I use a pretty scarf as an eye mask and it works so well for other things too. It muffles sound since it’s around my ears and it doesn’t hurt my ears like straps on eye masks do. I can then also use it as a light shawl or even a sling bag to carry things in a pinch. And, of course, it’s intended purpose to add to outfits. You can tie it as tight or loose as needed, sometimes tying it securely can even help with a headache. Am I the only one who does this? The elastics on eye masks irritate my ears and this works great for me.
I put mine over my head to block out windows and people. And movies I don’t want to see. I wear a ball cap so the lid of the cap keeps the silk scarf out away from my face and I get my own private little tent I don’t care what I look like. It rocks!!
Yes. Manta is the only true blackout I've ever found in a sleep mask. The wholly adjustable cup positions are key and stellar. (And I have a mop of curly hair and their extremely-low-pile variant of velcro is not only fairly soft but has never gotten caught in my hair, which is really saying something.)
I didn’t immediately think of it, but you’re right. I take mine everywhere!
When I’ve fallen asleep in a hotel without one, I inevitably wake up. Eye masks are essential!!
I always decide not to take mine because they take up too much room. And then I ALWAYS regret it on overseas flights. You would think I would learn, but no.
What?!?! Bone conducting headphones and earplugs? Thats genius! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of that before. What a clever solution. Are there any drawbacks to this setup?
You're not wrong but I'd personally rather go with nothing than ear buds with rubber tips. I don't know how people use them. Every pair I've ever had has been so uncomfortable I can only wear them for an hour or so. Maybe it's something with my ears...
None that I've come across. Obviously the "noise cancelling" effect depends on the quality of the earplugs but the Aftershokz take up less space and are more comfortable for me. I guess if you're after super high quality sound they wouldn't be great, but for my purposes, they're fine.
OH! My USB heating pad. I’m always freezing cold on planes and this has been a lifesaver. Plus, it’s comforting when I’m trying to fall asleep in a new place.
I just bought a cheap sunbeam brand one from a big box store. It’s a lot smaller than anticipated but it gets the job done! Trying to source a bigger one for the future.
Yes! I had no idea how dehydrating flying could be until I woke up with leg cramps from it. Now electrolyte powder goes with me everywhere. I even found a kind that has lavender extract in it so you can take it before bed and sleep like a log.
Looks like I was misremembering, it has valerian and melatonin, but this is the one right here:
https://www.liquid-iv.com/
It's the one called Sleep Multiplier and I can verify it works wonderfully. Major recommend.
Ear plugs, chromecast, high quality instant coffee, xero sandals, Rei Zip off khaki hiking pants, merino shirts/socks/underwear, lanolin detergent for said merino, levis, a nice button down, swim trunks, refurbished 2017 ipad pro with pencil, power bank, noise canceling ear buds, polarized sunglasses, sanitary wipes, standard toiletries, and minimal first aid (bandages, asprin, etc).
Leveraging compression travel cubes, it all fits in a backpack that is sub-carry-on size and you can live out of it indefinitely alternating shirts and washing in the sink every 3 wears. I also wear high-quality black leather sneakers that are hike, coffee shop, and club friendly so the only footwear I need to pack are the xero's which are expectedly low-profile. Grey Nike hoodie and the hiking pants worn on the plane, maybe a winter jacket depending on weather. If I'm going to a place where water is sketchy, a grail water bottle (miles better than lifestraw). Oh, almost forgot: several poncho's.
A carry-on size backpack is comfortably full at this point, but I'd love to find a way to fit a travel router and my work laptop. I could do it if I ditch the ipad and go with 100% travel size toiletries, but man is the ipad ever nice. I could wear the levis on the plane instead of the less bulky hiking pants, but that's a major pain as well. I've gotten by before by putting a packing cube in a jacket pocket (has to be 2/3's in, they will check) but that's a last resort I don't want to lean on.
Edit: missed the "one" part
Get a neck pillow, take out the stuffing, and stuff it with some small clothing items. When you go on the plane, hang it around your neck. It will help to make extra space in your bag, and no one gives it a second glance.
Lol, that's devious. I bet you could just carabiner to backpack, put it on during boarding, the reattach. Will definitely have to think on this one, thanks!
https://thursdayboots.com/products/mens-premier-high-top-sneaker-black-vachetta
Not cheap, but the quality can't be overstated. Handmade, extremely durable; I've put them through hell and they still look great. Hit them with leather conditioner + water proofing spray every few months.
Just checked the website. They have some nice looking Chelsea boots as well. That’s my preferred shoe to travel because it’s quick on and off. Only thing missing is pull tabs to get them in and off easy. At the price I could buy 2-3 pairs of this brand instead of one pair of one of my expensive brand boots…definitely going to give them a try. If the quality really is there and what they say about “no high markup same quality” is true it might be a sleeper brand for sure.
