10 Must-Have Items When You Travel
{Bonus: They all fit in one baggie}
My aunt always said, “Good things come in small packages.” (I think she was referring to jewelry.)
But still, when it comes to travel, tiny things can make a big difference in your comfort.
And these 10 must-have items come in a small package – a quart-size zipper bag to be exact.
10 Must-have travel items
1. Metal binder clamp
Binder clips are so useful. You will wonder how you survived without them.
A few ideas:
Clip the curtains closed to block streetlights.
Hang laundry to dry.
Create a makeshift tripod for your phone.
Keep travel paperwork together.
Close leftover snacks.
2. Masking tape
Use blue painters tape so it won’t leave a residue.
Pull a few feet off the roll and wrap it around your fingers to make a mini roll of tape.
A few ideas:
Cover the peephole on the door – call me paranoid! Plus, it blocks annoying light.
Cover LED lights in your hotel room for a better night’s sleep.
Leave notes for traveling partners and housekeepers.
Cover a blister and hangnail in a pinch.
Put reminders on the dash of the car.
3. Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicinals
Keep two packets of tea in your baggie, they take up practically no space.
Drink it in the evening, and your problem will disappear by morning.
Nuff said!
4. Imodium A-D (or other diarrhea medication
For the opposite problem…
Deal with traveler’s diarrhea quickly, so it doesn’t ruin your trip.
5. Gum
Chewing gum helps to clear your ears during elevation gains and drops.
It also keeps your mouth fresh for many hours of air travel.
Your seatmate will appreciate it.
Bring extra and share!
6. Chocolate
A bar of good dark chocolate is an instant mood booster, providing a hit of happy hormones.
Seriously, a square of chocolate can change the entire tone of a situation.
Lindt and Trader Joe’s make excellent dark chocolate.
7. Earplugs
Always have a set of earplugs handy.
A few ideas:
Use them on planes, trains, and buses.
Wear them in less-than-quiet hotel rooms.
Remain friendly with a travel partner who snores.
If you snore, bring a pair to share.
8. Gingermints
Ginger helps settle the stomach, and for some people, it staves off motion sickness
I like these from Trader Joe’s – which you can also order from Amazon if you don’t have a TJ near you.
Altoid also makes ginger mints.
See this post on Mental Floss – 9 Scientifically Proven Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness
9. High protein snack
Keep a bar, nuts, jerky – whatever hits your fancy – for emergencies.
10. Package of hand wipes
Keep germs at bay.
Wipe off surfaces if necessary – picnic tables, seats, airplane trays.
Out of one small bag comes 10 tiny things that will solve big problems on the road.
We would love to hear about your must-have survival items. Anything I missed? Let us know in the comments.
