I could've posted this in any forum, but I'd really like a
woman traveller's viewpoint for this thread. What is it you
*never* travel without--things that make travelling more
comfortable, enlightening, etc. I mean stuff other
than the obvious (underwear, passport...) This is to solicit
ideas to help me pack on a long overseas trip, btw.
My indispensables include a clip-on book light, inflatable
neck pillow, a Pak-towel, and a spray bottle of rubbing
alcohol (great for getting that oily travel grim off hands &
face). Other ideas?
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1. vaseline ... I tend to drink too little when on the road,
so the lips dry and crack, and also a water bottle. saves
you from buying expensive bottled water.
2. fork and spoon ... for the times you want to eat in your
room!
ta.
I always take along a pair of earplugs so that I can
possibly get some sleep in noisy hostels, hotels, camping
spots etc.
A Small bottle of my favourite perfume or scent so that if I ever get to the stage of feeling utterly fed-up, miserable, lonely, a few squirts restore me to feeling good again!
...is great for local music cassettes you buy to bring home and to share with friends you meet on your trip. Also, I bring some of my favourites ones with me in case I feel homesick and a plug-in apparel to save on batteries. Once, in Paros (Greece), I met four other girls from QuΘbec the 24th of June in the morning. Since this is our National Day, I invited them to have ouzo on my balcony before we would go for dinner and dancing greek dances. It was very easy for them to find the place since I had posted our flag on the balcony (with my elastic clothesline I had made by twisting two rows of round elastic) and the landlady even offered fruits and candles to make it more like a party! Have a nice trip!
Laurencia
1.my travel sewing kit. (great for those emergencies like
when your backpack straps suddenly break in the middle of
nowhere)
2. my sarong...multiple uses like a towel, scarf, curtain,
beach-wrap, baby-carryer, bed-sheet, etc , etc make it
indespensable for me.
family, house, friends, cats and dogs. People are
curious about what daily life is like in other
countries--just like us travellers!
I bring a small vial of expensive perfume and dab a
little under my nose for protection in those Asian
hellhole toilets.
Sounds ridiculous but a Petzl Micro takes easy-to-find AA batteries and I swear by mine-I also need my
1) folding tiny scissors
2) favourite pillowcase(just to lay my head on in grotty places)
3)travel scrabble
4)lipstick in case I start feeling a litte too grubby-works wonders for me
not for me but i've herd people who keep an article of
clothing in a ziplock bag and when they absolutely can't go
any longer and need a pickme up they wear that shirt that
still smells like home. also before they finally break down
and wear it they take sneak sniffs
:)
what works for some...
I always bring my journal (and keep my pictures in it) so I
can write down my experiences and then think about them
later. Traveling is so much more than just going from
place to place, but more about what you learn about
yourself, your homeland and how the other alternatives open
your mind. Have a wonderful trip!
... you were suggested to take a walkman with you. I see it as a necessity. The local radios can make you feel more in contact. I also take one tape with the music I like. While writing this I am listening to Joni Mitchell's Night Ride Home which always brings me back to Finland 1996 where I spent an amazing month. I never felt homesick with my well-known music.
Good luck!
Babywipes (there are little travel sizes) - for those
desperately dirty moments when there's no water around
Small map of the world (mostly for poorer countries where
people may not have a concept of where places are) or a map
of the US
A good facial scrub/exfoliant - don't you just feel
scaly/slimy/grimy/nasty when you're on the road?
A pumice stone - all that walking's hard on your feet!
An emery board
LOTS of ponytail holders
Samuel Butler's 'The Way of All Flesh'
Yes....facial scrub is a must for me too.
Samuel Butler!! NO! ARghh! I read that while on the road
and it took me AGES to get through it!
Another thing which I've always carried and often use is...
a pack of cards. Great for whiling away lazy days at the
beach.