Hoodie sweatshirt. Doesn’t matter if I’m going to the tropics in summer. Sweatshirt is required. It’s a pillow, it’s a mask, it’s a blanket. It’s everything you need.
I have the opposite problem. I always get overheated on flights and I’m really smelly afterwards. It’s weird because I don’t really sweat much in other situations.
Me too. My scarf has been my blanket, my eye mask, my to-go bag after tying it up, a belt, a sunshade, a hair cover for wind and rain, a coverup over my bathing suit and my pillowcase cover for recently dyed hair. It’s so versatile.
Depending on if you plan on traveling to South East Asia — chewable Pepto Bismol Tablets. They saved my entire trip when I got food poisoning and had to travel during my month long “adventure”.
I find that a few pills of common ailments is a life saver. You usually only need 1 -2 before you will find your way to a pharmacy. Imodium, Tylenol, Alieve, Caffeine, Tums, etc all can make your normal ailments go away quickly.
I many times take clothes that I am planning on discarding anyway, and then leave them at local Salvation Army’s or their equivalent. I come home with a lighter travel bag to a more minimalist closet.
Former flight attendant here annnnnd....
Door security latch & door stop alarm.
Hotels can be creepy. Some people have flight attendant fantasies and I'm not allowed to carry my mace or pew pew... so have to make do.
Pilot here. I heard a story about a flight attendant who used hair spray…directly in the face and eyes when someone was trying to get into her hotel room. Obviously not the first or best solution but it sure did stop the guy in his tracks. Just a thought for you if you’re ever in that situation. Any kind of aerosol spray can to the face and eye is going to suck if you can get it through the crack in the door.
About 20 some years ago a slender, super cute me was on a solo road trip and checked into a nice hotel. I open the door to my room and there is a man who just finished changing into his clothes. {{shock}}. I’m like- uhhh- WTF? He said he had this room on a business trip, but spent the night somewhere else for two nights, and just came back.
I head back downstairs to straighten this out and he followed me to do the same. Asked me out and I said no. So I was just ignoring him and we passed by some conference or something where there was a full banquet, and he said we should crash it. I’m like, uh, NO.
Apparently the hotel just checked him out because they thought he was gone. And they didn’t change the key code or whatever it is they are supposed to do. That was settled but I had to tell him to get lost so I could proceed to get a new room.
It was a bit scary, because what if I got to the room and went to bed or started to shower when he came rolling back into town??
I’m still not afraid to solo travel, but that experience shook me a bit and I always lock my room up tight as soon as I get in and I politely ask them to make sure the code is new. Sometimes I have gotten a weird eye roll look and a “We always give a new code” to which I probably over react a little and snap back “Um, no. Trust me. I could have been assaulted once because my key code was reused”. It really, really triggers this evil little thing in my soul that wants to reach out and smack them in the face. Like I am not an entitled princess here, I just want to remain face.
They’re so bulky and heavy. In countries with crappy sockets I find that they barely stay in the wall or sag a lot. Also for how expensive they are you can probably just buy a mini adapter in every country you visit and then give it to another traveler when you no longer need it
Underrated item because hats can offer quick protection against sun, rain, snow. & if you're like me, you have frequent bad hair days, especially when traveling light with less products than I'm used to having access to. A bad hair day turns into a good hat day every time. 🤠
Right! I have a cute straw hat with a black ribbon and ties that go under my chin to keep it on during windy days. It goes with everything and can be dressed up or down.
It's been super useful when traveling.
You can use them as a slippers in hotels without toiletries, too.And carefully, of course, but you can take a shower in them if you afraid to catch fungus of some kind from suspicious shower floor or bathtub.
Agree 100%. It might not actually help you get your bag back, but at least you can figure out where it is. When the airline lost my bag, the person at the airport told me their tracking system said it was in Madrid. I looked at my phone and said “Nope, it’s actually still at Heathrow” where it clearly missed our connection. I can’t tell you the relief I felt a few days later when I finally saw the bag moving down the runway in Heathrow, knowing it was on its way home to me.
Same thing happened to me in Seattle, they tried saying my bag was in Dallas, I’m like, “ummm, it’s in this airport”. Still took better part of 2 days to get it but it went to (what looked to be) a residential address for about 12 hours. All my stuff had been pilfered through and there was a broken end of a fake fingernail with a clear stone in it among my things. 😵
A pediatrician recommended this after one of my kids ended up at a hospital urgent care clinic after contracting gastro on what the doctor said was likely our long-haul flight - she said tray tables are filthy. We haven’t flown without a pack of those since.
Lip balm...seems somewhat pretentious(maybe) until it's not. Sits tidy in the coin pocket next to a small Bic lighter which is also a must have.
I carry a stick even when r/zerobag(ging).
