Practical Travel Tips #2

One of the added benefits of all the traveling I’ve done throughout the years is the number of traveling tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way, including some unexpectedly useful items I never forget to bring along with me on my travel adventures.  Here are five common items that can be unusually helpful additions to your vacation packing list.

Sealable Bags

One thing I’ve learned never to go without is a supply of Ziploc bags in varying sizes.  In addition to using them to pack toiletries and other liquid items prone to leaking, the empty ones I’ve stashed in the side pocket of my suitcase have come in handy in a number of ways.  I’ve used small ones as ice packs for injuries or for keeping drinks and leftovers cold.  Larger ones I’ve used to store wet bathing suits in for the return trip from the beach or the flight home.  And, depending on the size of the stash, these bags have come in handy when bringing those sea shells and other collectibles home from our family vacations.

Paper Clips

These small wonders have a variety of travel uses.  They make great chip clips for snack bags.  Partially unfolded clips make terrific hooks on which to hang light articles of clothing.  I often use them as bookmarks in the travel guides and other reading materials I pick up during my travels, and have even resorted to using one as a zipper tab on a cooler that lost its own.

A Collapsible Cooler

This is a handy item to consider, especially if you are flying and need to pack light.  It folds neatly and compactly in a suitcase and can be used to store cold drinks and food for a picnic or in a hotel room where a refrigerator might not be readily available.  In addition, the cooler can serve as an extra suitcase on the return trip to tote home those souvenirs or other items that no longer seem to fit in your suitcase.

A Pointed Tip Metal Nail File

Aside from its obvious use, this object can also serve as a handy dandy screwdriver, letter and package opener, or an eyeliner sharpener.  I’ve even used them to open the hard-to-remove seals on my pill bottles.

Plastic Grocery Bags

A great way to recycle these bags is to stash a supply of them in your side suitcase pocket.  I cannot begin to tell you how useful these bags have been for me.  I’ve used them as garbage bags, laundry bags, as well as a water resistant storage bags in which to stash a book or my phone while on the beach or at hotel pool.  They make great makeshift umbrellas too!

The beauty of these items is that they take up little space and can come in handy in a pinch, allowing for a less stressful, more enjoyable vacation.

Life is a journey.  Do you know what kind of traveler you are?  Click HERE to discover your Traveler Personality!