I also have a little travellers chess set (which weighs far
too much) that I hardly ever use but loan out to other
travellers often! (bought it cause I wanted to improve my
game but I'd rather play cards!)
Another thing...pens. Always have more than one pen on you.
Whenever I don't have a spare, mine runs dry on me and
you're always needing them.
A tiny little mag-light flashlight. Not just handy, but
possibly a safety issue. Especially in subways when lights
go out (it happens, although rarely, perhaps). Never needed
it for a fire or emergency in a hotel, and hope never to,
but will have it if necessary. There's also a tiny little
Leatherman (Micro version, I think) that has very useful
things, like real scissors, a file, etc. Ear plus and eye
covers (like you get in business class -- or a friend gets
in business class and gives to you!!!) are great for noisy
hotels...and noisy hotels are everywhere (and in very price
range), it seems! A good attitude is essential to have
along, too. Patience...you're not in your native culture,
and respect and curiosity helps. Learning rather than
criticizing....
Baby wipes, ear plugs, sealable plastic bags (glad snap
lock) Big Garbage bags.
definitely a pack of cards - how could I have forgotten??
I also carry a roll of packing tape and a black marker for
sending boxes home. Some of the tape I've found abroad was
pretty dodgy.
My ultimate light-packing useful thing? I type
friends'/relatives' street and email addresses on a
business/calling card size paper (small letters) and
laminate it. It eliminates lugging/losing an address book.
I also put my credit card, calling card and passport
numbers on there.
I always carry a small paper (about 6x8 cm) that is laminated. IActually I have a couple of them. Always one in my pocket and one in my passport.
Here is the text om it:
INFORMATION IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
My name is
Anneli K T Wester
Borm: February 20, 1969
SWEDEN
I have full insurence for medical needs,
please contacy:
SOS:INTER
Tel: + 45-33-27 72 33
Fax: + 45-33-27 72 27
Tell my name, where I am and this:
SWEDEN, FOLKSAM
69 02 20-5001 HE01
Please tell them to contact:
Ove Wester
Tel. +46-31-26 73 xx
Thats about it! You can never be enough prepered for the accident, but you can do the best to survive...
I am a bit paranoid for fires after a very bad burn a couple of years ago (a lost six fingers and my skin isn't to beutiful...). It wasn't while travelling but I'm still is a bit firenut...
I always carry a small firealarm. The size is like a packet of cigrarettes. With that one I can sleep confortable...
I also bring a pocketsize (very small!) termometer. It is fun to see how hot it really is!
Many times it feels good to have a small present to give to people who have done something "extra". I always bring some postcards from my homecountry. They are very estimated!!!
Anneli
One of the items I carry on every overseas trip is a
universal sink stopper. Many places that I've stayed do
not have sink stoppers of any kind and this little item
fits in every size sink and is great when washing out
clothes, using the cold water in the sink as a cooler for
canned or bottled drinks or anything you need to fill the
sink for. I've used plastic bags and other items to try to
fill a sink, but it is much easier with this item that
takes little space in a suitcase. I obtained mine in a
hardware store.
Reading through this post again it seems like there are so
many things which some people deem essential yet which
others would never think about taking. A good thing to
remember is that when you're without some of these things
you can still get by and not having things brings a measure
of freedom too. When I'm travelling longterm I generally
have a pretty loaded bag with things which make life easier
for me. But I don't take these things everywhere, I'll often
leave my big bag in a major city and just take minimal stuff
with me on trips to certain regions. (Where this is
practical of course). I find this gives me a chance to live
minimally and forget about "things" for a while. Then when I
get tired and come back I have little pick-me-ups that gear
me up for the next leg and which I appreciatte all the more
for not having had them for a while.
Just an aside--thanks for everyone's posts! I never
expected to get so many great ideas.