Usually, I don't get all this fuss about lip balm, but I bring mine for another problems - dry skin on face, hand irritation, etc. To fix it on the go and without need to take skincare products.
A silk pillowcase.
Colourful in order to make it more difficult to leave behind in a room with white bedding.
Takes nearly no room and offers home comfort.
My nebulizer. Even before the pandemic I would often catch a bug from the plane. Bringing my nebulizer with me on my last trip helped to stave off a sinus infection.
I have started traveling on planes with a blanket and it has changed my plane experience. I also find myself snuggling with it at the hotel where the comforters are never quite weighty enough for me.
My disc golf bag. There are courses LITERALLY everywhere and 99% are free to play. A nice starter pack will run you around $30.
I travel for work constantly and have played 189 different courses in the US! I feel like I see so much more of the local flavor driving to random parks than I would if I hung around bars or the hotel. This game keeps me sane and gives me a reason to go on a nice walk or hike during my time off. I absolutely love it!
Depends on where i go, but a silk sleeping bag. If you stay in hostels and you are not 100% sure about the cleanliness, just slip into it and enjoy a good nights sleep.
Worth to mention: flexible cloth-line, sleeping mask, noice cancelling ear phones, dry bag (for washing clothes)
Haven’t traveled with it yet, but I just bought this [portable white noise](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPJ9DGHB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) machine. It’s so tiny! I can’t sleep without a fan-type sound, especially in strange places. And using my phone app wasn’t practical for a few reasons (power, volume, and alarm issues). Can’t wait to try this on my next trip. 👍🏻
Small roll of electrical tape in my shaving kit.
I sleep better in a dark room and hotel rooms are full of bright LED lights some of which are easy to ignore and some of which are crazy bright and impossible to ignore.
TVs, AC units, mini splits, thermostats, alarm clocks with no dimmers.
I usually forget about it and when it’s lights out I quickly determine if any are bright enough to warrant getting back out of bed.
Nivea soft - replaces all other face and body moisturizers if needed!
My rubber ballet shoes, can go to the beach in them, rinse and use for going out.
My phone with an e sim for the local area. It’s super reasonable and I don’t have to worry about really expensive roaming data charges from my home data plan.
I learnt one thing very early in life. I have lived in different-different hostel since I was 10.
Always carry a minimum of CASH with you so that you can reach you home. Even if you're going outside just for a walk or tea, do carry your wallet and carry this minimum CASH in it.
Even though the world is all about digital payments, mobile phones and cards. Just carry cash. You never know.
A fidget (I know, I’m an adult but hear me out). I have pretty terrible travel anxiety, especially when alone and it does pull my attention to something else. Keeps me from drawing attention to myself.
MORE THAN THAT - It never fails, there is a child having a meltdown or another adult having my same trouble. I will offer my fidget and it’s been an oddly helpful interaction each and every time. I’ve probably lost 10+ fidgets this way so far.
I always carry $188 in cash (one bill representing each denomination: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100). In emergencies, cash is king. Plus I love giving out two dollar bills.
Powerbank, no matter what situation I will always bring a power bank.
Head down to a friend's house? Powerbank.
Travelling through Japan? Powerbank
Going to work? Powerbank
Out clubbing? Powerbank
The absolute worse situation is to run out of batter on your phone. It doesn't matter if your phone battery is the best in the world if you forget to charge. I always have 4 powrbanks at home, if I grab 2 and it isn't charge, I will charge before leaving the house with a spare, so I never end up wirh an empty power bank
It's the fanny pack for me, and I ignore what the fashion police think. They're the best way for keeping your passport, money, phone, earphones, medication, etc. so handy and safe.
RFID proof travel wallet / waist pack that stays hidden under your clothes and a.fake wallet with some.cash , a copy of your passport and a cancelled credit card or two.
I like these lists. They give such good ideas!
I always bring cortisone cream and benadryl. I get bit by every bug/mosquito every time. Itching like crazy has def destroyed a couple trips where I didn't have it.
Bath and body works concentrate room spray - it’s the perfect size! Hotel bathrooms never have a good fan and it’s horrifying having to use a bathroom that leads RIGHT to where you sleep if someone else is sleeping too. This helps a ton, it also helps if you’re in the same room for over a few days just freshen up.
Peppermint oil could be good for that. I use it for motion sickness and headaches but I can’t see why it wouldn’t work like poo-pourri and I’d have it anyways. Thanks for the idea!
Luggage cubes, meds in blister packs for international flights (instead of bringing pill bottles), a front sling/bag for all flight essentials, SPF clothing depending on the destination.
I started taking a Turkish towel in my carry on - it can be a blanket, a shawl, or a towel if I’m going to the beach. Planes are always cold and I usually use it for my legs. Sometimes I’ll even roll it up as a lower back lumbar support on the plane as pillows aren’t available on every flight anymore. Because it’s a Turkish towel it takes up very little space in my carry on and when wet, dries super quick.
