10 things I can't travel without

15 February 2012

The list of things I always travel with doesn't necessarily get longer, it just gets more sensible. This isn't an extensive list of what I take (obviously I always take clean pants and a toothbrush), it's the stuff I find really useful when I go away.

  1. Gaffa tape. A new discovery for me - proper travellers have been using it for some time. It mends everything, and can be used to seal a rubbish plug so you can have a bath.
  2. Dental floss. I've mentioned this before (and been laughed at because of it) but it's still holding my backpack together after 7 years! Also I hate having bits of food in my teeth.
  3. Waiter's friend (corkscrew/bottle-opener). Another fairly recent discovery. I like to have in-room picnics when I travel (generally with leftover food) and this makes all the difference between having a glass of wine or beer with dinner, and staring mournfully at the unopened bottle.
  4. Tissues/toilet paper. A favourite amongst travellers to the developing world - I hope the reasons why are obvious.
  5. Moisturiser. Don't go to sleep, Men. On a recent trip to the desert my  male companion was stealing my moisturiser twice a day - if your skin dries out it itches and hurts. And there's no need for that.
  6. Notebook and pencil. Write down your passport number, a new PIN (disguised, of course), where you parked your rental car, the phone number for your bank back home... you get the idea.
  7. Earplugs. They can make the difference between a good night's (or bus journey's) sleep and lying awake all night listening to people shouting at each other (or worse).
  8. Swiss Army Knife. Been travelling with one of these since I was about 12 - and I've usually found a need for it. The scissors are particularly useful.
  9. Travel washing line. If you wash your clothes on the road (and most career breakers do), you'll need one of these. It's stretchy and has hooks on the end so you can put it pretty much anywhere.
  10. A small wooden doll. I don't know why either.

What things do you have to travel with? Tell us in the comments!

 Share on Facebook

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Wed, 2012-02-15 23:38 — Rebecca (not verified)

The one thing I always have,

The one thing I always have, no matter how I travel, is Ziploc bags! I've had many things spill or break open in my bags and it's always at the most inopportune time.

I do have to say the small wooden doll is intriguing . . .

Thu, 2012-02-16 11:47 — Rachel

Thanks for your comment

Thanks for your comment Rebecca! I love Ziploc bags too, they've prevented leaky suncream bottles from getting their contents all over my bag.

I used to travel with a stuffed toy mouse but I left him in Canada once (got him back though) so now I have a slightly less precious companion.

Wed, 2012-02-15 16:43 — George (not verified)

Can a Swiss Army Knife be

Can a Swiss Army Knife be carried on the plane or would it need to be checked? I've been considering getting a pocket knife (for chocolate, of course), but am concerned that I'll have to keep replacing it if I forget it's in my bag and gets confiscated when I go through security.

Thu, 2012-02-16 11:53 — Rachel

Hi George! I always put my

Hi George! I always put my Swiss Army Knife in my hold luggage. I just checked and you can't have ANY knife in your carry-on, unless it's a butter knife, or plastic.

A packing list might help you remember what to pack where.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • No HTML tags allowed
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options