I do not travel without my small swiss army knife, matches,
a small lighter, a small torch, pens, paper, asprin, condoms
/ or dams as the case may be, a book, a scarf ( for scared
sites etc) sewing kit, shoe laces, and the list goes on.....
sevgili Ayla
sayet dogu'ya gidiyorsan klor haplari veya bir kucuk sise
icinde camasir suyu. Hindistan'da cok ise yaradi.
selamlar
one thing I always do is to make copies of all the documents
I'm taking with me (passport, immunisation certificate,
student id, etc.).. and don't forget to jot down credit
card numbers, atm card numbers, traveller cheque numbers
etc. I leave one copy at home, so it can be faxed in case
the originals get stolen. And then I carry another copy in a
different place than the originals.... you can never be too
safe... ;-)
just the sort of thing I was after - I'll have to scribble
it all down now! %^>
A few years ago I read of a woman who was attacked and
killed in Thailand while going to the bathroom at night.
Thus, when I travel I always carry a yogurt or tupperware
container the size of my full bladder. Why? I often have to
pee in the middle of the night and if the toilet is down a
dark, potentially dangerous hall, outside on a cold mountain
(trekking in Nepal), or simply too far away to get to with
my sleep-deprived head I just pee in the container and I'm
safe, warm, not lost and still sleepy enought to fall right
back to sleep again. In the morning I simply put the lid on
it and a towel over it as I go to the loo to empty it out
and wash it. It doesn't take up space in my pack because I
fill it up with socks or underwear etc. when I'm on the
road.
Safe travels everyone.
a roll of TOILET PAPER!
OK, most of the essentials have been named, but here's some
things I take as little luxuries: a loofah and shower gel,
fingernail file, shower shoes. Also, a corkscrew if you like
wine so you can get those pesky bottles open; more than one
pen; silverware for picnics; manila envelopes to keep your
brochures, ticket stubs, postcards; a small notebook, great
to keep a budget, addresses/e-mails of travelers you meet
and to use to write down what you need at train stations,
etc. when there's a language barrier; Ziploc freezer bags,
great to store socks in one, underwear in another -- it
keeps them from getting scattered throughout your backpack,
thus taking up more room that you'll need.
Thanks for the above ideas, I couldn't resist adding a few
thoughts.
* Cetaphil - It's a cleansing product that works just as
well with or without water. Rub it on your face, use a
clean (or semi-clean) cloth to wipe it off. It also leaves
a soft, but not greasy, lotion feel. Two in one!
* Purell - a disinfectant for your hands. It works without
water, rub it on your hands, it evaporates and leaves skin
superclean.
(Both of the above are found in the US, I'm sure there are
comparable products elsewhere -- both are musts!)
* A bandana - it's a washcloth, it's a pot scrubber, it's a
carrycase, it's a hat.
* A locking climbing caribeaner (forgive the spelling) -
great to attach to your pack: allows clothes to dry while
hiking, you can clip on an extra water bottle, also doubles
as an inside-the-room lock on those shady hotel doors.
* a small, keychain size, thermometer/compass - great for
knowing why the hell you're so hot, and where the hell you
are.
* And lastly, something I consider an essential: a good
water purifier. - I don't trust any water anywhere, sceptic
as I am, I even drink bottled water at home. The purifier
is great for camping and any and all sketchy water
situations abroad, I don't leave home without one.
Peace
A rubber doorstop jammed under the door at night before retiring can prevent an intruder from breaking in, especially if the locks aren't that secure.
Ok, maybe this is just an american thang, but I never leave
without a small roll of duct tape (that indestructable
silver tape used in plumbing and most other handy
fields). It can be a life saver if, say, your bus tires
goes flate, your pack rips or, heck, some strap just
snaps! This is a legendary temp fix that is wonderful.
ALSO, in my sewing kit I keep a length of nylon fishing
line, yet again,for apack rip or if thread will not be
stong enough. It isn't a sppol, doesn't take much space
and can come in handy for those James Bond moments when a
quick stangling tool is needed. ;)
1.Gerber Multi-Lite: has a small flashlight, scissors,
file, knife, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and other usefule
stuff
2.Duct tape: works as a seal for zippers, in case you have
to check in your bag, packing tape, covers up holes.