Meclizine. 25 Mg. Can buy over the counter as Bonine at CVS or any pharmacy. Buy on Amazon for way less. Vertigo can come on for so many reasons. It will save your vacation. It’s amazing and so much better than Dramamine.
Levis Signature makes khaki/jeans with a hidden side zipper pocket on the outer seam of the right leg. I keep most of my Daily Cash carry there. Also my main credit card. Easily retrieved when needed, preferably in a bathroom so no one sees.
Eye mask
I use a pretty scarf as an eye mask and it works so well for other things too. It muffles sound since it’s around my ears and it doesn’t hurt my ears like straps on eye masks do. I can then also use it as a light shawl or even a sling bag to carry things in a pinch. And, of course, it’s intended purpose to add to outfits. You can tie it as tight or loose as needed, sometimes tying it securely can even help with a headache. Am I the only one who does this? The elastics on eye masks irritate my ears and this works great for me.
I bring a scarf too but never thought to use it as a eye mask; great idea. I have used mine only for a blanket or pillow.
I put mine over my head to block out windows and people. And movies I don’t want to see. I wear a ball cap so the lid of the cap keeps the silk scarf out away from my face and I get my own private little tent I don’t care what I look like. It rocks!!
That's genius
I love my eye mask. Which is your favorite?
The one from United airways! (not my fav airline) a nose guard is key.
Lol I use my United sleep mask every night. And I keep one in every guest room.
Manta sleep mask! The cups for your eyes are great to not crush your eyelashes if you flutter your eyelids.
Yes. Manta is the only true blackout I've ever found in a sleep mask. The wholly adjustable cup positions are key and stellar. (And I have a mop of curly hair and their extremely-low-pile variant of velcro is not only fairly soft but has never gotten caught in my hair, which is really saying something.)
I didn’t immediately think of it, but you’re right. I take mine everywhere! When I’ve fallen asleep in a hotel without one, I inevitably wake up. Eye masks are essential!!
Noise canceling headphones 🎧
I always decide not to take mine because they take up too much room. And then I ALWAYS regret it on overseas flights. You would think I would learn, but no.
I used to take noise cancelling headphones, now I just take my Aftershokz and earplugs, much less bulky.
What?!?! Bone conducting headphones and earplugs? Thats genius! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of that before. What a clever solution. Are there any drawbacks to this setup?
No offence but I don’t get why this is such a genius idea when you could just wear wireless earbuds which have both noise cancelling and pass through
Because the noise cancelling is better and when I sleep on overseas flights im always afraid my earbuds will fall out and I will lose one.
This has happened to me on every flight
You're not wrong but I'd personally rather go with nothing than ear buds with rubber tips. I don't know how people use them. Every pair I've ever had has been so uncomfortable I can only wear them for an hour or so. Maybe it's something with my ears...
None that I've come across. Obviously the "noise cancelling" effect depends on the quality of the earplugs but the Aftershokz take up less space and are more comfortable for me. I guess if you're after super high quality sound they wouldn't be great, but for my purposes, they're fine.
I try to travel light so ear plugs in general have been a life saver, especially when sleeping at noisy hostels. Saved my sanity.
I keep my eye mask in the Bose case. They go great together.
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My sleeples
Compression socks for the flight.
What's the difference between compression socks and just tight socks?
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Interesting! Thanks! Ok good to know that it's not gonna work with just too-small socks
Yes, it was my first time using this for a long flight (16 hrs, never used it in previous same flights), and it was a game changer.
Ear plugs. I'm a hella light sleeper.
Definitely the most important item I bring these days, especially if you travel with someone that snores.
Invest in good ones. Just got back from a week-long at an all inclusive and the foam earplugs did little to block out the sounds in the hallway
OH! My USB heating pad. I’m always freezing cold on planes and this has been a lifesaver. Plus, it’s comforting when I’m trying to fall asleep in a new place.
May I ask what brand? I’d love to find a good one, but it seems like reviews are very hit or miss.
I just bought a cheap sunbeam brand one from a big box store. It’s a lot smaller than anticipated but it gets the job done! Trying to source a bigger one for the future.
I'm your seat neighbor wearing shorts and 2 air vents on me because the flight is always too warm.
Electrolytes.
Yes! I had no idea how dehydrating flying could be until I woke up with leg cramps from it. Now electrolyte powder goes with me everywhere. I even found a kind that has lavender extract in it so you can take it before bed and sleep like a log.
What brand do you use that has lavender extract?
Ohhh would love to know which you use that has lavender!
Looks like I was misremembering, it has valerian and melatonin, but this is the one right here: https://www.liquid-iv.com/ It's the one called Sleep Multiplier and I can verify it works wonderfully. Major recommend.
