August 29th, 2009 - Travel Accessories - Ten Things to Take
After countless miles traveling around the world, I’ve found a number of travel accessories that I always like to take. These items make my trips easier, smoother, and more comfortable, and they can do the same for you. Like anything else, having the right gear makes a difference, and these travel accessories can be a big help!
1) Travel Steamer. No matter how you pack, wrinkles happen. When you want to look your best, a travel steamer can fix the situation, quickly removing stubborn, packed-in wrinkles without harming fabrics. A good travel-specific model such as Travelon will minimize the space and weight it takes in your luggage.
2) Sleep Mask. Getting a good sleep can be difficult when you travel, as time changes throw your body off its normal cycle, and unfamiliar places keep you awake. One thing that can help is blocking out the light! Get a sleep mask that’s designed to allow Rapid Eye Movement (REM), not pressing against your eyes. You’ll be better rested, and enjoy your trip that much more!
3) Security Purse. Losing your wallet or passport to a thief is a good way to dampen your vacation! A travel purse specially designed to keep your precious belongings secure can give you added peace of mind on a trip. Security features may include slash-proof cables in the strap, wire mesh reinforced panels, and locking zipper pulls.
4) Compact Toiletry Kit. Having a good travel toiletry kit can make your trip so much easier. A good design is compact, well-organized, versatile, and of course spill-proof, so that you don’t wind up with shampoo all over your clothes! Another feature that’s very useful is a hook so that you can hang it in the bathroom when counter space is limited.
5) Packable Tote Bag. Plastic shopping bags are ubiquitous in the US (though being phased out in places); but other countries don’t always provide them, or charge extra. Be prepared, and be environmentally friendly too, by bringing your own packable tote bag. Tiny when folded, you’ll always have a bag at the ready to hold all your purchases.
6) Healthy back bag. For traveling, I use a purse that’s bigger than I use at home, since I’ve got so much to carry — passport, plane and hotel information, camera, iPod, guidebooks, and more. That purse can get heavy! That’s why a healthy back bag is great, because it distributes the weight efficiently. The leather ones are amazingly durable. Mine’s been to the ends of the earth and it’s still going strong.
7) Portable Power. How did we travel before iPods? I know I’m addicted to mine, and it makes a long trip so much more enjoyable. Power can be a challenge, though. An external portable power pack can recharge your iPod, cell phone, or other device even when you’re sitting in an airplane seat without access to a plug-in. The Dual Port USB AC Charger with Rechargeable Extended Battery is great, because it can power up one or two devices, with or without AC access.
Waterproof Compression Sacks. Compression sacks can save space in your luggage by squeezing bulky items into a smaller space. Waterproof sacks are great to have along, to keep wet or dirty clothes away from your other belongings. Combine the two, and voila — waterproof compression sacks that fit both purposes!
9) SteriPEN. These unique devices use ultraviolet light to purify your drinking water. Safe, speedy and effective, this lets you purify water without chemicals or boiling. The small hand-held purifier is perfect for travelers in restaurants, hotel rooms or on the road. Just stir gently for less than one minute and a 16 oz glass of water is be disinfected and ready to drink
10) Hidden Money Pouch. Tourists can be targets for pickpockets, so take some precautions so this doesn’t ruin your vacation. A hidden money pouch lets you keep cash, credit cards or passport safe and secure. Put your valuables in the pouch, then slip it around your neck and under a sweater. This way even if your wallet was stolen, the thieves would get just a small amount. You can tour with confidence knowing your stash is safe.