3.TOILET PAPER!!!
4.Dental floss: dental hygeine, sewing string, fishing,
clothes line, use your imagination. it's really strong.
5.Sewing kit
6.Ziploc bags and big plastic bags(check for holes)
7.Ear plugs
8.shower sandals
9.Soap: good not only for your body but as laundry
detergent too, and maybe as a shampoo
10.Matches: Lighters are sometimes not allowed on airplanes
11.Disposable underwear (like kotex personals):just in case
12.Water purifier or water purifying tablets
13.Lots of imodium(for diarrhea)
But if I pack all this stuff, where will I put my clothes?
But really, thanks again for all the suggestions, especially
cheap, lightweight stuff like the rubber door stopper
(thanks Dan), and a laminated card w/addresses & emergency
info (ditto Anneli & Comet). Also the duct tape (per
MacGyv--er, I mean, Travelgurl).
My ignorance revealed: What, Charlie, is a caribeaner? I'm
getting a vague picture but...
An aside for us cheapskates: Disinfecting wipes and Purell
disinfecting hand cleanser are great, but can be expensive.
I buy 'em when I can get them on sale, but a cheap and
equally germ-killing alternative is a spray bottle of
rubbing alcohol like I mentioned in my pilot post. Many
(all?) of these new hand disinfecting cleansers are 70%
alcohol or more. You can also make cheap and handy wipes by
purchasing a roll of paper towels (I like the thick,
cloth-like ones), soaking them in rubbing alcohol (enough to
soak but not drip off of the towels), and putting them in a
strong ziplock-type bag. Just rip 'em off as needed, or
pre-separate and fold them. Only caveat about using alcohol
is that it dries one's skin, but I just use a cheap
moisturizer afterward if needed. I suppose some other kind
of disinfecting substance would work as well.
P.S. Maybe we should turn this thread into a chain letter?
:)
Sorry, Faruk, but I don't speak...uh...Hindi?
Thankyou for all your wonderful ideas.I have just copied
these posts for future reference.Now I can plan for my trip
in Sept with ease.There should be more posts like this one,
where people offer sound and wonderful advice to others who
like to endevour trips frequently without being hassled.
keep up the great work guys!
Ayla is a common name for girls in Turkey. I thought that
you are from Turkey or somewhere in Middle east.
see you.
Dear Ayla,
One thing I have found really useful is a travel washing
line. Basically, it consists of two lengths of elastic
twisted round each other, with hooks on either end. The
twisted elastic means that you can slot your clothes into
the line, therefore you don't need pegs!!
some extra clean socks--useful sometimes as menstrual pads
garlic cloves--good antibiotic
cayenne or pepper sauce-- good for coping with airborne
pollutants and generally enhancing circulation
fresh ginger--great digestive herb, also enhances immunity
a wee wee bucket for those times you just don't want to
leave your room for various reasons
a p38 can opener (available at surplus stores)--it's so tiny
one very sturdy pair of Teva sandals
plastic bags for keeping things clean or away from other
stuf
Thank you all for your help and advice in terms of packing
problems. Only thing...what about how to deal with Yeast
Infections? What if the yogurt in the country is not
pasturized? I have infections often, Do I need a 7 month
supply of Monistat ? (Just to be safe?) Is it advisable
to go without undies for the betterment of your health and
the infection? can tampons be found in all parts of Mexico?
Help...i really need to know.
Thanks
Red
Send yourself a password protected email with all your
important numbers stuff, passport, licence, visa, etc. If
possible scan it into an email, the embassies have internet.
Join a free email group like hotmail, much easier to log
into than a home base isp.
An electric screwdriver.... test stuff to see if it's live..
saw someone thrown across a room opening a live fridge, and
it's useful for locks, etc.