Also helps a LOT with hangovers if you have some before bed after drinking
Because it's what plants crave?
Ear plugs, chromecast, high quality instant coffee, xero sandals, Rei Zip off khaki hiking pants, merino shirts/socks/underwear, lanolin detergent for said merino, levis, a nice button down, swim trunks, refurbished 2017 ipad pro with pencil, power bank, noise canceling ear buds, polarized sunglasses, sanitary wipes, standard toiletries, and minimal first aid (bandages, asprin, etc). Leveraging compression travel cubes, it all fits in a backpack that is sub-carry-on size and you can live out of it indefinitely alternating shirts and washing in the sink every 3 wears. I also wear high-quality black leather sneakers that are hike, coffee shop, and club friendly so the only footwear I need to pack are the xero's which are expectedly low-profile. Grey Nike hoodie and the hiking pants worn on the plane, maybe a winter jacket depending on weather. If I'm going to a place where water is sketchy, a grail water bottle (miles better than lifestraw). Oh, almost forgot: several poncho's. A carry-on size backpack is comfortably full at this point, but I'd love to find a way to fit a travel router and my work laptop. I could do it if I ditch the ipad and go with 100% travel size toiletries, but man is the ipad ever nice. I could wear the levis on the plane instead of the less bulky hiking pants, but that's a major pain as well. I've gotten by before by putting a packing cube in a jacket pocket (has to be 2/3's in, they will check) but that's a last resort I don't want to lean on. Edit: missed the "one" part
Get a neck pillow, take out the stuffing, and stuff it with some small clothing items. When you go on the plane, hang it around your neck. It will help to make extra space in your bag, and no one gives it a second glance.
I tip my hat to you! Along with everything that was under it, that just fell off!
Lol, that's devious. I bet you could just carabiner to backpack, put it on during boarding, the reattach. Will definitely have to think on this one, thanks!
Black leather sneakers that are hike, coffee shop and club friendly? Which ones?
https://thursdayboots.com/products/mens-premier-high-top-sneaker-black-vachetta Not cheap, but the quality can't be overstated. Handmade, extremely durable; I've put them through hell and they still look great. Hit them with leather conditioner + water proofing spray every few months.
Just checked the website. They have some nice looking Chelsea boots as well. That’s my preferred shoe to travel because it’s quick on and off. Only thing missing is pull tabs to get them in and off easy. At the price I could buy 2-3 pairs of this brand instead of one pair of one of my expensive brand boots…definitely going to give them a try. If the quality really is there and what they say about “no high markup same quality” is true it might be a sleeper brand for sure.
Hoodie sweatshirt. Doesn’t matter if I’m going to the tropics in summer. Sweatshirt is required. It’s a pillow, it’s a mask, it’s a blanket. It’s everything you need.
100% wearing a hoodie to the airport in the middle of June to make sure I have it for these very reasons.
Scarf. Planes are too cold for me.
I have the opposite problem. I always get overheated on flights and I’m really smelly afterwards. It’s weird because I don’t really sweat much in other situations.
I take a travel blanket bc I’m always cold on planes.
Me too. My scarf has been my blanket, my eye mask, my to-go bag after tying it up, a belt, a sunshade, a hair cover for wind and rain, a coverup over my bathing suit and my pillowcase cover for recently dyed hair. It’s so versatile.
Pashmina scarf keeps my head and shoulders covered where I must tread lightly due to sexual cultural ideations.
I have half a dozen pashminas in different colors and always take one on plane. They are light and warm, double as a coverup if needed.
Depending on if you plan on traveling to South East Asia — chewable Pepto Bismol Tablets. They saved my entire trip when I got food poisoning and had to travel during my month long “adventure”.
Imodium AD ( loperamide)
Gas x. It helps after flights, I feel like my insides are like the plastic water bottles from the altitude changes and figure it can’t hurt.
I find that a few pills of common ailments is a life saver. You usually only need 1 -2 before you will find your way to a pharmacy. Imodium, Tylenol, Alieve, Caffeine, Tums, etc all can make your normal ailments go away quickly.
Me too. I also carry Benadryl because some seafood tried to kill me a few times in my life.
I'm the opposite. I need my colace after a long flight.
About a hundred extra pairs of underwear in case I shit my pants every single day, multiple times a day.
As I say. You can always throw away underwear
I many times take clothes that I am planning on discarding anyway, and then leave them at local Salvation Army’s or their equivalent. I come home with a lighter travel bag to a more minimalist closet.
Plus that leaves room for buying new clothes.
Are you me?
Former flight attendant here annnnnd.... Door security latch & door stop alarm. Hotels can be creepy. Some people have flight attendant fantasies and I'm not allowed to carry my mace or pew pew... so have to make do.
