6 Not-So-Common Travel Essentials
What uncommon items should you be sure to pack? (Photo: iStock)
By Natalie DiScala / Oh! Travelissima
If you’re a frequent traveler (especially the kind who likes to stay organized), I’m sure you’ve read countless articles about travel essentials. There’s a seemingly infinite number of lists out there, itemizing all the things travelers should make sure they’ve stuffed into their already stuffed suitcases. I’ve got my own lists, too. I’ve got my own personal list of fashion essentials, toiletry essentials, tech essentials — you know the drill. But I thought it was time to write a list of not-so-common travel essentials, those items that I always throw in my suitcase before heading to the airport but never seem to end up on any of those lists we’re always reading. Most of them take up very little room, which is always a bonus, and all of them will come in handy. I hope this list is useful for you, too!
1. Extension Cord
I never travel without an extension cord. And I use it. Every. Single. Time. Newer hotels are doing a better job of making sure that there are lots of outlets, especially on both sides of the bed. But in older hotels, you’re bound to bemoan the lack of outlets or their lack of proximity to wherever you want to be. (I once stayed at a hotel in London that had no outlets in the bathroom, which is not uncommon, and no outlets anywhere near the one mirror in the bedroom. I had to plug my laptop in, sit on the floor, and dry my hair using the PhotoBooth camera on my computer.) If you’re traveling with a companion, then that’s twice as many computers, phones, and tablets that need to be charged. In my experience, an extension cord has always come in handy and now I never leave home without one.
2. Allergy Pills
I suffer from pretty severe seasonal allergies and when I’m at home, I know that August is when breathing get really tough for me. But when you’re traveling, you just never know what kind of air you’ll encounter and not being able to breathe in a foreign place where you can’t easily get to a pharmacy is a nightmare. So in addition to any other first-aid items or medicines you may travel with, don’t forget to throw a pack of antihistamines in your bag. Even if you don’t normally suffer from seasonal allergies, certain things in the air can trigger them. Plus, antihistamines can ease the symptoms of all kinds of allergic reactions. Some antihistamines can even be used to treat stomach ulcers, insomnia, and motion sickness. (Read all package directions completely and consult a doctor if you’re unsure about your symptoms.)
Related: Bites, Blisters, and Bad Food: Inside Pro Travelers’ First-Aid Kits
3. Spin Pins
Well, this one is obviously for the ladies. Goody’s Spin Pins are tiny so there’s no reason not to throw a few in your bag. Why? When I’m traveling, I don’t want to have to spend an hour drying and styling my hair (my hair is long, thick, and time-consuming!) I prefer to wash and go, which isn’t always easy with my hair. But Spin Pins allow me to put my hair up easily and it takes less than five minutes. I’m a big fan of the Hair Donut from Claire’s as well, which helps me do the same thing. So when I’m on the road, I can throw my hair up stylishly, without wasting time to do it. And you know what that means: More time for exploring!
4. Ziploc Bags
I always stuff a handful of Ziploc bags (a combo of the sandwich size and the large freezer bags) into one of the pockets in my suitcase. They always come in handy for something. I use them to store flip-flops (two pairs can fit in one bag), to separate clean undies from worn, and they can be used to store a wet bathing suit in a pinch. I also use the large bags to keep all my chargers in one place. Plus, it’s handy to have extra bags if your liquids leak. They take up no room at all and can be used in so many different ways.
Related: You’ve Been Packing All Wrong: 12 Hacks that Help
5. Tea Bags
My husband teases me and says that I should travel with my own personal supply of mini maple syrup bottles. (Hey, I’m Canadian — it’s real maple syrup or nothin’!) And while that makes perfect sense is ridiculous, what’s not ridiculous is traveling with a stash of English Breakfast tea bags! My perfect morning starts with a large cup of tea. And these days, most hotel rooms have a kettle, so it’s easier and cheaper to brew my own cuppa in the room. I get my fix as soon as I’m ready for it and I can also brew a cup before bedtime. Most rooms have coffee makers as well, so if a cup o’ joe is more your speed, consider throwing a bag of your favorite beans into your suitcase. This way, you can feed the need anytime you want!
Related: Brittany’s Travel Hacks: How to Never Check a Bag Again
6. Safety Pins
Throw a few safety pins into your bag of toiletries, just in case. Naturally they’ll come in handy if you need to quickly hold a rip together, but they can also be used to restart certain electronic devices. When my Kobo e-reader froze on a recent trip, I had to find a pin to push in the tiny reset button, located on the back of the device. A pen was way too big and even the end of a paper clip didn’t fit, but the safety pin was the perfect size.
What are your not-so-common travel essentials?
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