An awl.. thing to sew leather, really handy when your case
rips, bag splits.
Small shortwave radio when you get homesick, also use for
local radio.
Plastic bags for dirty clothes, save polluting the rest.
Sense of humour for those tin hitlers who have nothing
better to do than piss you off, knowing that you have to go
through them.
Nail clippers, not only for nails (fingers and feet) but a
heap of other things, swiss army knife is too bulky, better
a knife with a bottleopener and corkscrew - well you gotta
have some fun.
Necessary medicine from home - just in case you can't get it
there.
A sarong - for the beach, bed, towel etc.
An a belief that the universe will look after you..
Enjoy.
Hi all,
I really luv this site and the comments (most of it !) has been helpful. Most of it are posted by westerners who are more inclined towards travel. However, backpacking is not synonymous with our culture. Nevertheless, I've caught the travelbug. I'm a Malaysian Chinese girl, 24 yo about to do this search-for-yourself thing in May-Oct 1999 for about 1-2 months in Western Europe.
Should I travel solo or would it be better to travel with a mate ? If solo, this will be my first big trip alone, should I instead go for those Contiki Camping tours /Concept tours ? Is it value for money ? unfortunately, the Malaysian Ringgit has depreciated about 40% vis-a-vis the US Dollar, so I'm on a really tight budget (abt US2,500) so I have to find some sort of employment along the way ? How hard / safe is it to find work in Europe (I don't know any European Languages apart from English) ....dont mind strawberry picking or similar stuff !
Any advice would be greatly greatly appreciated
Thanx and happy trails to everyone ...
A friend of ours recommended a tupperware or rubbermaid
sealable container when we went to Europe in '95. It was
the best idea, we packed it with our utensils and wet wipes
etc.Then we used it for: storage of leftover food, lid
works great as a cutting board and since UHT milk is common
in small sizes we shared it and ate cereal out of it in the
mornings. The cereal box is removable (buy a type that
won't mind being crushed a bit) and the small milk boxes
don't need refrigeration. Beats repetetive continental
breakfasts! Fiber, Fiber, Fiber!
I always take sunglasses. Great for sleeping on trains,
planes and buses. Protection from dust.
Sun Block SPF 25. From the Himalayas to the Caribbean.
Vitamin C.
Tiger Balm for mosquito bites and sore muscles.
Interesting thread, some cool ideas (and heavy backpacks!)
I always travel with.
Tea Tree lotion - antiseptic, great for itchy bites, cuts,
those nasty yeast infections, spots - oh everything!
Swiss army knife, Universal plug and a sarong.
Happy travels
I never travel without the following:
1) Small spray bottle of water (I use a perfume bottle).
great for freshening your face and for fixing up that
hair that is sticking up in the morning.
2) Small tin of talc. I hate to be "sticky" when I sleep.
Also good when you just can't get completely dry after after showering.
3) My tiny swiss army knife. It has a knife, scissors,
toothpick, nailfile and tweezers. And it's pink!
4) Silk sleeping bag liner. Its much easier to wash than
a whole sleeping bag. It is also good just to cover you
when it's too hot for the bag, but you feel a bit too vulnerable to not have something over you.
5) Tic tacs. A quick & light pick me up.
Tevas go everywhere with or without socks- and they are geat shower shoes too.
The "make your own alchohol wipes " idea is GREAT- just don't use them u-know-where, oouch!!
I can't travel without lipbalm (like chapstick) that has sunblock in it. if you are really desperate- you can use it on your nose and face- but it's a little thick!!!
Also- lot's and lot's of good zip locks in all sizes!!!
The "pee pee" container is a GREAT idea.
The ONLY time I had a problem travelling alone in Egypt was during a Gotta Go nitetime bathroom run. I guy from the hotel room cornered me and I thought I might have to belt him!!! But he finally backed off.