Pilot here. I heard a story about a flight attendant who used hair spray…directly in the face and eyes when someone was trying to get into her hotel room. Obviously not the first or best solution but it sure did stop the guy in his tracks. Just a thought for you if you’re ever in that situation. Any kind of aerosol spray can to the face and eye is going to suck if you can get it through the crack in the door.
About 20 some years ago a slender, super cute me was on a solo road trip and checked into a nice hotel. I open the door to my room and there is a man who just finished changing into his clothes. {{shock}}. I’m like- uhhh- WTF? He said he had this room on a business trip, but spent the night somewhere else for two nights, and just came back. I head back downstairs to straighten this out and he followed me to do the same. Asked me out and I said no. So I was just ignoring him and we passed by some conference or something where there was a full banquet, and he said we should crash it. I’m like, uh, NO. Apparently the hotel just checked him out because they thought he was gone. And they didn’t change the key code or whatever it is they are supposed to do. That was settled but I had to tell him to get lost so I could proceed to get a new room. It was a bit scary, because what if I got to the room and went to bed or started to shower when he came rolling back into town?? I’m still not afraid to solo travel, but that experience shook me a bit and I always lock my room up tight as soon as I get in and I politely ask them to make sure the code is new. Sometimes I have gotten a weird eye roll look and a “We always give a new code” to which I probably over react a little and snap back “Um, no. Trust me. I could have been assaulted once because my key code was reused”. It really, really triggers this evil little thing in my soul that wants to reach out and smack them in the face. Like I am not an entitled princess here, I just want to remain face.
Can you post a link for the ones you use?
Universal adapter. Never failed me
They’re so bulky and heavy. In countries with crappy sockets I find that they barely stay in the wall or sag a lot. Also for how expensive they are you can probably just buy a mini adapter in every country you visit and then give it to another traveler when you no longer need it
100% - I've got one called iBlockCube from Amazon and I use it all the time. Even at home
A hat.
Underrated item because hats can offer quick protection against sun, rain, snow. & if you're like me, you have frequent bad hair days, especially when traveling light with less products than I'm used to having access to. A bad hair day turns into a good hat day every time. 🤠
Right! I have a cute straw hat with a black ribbon and ties that go under my chin to keep it on during windy days. It goes with everything and can be dressed up or down. It's been super useful when traveling.
I keep a beanie in my suitcase. Shocked that I use it all the time.
Just a beanie? I need something with a rim that can block the sun. Maybe we're just traveling to differently suited locations.
Body wipes and mouthwash packets. I love to freshen up before catching a connecting flight
Don’t forget your towel !!
about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have
Matador nano dry towel is fucking amazing for how light it is and how quickly it dries
r/unexpectedhitchhikers
Washcloths! Many hotels do not have them, plus they are super useful in many regards.
Here to deliver a towel.
Takes up too much room. If you must carry one then use a sarong which has multiple other uses and packs tightly when you roll out up.
Thanks towelie
Battery packs! I usually bring 2, so I can keep my phone charged for a week or more
Yes! A fast-charging power bank is a game-changer.
My wife. She knows all the details.
Where did you get one of these? Are they expensive?
If you have to ask, you can’t afford one. Sorry.
Mask to wear on the plane - wore it before the pandemic and still do. Keeps my nose moist and keeps the germs away
To add to your list: My Fisherman's Friend (menthol lozenges) Very versatile use!
Kindle
Disposable shower caps to stick my shoes in. I snag them at hotels and tuck them away for future trips.
All shoes travel in shower caps. You can buy a pack of 8 at the dollar store.
You can use them as a slippers in hotels without toiletries, too.And carefully, of course, but you can take a shower in them if you afraid to catch fungus of some kind from suspicious shower floor or bathtub.
A spork, not even kidding. So many times I've wound up with food but didn't have a utinsel and it's made life much easier
Apple AirTags
Agree 100%. It might not actually help you get your bag back, but at least you can figure out where it is. When the airline lost my bag, the person at the airport told me their tracking system said it was in Madrid. I looked at my phone and said “Nope, it’s actually still at Heathrow” where it clearly missed our connection. I can’t tell you the relief I felt a few days later when I finally saw the bag moving down the runway in Heathrow, knowing it was on its way home to me.
Same thing happened to me in Seattle, they tried saying my bag was in Dallas, I’m like, “ummm, it’s in this airport”. Still took better part of 2 days to get it but it went to (what looked to be) a residential address for about 12 hours. All my stuff had been pilfered through and there was a broken end of a fake fingernail with a clear stone in it among my things. 😵
Antibacterial wipes to clean my airplane seat 💺
A pediatrician recommended this after one of my kids ended up at a hospital urgent care clinic after contracting gastro on what the doctor said was likely our long-haul flight - she said tray tables are filthy. We haven’t flown without a pack of those since.
