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Essential things to pack for travelling
In this weeks Globe and Mail, there was an article about which items are essential things to pack for travelling “The everyday items you should always pack when travelling” The list included clothespins (to hang up clothes & seal snack bags), duct tape (to fix almost anything) and a beach ball (to blow up and rest your head on while flying – genius, right?). I always like to know what others bring on a trip.
On our recent trip, I provided a small gift to my fellow travel bloggers to use while we were on our trip. The small gift included a plastic envelope to store receipts, a three-compartment bag to store sundry items, breath mints, hand sanitizer and a quick rehydrating face mask. These are all items I find useful.
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There are so many things one can carry and so many we can do without but inevitably, it’s always fun to see what others carry to make their travels easier. I ask a group of friends, a few travel writers and bloggers what are some unusual items which are essential to pack when travelling. Some answers may surprise you and others are genius. They are both practical and a luxury to carry.
Practical things to pack for travelling
- Wine opener – nothing could be further from the truth. As we spent one week in Portugal and the corkscrew broke on the first day. My husband always carries his Swiss army knife for this reason (built-in wine opener, scissors and tweezers).
- Ziplock bags – good to pack all your small bottles while going through security. They saved my bacon when one of my liquid medications spilt. All the mess was contained in that disposable plastic baggy!
Also very good to carry wet bathing suits when you are going from the beach to the plane! - Wet wipes – clean any surface (think remote control and night table) or remove your make-up at night. You can never go wrong packing these essentials
- Hand sanitizer – I have a bottle which attaches to my purse. Easy to access and always useful when you are on the go especially if you pick up something to eat on the fly. Clean hands keep you healthy.
- Dry goods – Food you can add water to – think porridge, ramen noodles, tea bags and instant coffee. These foods can be a quick late-night snack or breakfast when you have a super early flight.
- Toilet Paper/Kleenex – listen to what your mother told you, always have a tissue for that bathroom emergency when there is no more toilet paper. Plus, there is nothing worse than having a runny nose and you’ve only got your shirt sleeve to help.
Unique Travel Items
- Trevis Cup – an insolated thermos mug is always useful for hot or cold beverages. My new favourite is one I received on my recent trip to Coastal Mississippi. It’s half the size of a travel mug but would hold a nice cold drink easily and discreetly.
- Shot Glass and a small lime juicer – I know this seems a bit unnecessary but when you need a Gin & Tonic – STAT, there is no need to be stressed. I have also received a small portable drink tin. They have the recipe and ingredients for a quick cocktail on the go.
- Rad-roller ball massage – new to me, this was suggested by another friend who finds long haul flights hard on her muscles. A quick massage alleviates any pain quickly and easily.
- an HDMI cable or a Roku stick – both of these will help you connect to your favourite Netflix or Prime channel. Both are fairly compact and will get you great TV while on the road!
- Interchangeable earrings– I bought earrings which lets you interchange the colour of the beads so you can carry just one pair of earrings but use them with multiple outfits. I always feel put together!
Small luxuries
- A good friend of mine always travels with a travel steamer and extra hangers. She mentioned there are never enough in a hotel room and I tend to agree. I usually call housekeeping to ask for more hangers but the travel steamer is pretty genius.
- Essential oils and a portable diffuser – another suggestion from a friend. I’d be a bit worried about spillage but if you store them in a ziplock bag you are safe!
- sound cancelling earphones – whether you are waiting in a noisy airport lounge, want to avoid listening to the chatty toddler or you need to concentrate while you wait, this particular item may be a bit bulky and expensive, you will welcome the peace it gives you.
- Kobo H20 Aura – although I now subscribe to Scrib and read books on my phone, I love this particular suggestion from my travel wife – Paula – the Kobo H20 Aura is a waterproof tablet which cuts down on glare and is waterproof so it is safe at the beach and poolside.
Everyone one always has one or two items then just can’t leave home without. For some, it’s a good book for others a journal to write down all those marvellous memories. I take both of these items and a few more.
🥾 Explore: Tours & Experiences
🏡 Where to Stay: Top Accommodations
🚙 Hit the Road: Car Rental Deals
🛫 Get Away: Find Flight Deals
🎒 Shop: Travel Essentials
Hi Margarita,
What a pleasant surprise to discover your blog including our “Bead Stacker” earrings as essential for travel and of course, we totally agree. Thank you and hope you and your family are doing well.
I’m happy to share. I do love them. Since Stratford did not happen this year, I missed seeing your new models. Hopefully, next year.