The only problem would be that time- my urgent bathroom run was for the trots- so the tupperwere wouldn't have worked that time!
But a great idea!!
my work requires me to travel a lot (backpacker style)!
i often survive with the following:
1.cereal mixes (5 grain cereal+raisin+nuts or ur own
combi)in ziplocks.lasts for weeks & great if u have lots of
travel hrs in busses/trains.just be ready to eat even w/
cold water though.
2.citronella. for bugs & mosquitoes & sometimes to freshen
up a musty,humid room.
3.a sierra cup.drink anywhere.
4. bouillon cubes.instant soups. just ask for hot water.
5. panty liners. fresh panties anytime ! or if there's no
way u can wash underwear.
6. The "rock" deodorant.one rock lasts for months.very
effective.can also preserve fresh veggies & fish !
happy travels!
Not exactly essential, but I keep a "travel box" at home.
Whenever I am ready to throw away old underwear, or even my
favorite pair of shorts or jeans, which are getting
raggedy, I throw them in the travel box to use as
"disposables" for upcoming trips.
I am leaving next week for Africa. I'll need warmer
clothes the first 2 weeks (safari), cooler the last week
(coast, beaches). "Disposables" I am bringing include: 1
pair of old Nike running shoes (to toss after 2-week
safari), 12 pairs of underwear (wear once, then toss),
jeans (to toss after the first 2 weeks) and a pair of denim
shorts (to toss whenever I get sick of them).
1)A Compass - trying to figure which way your map faces from
the doorstep of the trainstation without one is brutal.
2)A Corkscrew.
3)Asprin.
4)Paperbacks - english book will cost you a fortune and you
can always trade.
5)Large Ziplocks to store your film rolls.
6)Forget the walkman.
7)Good Socks.
8)Northface zip-off pants - I wore mine every day.
9)Condoms.
I travel a lot in themiddle east - where many places don't
have satellite tv -retc - so 'entertainment" can be a
problem - so I always bring walkman and some favorite tapes,
cards, and -this one seems new to the thread - before
leaving I stock up on several used paperbacks (25 cents)at
yard sales - then throw them out whenfinished - making room
for someting else (also in many funduqs in Yemen there is an
informal "library" of leftbehing books).
Where do you get citronella?? I used to rely on Skin So Soft
for it but Avon took it out of the products.
Please advise!!
As well as some of the practical bits listed above, I always
pack some bright nail varnish. You can mark your gear
with a blob of the stuff, paint your toenails for immediate
glamour 'in the field' and paint the nails of locals to
guarantee a warm reception.
I once painted the finger and toe nails of the entire female
population of an Indonesian village, having been caught
doing my own toes. I had the warmest welcome I have had
anywhere and when I left on the dawn bus 3 days later,
everyone came to say goodbye, waving their painted finger
nails at me enthusiastically.
I always carry Crazy Glue (or some other brand) as it can
fix anything!
When traveling, especially to out-of-the-way places, I
always wear my photographer's vest. The multitude of
pockets serve in lieu of a steamer trunk. Once I hit the
ground, I offload the miscellaneous stuff and load it with
only the daily necessities. This way, I only have to grab
the vest and head out, knowing I have all I'll need for the
day. You have to keep explaining to people that, no,
you're not going fishing, but that just opens up
conversation.
Also, though all items have been suggested, I keep a small
mag light, a small compass/thermometer and a small Swiss
Army knife on a short leather lanyard (kangaroo hide is
light, supple and strong). These always go with me, either
in a pants pocket or attached to a D ring on the vest.
They have helped me out of numerous fixes and have come to
the aid of many distressed fellow travelers.
Happy trails!
Boy, you guys have pretty well covered everything! But here's a couple more:
A waterproof watch with an alarm (for those early morning flights or ventures).
A flag of your country sewn on to your pack and the little country pins to give away.