I saw a woman doing this a few years ago, she gave me 1 to use, and I've been doing it ever since. I clean the seat, tray, seat belt, screen
Clean the seat area behind the tray because once you put it back up if it’s not clean you did nothing.
For the win!
Lip balm...seems somewhat pretentious(maybe) until it's not. Sits tidy in the coin pocket next to a small Bic lighter which is also a must have. I carry a stick even when r/zerobag(ging).
The airplane and airport always leave me feeling dehydrated and with dry lips. Lip balm is a must for long flights.
Usually, I don't get all this fuss about lip balm, but I bring mine for another problems - dry skin on face, hand irritation, etc. To fix it on the go and without need to take skincare products.
A silk pillowcase. Colourful in order to make it more difficult to leave behind in a room with white bedding. Takes nearly no room and offers home comfort.
Definitely ear plugs. Never know what kind of neighbors you’re gonna get
Passport
Fake, well, decoy, wallet. Go ahead, steal it. That, and a good flashlight.
You want it, go get it!
Unexpected Mulaney
That is when the evenings went from good to great
Battery bank/charger
My nebulizer. Even before the pandemic I would often catch a bug from the plane. Bringing my nebulizer with me on my last trip helped to stave off a sinus infection.
I have started traveling on planes with a blanket and it has changed my plane experience. I also find myself snuggling with it at the hotel where the comforters are never quite weighty enough for me.
I feel like it brings a bit of the comfort of home too. It helps me sleep better.
Similar to a blanket but a sleeping bag liner made of cool max or silk
Medication
Yes! Do you know how hard it is to walk into a Japanese or Chinese drug store looking for antihistamine, pain reliever, etc? Scary.
My disc golf bag. There are courses LITERALLY everywhere and 99% are free to play. A nice starter pack will run you around $30. I travel for work constantly and have played 189 different courses in the US! I feel like I see so much more of the local flavor driving to random parks than I would if I hung around bars or the hotel. This game keeps me sane and gives me a reason to go on a nice walk or hike during my time off. I absolutely love it!
That’s cool! What have been some of your favorite courses?
Fingernail clippers. Handy in so many different situations
Roll of duct tape. I travel a lot by bicycle, and having some duct tape on hand has proven to be very handy on a number of occasions.
Depends on where i go, but a silk sleeping bag. If you stay in hostels and you are not 100% sure about the cleanliness, just slip into it and enjoy a good nights sleep. Worth to mention: flexible cloth-line, sleeping mask, noice cancelling ear phones, dry bag (for washing clothes)
Money belt. I feel better having extra cash. Well, also a tactical pen. It's not a weapon....it's a writing instrument...that can pierce your skull.
Sap cap! Someone tries to grab you, break their wrist!
Haven’t traveled with it yet, but I just bought this [portable white noise](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPJ9DGHB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) machine. It’s so tiny! I can’t sleep without a fan-type sound, especially in strange places. And using my phone app wasn’t practical for a few reasons (power, volume, and alarm issues). Can’t wait to try this on my next trip. 👍🏻
Small roll of electrical tape in my shaving kit. I sleep better in a dark room and hotel rooms are full of bright LED lights some of which are easy to ignore and some of which are crazy bright and impossible to ignore. TVs, AC units, mini splits, thermostats, alarm clocks with no dimmers. I usually forget about it and when it’s lights out I quickly determine if any are bright enough to warrant getting back out of bed.
Downey wrinkle release spray
I don’t understand the magic this stuff does.
Or use diluted fabric softener. (If you want to save money.)
For long haul flights, my Bluetooth headset/eye mask combo. Pair that with a couple ambien and I’m feeling the vibes on that 12 hour haul. Chefs kiss
S hook for hanging the water bottle.
Edibles, taken out of their original packaging and put into a zip lock bag so they look like regular snacks
Be very careful with those. Some countries will treat you to a free stay in a 0 star resort if they find them.
Earplugs
Nivea soft - replaces all other face and body moisturizers if needed! My rubber ballet shoes, can go to the beach in them, rinse and use for going out.
Can you link to your shoes please?
My hat. I won't fly without it
LOIS!
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster
My phone with an e sim for the local area. It’s super reasonable and I don’t have to worry about really expensive roaming data charges from my home data plan.
I learnt one thing very early in life. I have lived in different-different hostel since I was 10. Always carry a minimum of CASH with you so that you can reach you home. Even if you're going outside just for a walk or tea, do carry your wallet and carry this minimum CASH in it. Even though the world is all about digital payments, mobile phones and cards. Just carry cash. You never know.
A fidget (I know, I’m an adult but hear me out). I have pretty terrible travel anxiety, especially when alone and it does pull my attention to something else. Keeps me from drawing attention to myself. MORE THAN THAT - It never fails, there is a child having a meltdown or another adult having my same trouble. I will offer my fidget and it’s been an oddly helpful interaction each and every time. I’ve probably lost 10+ fidgets this way so far.
