I carry a set of press on nails. I take them out of the cardboard packaging and put them in a small plastic bag along with the nail polish that I have had my manicurist use on my nails. Even though I haven't needed them since that time, I have peace of mind.
Lee
Napa, CA USA 01/28/2009
RE: iphone
Iphones are great travel items but unless you are made of money i would suggest taking out the sim card and turning your iphone into an ipod touch with GPS. The international roaming is very pricey. With wifi everywhere; using expensive data charges from cell networks is not needed. but if you like $300 dollar and up phone bills (thats what my bill was) leave the sim card in.
jason
USA 01/11/2009
Inflatable foot bath
Inflatable foot bath from Walmart. Greatest silly thing I ever brought on a trip. Find it in Walmart near the pedicure creams and soaks. About $4, folds flat and comes with fizzys. I used it every night after walking 8+ hours a day in London. Tall enough for the water to go up to mid calf. I also used it as a catchall for odds and ends after it was dried.
Tami <email>
Boulder, CO USA 01/02/2009