And just for fun: if you're going to a third world country, bring sticks of colored eyeliner to give away-- in the small villages, they don't have it and they think it's pretty cool.
Bring at least two bras, especially if you're busty. My only bra died in Thailand and they did NOT have bras my size anywhere. I had to get my friend to mail me one from home. I once read a travel guide (written by a man) who was advocating minimalizm and he said to skip the bra and wear your bathing suit-----What a moron.
*
Toilet paper -- already mentioned, but pull the cardboard out of the centre and put the TP in a small plastic baggie.
... so useful - a tiny screwdriver used for fixing
eyeglasses. Ever noticed how your arms of your sunglasses
eventually loosen after constantly taking them on and off?
* Also, a mini stationery kit - mini cellotape, glue stick
for non-sticky stamps, black marker pen, and even a few
paperclips or a mini stapler to keep important papers
together.
* One of those nifty belts with the hidden zip on the
inside - great for keeping that emergency stash of US
dollars.
* Lots n' lots of spare passport photos.
* Keep a few asprins and bandaids handy at all times - what
if you get a splitting headache when out sightseeing and
your medical kit is buried at the bottom of your backpack
back at the hotel?
Haven't seen this one on
here yet. Saline nasal
spray is a real life-saver
for me on long airline
flights. Extremely dry,
recirculated air and at
least a few sick fellow
passengers are a fine recipe
for a cold or something far
worse. I use the saline
spray when I get on the
airplane and about every
hour or so if I'm awake. It
really helps prevent your
membranes from drying out,
which would make you
much more susceptible to
any stray bacteria or virus,
of which there are plenty.
I so look forward to my
travels that anything I can
do to prevent getting sick
while travelling is worth
doing. The spray also is
useful in really hot dry
climates. You can buy the
stuff over the counter at
any drugstore.
seeing as i'm a young'un, my experience is limited but i do
have some insight:
*the eternal 5-subject notebook!! (road journals, of
course.)
*eyedrops
*sleeping medication and over-the-counter painkillers (your
companions can get annoying quite fast)
*a MANUAL 35mm camera (electic cameras are the devil... not
to mention dust-sensitive)
*an international phone card
*small bottle of mouthwash or antiseptic
*a hooded sweatshirt
*duct tape
* rubber bands
* a travel alarm clock (Korjo does really small ones)
* an extra watch battery
* a Hotmail address
* some souvenirs, pictures and music of your home town to give away as presents of thanks
* Vegemite if you're an Aussie
* a lice comb & shampoo
* floss
* sun cream in little sample packets
* Blu-tack - sticky wall adhesive gum stuff
* tweezers
* a plastic rain jacket which folds away into basically nothing.
Happy travels!
I would not leave home without earplugs! The quality of my
trips would be much diminished if I had to put up with all
night, blaring, distored music or videos on buses in South
Asia and the Middle East. Ear plugs don't block it out but
they do take it below the pain threshold! Happy traves :-))
What do you use the blu-tack for??? I reckon it would be
best for gumming the rest of your stuff up royally!
jeez with all of the above, you'd need a cargo plane!
i go with the following:
small teelight (candle) for making an atmosphere/lying in
tub
ibuprofen for headache, muscle pain, hangovers, cramps
contact solution/case/glasses..IT KILLS ALMOST ALL PAIN :)
small travel alarm clock
swiss army knife (has scissors, knife-fork-spoon,wine&beer
bottle opener, toothpick, tweezer & tools)
small makeup case (mascara eyeliner lipstick)
book for pleasure & lonely planet guide naturally
piece of paper with postcard-address list (not big addr bk)
AS LIGHT AND CONVENIENT AS POSSIBLE.
PS I rather liked dan's 'one-more-item', the door stopper,
to keep undesirables outta your room at night.
..... they're great for hanging up socks
on the back of your backpack to dry during the day.
flavorings for water, such as lemonade or tea.
bottled water can get really boring!