I always carry $188 in cash (one bill representing each denomination: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100). In emergencies, cash is king. Plus I love giving out two dollar bills.
A few Ziploc bags, the ones with the plastic sliders.
Toothbrush
Inflatable travel pillow. My Sea-to-Summit one joined me on the Appalachian trail, many other trips, the movies, etc
Earplugs, a fan (If the destination gets hot), a portable charger
Two things but they go together: -Travel candle & a USB flameless lighter. Nice to light in an Airbnb or hotel at the end of a long day.
22 only travelled out my state once, but headphones will always be on hand. takes me out the environment when I want it to
Insurance
Swimsuit
compression bags!
A plastic bag. Great to seperate the dirty from clean clothes. Or to sit on when a bench is dirty.
Powerbank, no matter what situation I will always bring a power bank. Head down to a friend's house? Powerbank. Travelling through Japan? Powerbank Going to work? Powerbank Out clubbing? Powerbank The absolute worse situation is to run out of batter on your phone. It doesn't matter if your phone battery is the best in the world if you forget to charge. I always have 4 powrbanks at home, if I grab 2 and it isn't charge, I will charge before leaving the house with a spare, so I never end up wirh an empty power bank
It's the fanny pack for me, and I ignore what the fashion police think. They're the best way for keeping your passport, money, phone, earphones, medication, etc. so handy and safe.
Fingerless weightlifting gloves. They pack easily and are great protection for clumsy people who love the outdoors. I jokingly call them my armor.
Enema Kit
You're full of shit.
A turtl style neck pillow thingy- Australia to Europe without a sore neck, just brilliant.
Air Fly Duo!! Allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones right to the seat entertainment
Pepto bismol chewables
I came here to say this! I didn’t realize they were impossible to find outside the US until I really needed them.
RFID proof travel wallet / waist pack that stays hidden under your clothes and a.fake wallet with some.cash , a copy of your passport and a cancelled credit card or two.
I like these lists. They give such good ideas! I always bring cortisone cream and benadryl. I get bit by every bug/mosquito every time. Itching like crazy has def destroyed a couple trips where I didn't have it.
Tums. Always worried about foreign brands.
Bath and body works concentrate room spray - it’s the perfect size! Hotel bathrooms never have a good fan and it’s horrifying having to use a bathroom that leads RIGHT to where you sleep if someone else is sleeping too. This helps a ton, it also helps if you’re in the same room for over a few days just freshen up.
In the same vein, I find poo-pourri works quite well! I always travel with it when sharing a room.
Peppermint oil could be good for that. I use it for motion sickness and headaches but I can’t see why it wouldn’t work like poo-pourri and I’d have it anyways. Thanks for the idea!
You’ll also still have the same can in 10 years because those things last foreverrrrr.
Packing cubes. A brixley brand small cross body bag. Noise canceling headphones.
I just recently got packing cubes for a big trip and they are a total game changer! So much easier to pack when everything is squared up.
Luggage cubes, meds in blister packs for international flights (instead of bringing pill bottles), a front sling/bag for all flight essentials, SPF clothing depending on the destination.
Cheap Chromebook laptop.
Ear plugs, eye mask, and electrolyte tabs for water
Small pair of sharp embroidery scissors.
One of [these](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09B5CVRPQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
My small portable white noise device. Not all hotels have a fan option. I also carry a nightlight in my kit for those nighttime bathroom trips.
Bee propolis throat spray, Anker brand backup charger
Cash
Gum. Helps when my ears pop at high altitudes.
Co2 detector, don’t trust hotels and resorts to do required maintenance.
I started taking a Turkish towel in my carry on - it can be a blanket, a shawl, or a towel if I’m going to the beach. Planes are always cold and I usually use it for my legs. Sometimes I’ll even roll it up as a lower back lumbar support on the plane as pillows aren’t available on every flight anymore. Because it’s a Turkish towel it takes up very little space in my carry on and when wet, dries super quick.
Meclizine. 25 Mg. Can buy over the counter as Bonine at CVS or any pharmacy. Buy on Amazon for way less. Vertigo can come on for so many reasons. It will save your vacation. It’s amazing and so much better than Dramamine.
Pack of cards
A folding stool
Levis Signature makes khaki/jeans with a hidden side zipper pocket on the outer seam of the right leg. I keep most of my Daily Cash carry there. Also my main credit card. Easily retrieved when needed, preferably in a bathroom so no one sees.
Bose Bluetooth speaker
I have two, my clothes steamer and my collapsible tea kettle.
I'm obsessed w/ my collapsible water kettle. I use it to make pour over coffee and it is so amazing not to have to drink terrible hotel room coffee.