I realize that this probably isn't a must-have item for
most people, but I always bring my frisbee when I travel.
That way, I can always play some pickup ultimate with other
travellers and/or introduce locals to the game! It also
doubles nicely as a plate, writing surface, etc. (One
exception - I'm Canadian and I don't usually bring the disc
when I go solo winter camping!)
Thanks to everyone for all the great ideas!
Talc powder is also great 'cause if you haven't been able to
shower for days and your hair is oh shall we say a bit
greasy you can always dump a bit in your hair, brush it
through and then out in a couple seconds...sounds wierd, I
know, but it works! (And you know how raunchy those showers
get!)
Wow, some great suggestions, to bad you'd need a cargo plane
to take it all! No one has mentioned Tiger Balm (a tiny jar
of salve-all the info on mine has worn off) It works great
for headaches (just a little on your temple) and is a must
for the neck pains caused from lugging that enormous pack
around. My suggestion is to get together what you think you
might need, eliminate 2/3 of it and then pack(then do it
again if needed!) I've found that I can pick up most things
i need on the road, or do without. I love the idea of
dispenceables. The 1st trip I took I brought along 'a few of
my favorite things' and was very sad when I had to dump then
because of weather, weight etc. Have a great trip, I wish I
was heading off again soon. Anyone else stuck in school or
working who's visiting this site just to work the edge off
of their itchy feet?
always bring tea tree oil. tea tree oil is great for insect
bites, pimples, gargling with warm water for sore throats
and mouth wash but in a pinch you can clean a toilet seat
with it. lavender oil is also good to have on hand.
1. your favourite poetry book (I have Arthur Rimbaud with
me, he was a travelbug infested guy)
2. photos of the beloved ones home
3. a music instrument, a flute or something the like. Helps
to meet people even when you don't talk their language.
4. a card game called "UNO", you can play it with policemen
in Perou, with Kashmir freedom fighters or else with the
Hungarian travel companions you just met. Find it in any
toy store in Europe for about 6 US$.
5. Lipstick, small scissors and emery board
6. Big Swiss army knife
7. 10m of nylon string to hang your stuff to dry
8. plastic bags
(I'm sure there was more)
-- and keep your xxxx.com email address account up to date
(feeling miserable&alone in Bombay or Berne?? Get to the
Internet CafΘ and check out the mail from all the dear
people thinking of you!!)
Then take a tiny game of Tangram that you can play on
planes, or while you are waiting for whatever reason.
It keeps your mind off things that happen, like timetables
that are messed up, that you can't do anything about and in
the meantime time just passes by...
...plus a rubber door stopper + photos from home + plus a
journal (to remember the trip - reads like a novel when you
get home).
P.S. I really mean it about the universal sink plug - if
you can't see the point, try to wash some clothes in a sink
without a stopper and very little water flow (-:
I always take a bottle of lavender oil (see posts above), a
Swiss army nice, a bottle of at least one fave perfune and
last, but by no means least, a sexy novel (Erika Jong or
something of that kind): we all need a bit of escapism when
on the road, don't we?
Instant nuddles, toilet paper and walkman
1. Toilet paper.
2. A spoon.
3. 4 - 5 meters of syntetic cord for drying laundry.
I'm always losing stuff so now I scanned my driver's licence
and passport and a list of addresses and e-mailed them to my
hotmail account.
Bungi cord is always useful - I've use it for washing lines,
keeping doors closed, attaching stuff to my backpack etc.
Even better than copying addresses on paper--copy them on
labels beforehand--saves time looking them up and copying
them on the road...and your "disappearing" list shows who
still needs to be contacted.
the antibacterial handwash gel - clear, comes in little
bottles (about $1 US each) and dries instantly after you rub
it on. it's indispensible in places where you can't find
running water or where there's not enough water to wash.
it's also incredibly refreshing after a long hot dusty drive
(hands, back of neck especially).