Budget Travel - Favorite budget travel items?

Im a big fan of travel magazines, books, guide books, gadgets etc. I subscribe to budget travel, and like the lets go series. anyone else? am i missing out on a little know magazine or book?

Lonely Planet books, web site, DVDs.

Footprint guide books.

Rough Guide guide books.

Noise Cancelling headsets, earplugs (yes, use both at the same time), eyeshades.

That's off the top of my head.

EmailKid

To the above add: All Rick Steves Books. I do not leave home without one. Along with the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to where I am going.

Plus a Good local map. Or two. My local bookstores carry a surprising variety of city maps from around the world.

I've been downloading the weekly Rick Steves Podcast (from the ITunes Music Store) for my IPod. They're free and quite interesting, especially if they are discussing somewhere you are thinking of heading.

A "real" lock (duh) since the ones that most people use on luggage can be opened with a simple paperclip.

ATM card.

Camera for all the good times.

There's a book I read a while back called WorldStompers & they have a website - http://www.stompers.com/ - reading that book led me to my first full moon party in Koh Phangan.

I look at budget travel a lot like backpack travel - here's my essentials list:

-Camera/film (or digital camera)
-Sarong (good for many uses to include a towel, beach towel, blanket, etc)
-20 feet of nylon cord (to use as a clothesline)
-small first aid kit with tweezers/band aids/antiseptic packets (you can "borrow" these from your doctors office), an ace bandage (after a motobike accident in Koh Phangan & inadequate first aid facilities, I never travel without one anymore), cortizone cream (itchy bug bites suck)
-a lock (as party-boy mentioned - get a good one)
-pack cover (to protect backpack straps from airport conveyor belts, a large thin nylon laundry bag is lightweight & will work nicely)
-small hand towel
-sunglasses
-passport (don't be a dumbass & hide it under your bed like I did in Phangnan - then, when you get to the airport at Samui, another island away, you forget to grab you passport & have to spend another 3 days in P
-lighter (even if you don't smoke - good for sterilizing things like needles to remove splinters & burning the ends of frayed shoelaces, lighting cigarettes & other smokeables, and a way to be helpful - anyone ever ask "gotta light?" )
-floss (can be used as thread if needed & it helps keep your teeth clean)
-lightweight rain jacket
-Immodium
-Depending on the country, a third of a roll of toilet paper when I go out on the town. My old roommate had a bad mushrooom shake at a party in Thailand once & he was so glad that I brought some TP as it didn't make his stomach happy at all!
-Journal
-Guidebook (I prefer Lonely Planet ones - but at the same time, I also listen to what my fellow travelers suggest)
-paperback reading book (you can trade these or pass them on along the way)
-crappy 20.00 Timex watch - or if your cellphone automatically changes time in foreign timezones, that'll do - know what time it is & don't miss trains or buses - in someplace, the bus to where you've got to go only comes once a day!
-Addresses (I like to send postcards)

-passport (don't be a dumbass & hide it under your bed like I did in Phangnan - then, when you get to the airport at Samui, another island away, you forget to grab you passport & have to spend another 3 days in P
-lighter
-Depending on the country, a third of a roll of toilet paper
-crappy 20.00 Timex watch

Ya, did that in Ushuaia (El Fin del Mundo), but luckily had enough time to go back to the hotel, because I got to the airport early, being paranoid about missing my plane and all (with good reason apparently :rolleyes: ). Luckily the taxi didn't cost too much, since I didn't have to search for my passport very hard, and it's a pretty small town so it was a short ride.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe lighters are (as of quite recently) on the Prohibited Items (http://www.tys.org/Prohibited_English_4-1-2005_v2.pdf) list.

My former GF from Central America would always give me dirty looks when she saw I packed TP, but I never regreted it.

You're a big spender. Until I got a new watch from CO for signing up for their Chase card (soon to be gone, the card not the watch), I used one I purchased at a 99¢ Store :D

Oh, another obvious one, a pen. Don't have to borrow one, like I used to have to do to fill out the customs form.

And a great standby, some US currency stashed away, you never know when it will come handy.

I'm sure I'll think of a few more .....

EmailKid

Lighters are on the prohibited list - but for the most part, only in the US. I usually pack mine in my toiletry kit - if its a simple bic lighter, you can usually walk through security with it in your pocket & it won't set off the metal detector. Of course, if you do that, you can't be a dick to the TSA folks since they'll secondary you. I've never had a lighter pulled from a checked bag.

Good tip about the pen! To me, its like second nature, I almost always have a pen & I keep a couple of extra 3x5 index cards in my travel documents kit just in case I need to write something down. My wallet, a dual-fold, has an ID flap - under that, I keep a mini-pad of about 10 mini-post-it notes. Those come in handy when you don't have anything to write on...

I noticed that I didn't finish the thought while typing above - I had to spend 3 days in Koh Phangnan because I was flying to Krabi from there & there were no confirmable seats for 3 days! Not that spending an extra 3 days in Phangan is that bad, of course - but my buddy who I was traveling with decided to go on ahead - which was actually nice to do some solo travel.

a few to add...

duct tape
I've used it to tape down the button on those showers that you have to keep pushing to make the water come out. Worked brilliantly! I usually wrap .5 cm or so thickness of tape around the end of a pen or pencil. That way it takes up less space.

safety pins

For guides, I like the Michelin Green Guides. They don't always tell you where the cool kids hang out, but they rate all of the things to see with stars. That, along with the maps and content are very useful.
Rough Guides, Fodors, Frommers, and Lonely Planet guides are published on the Web, so I don't bother buying. I'll just print out the bits that interest me.

Ziplocks
They hold toiletries, so that if a cap comes off the leaking isn't so bad. They hold cords/cables if I bring computer stuff. They're great for stationary/post cards/stamps. If I'm carrying powdered laundry detergent, they work for that, too. They're (of course) good for food, either leftovers or pre-prepared picnic stuff. I usually bring about 10 sandwich bags, 5-10 quart size freezer bags, and 5-10 galloon size freezer bags. They easily fit anywhere.

Snack bars
Lara Bars, Luna Bars, Clif Bars, whatever. They keep well, don't take up a lot of room, and provide a relatively filling snack if you get stuck somewhere.

Some trinkets from home to give to people along the way
In the past, we've taken packets of bluebonnet seeds and sheriff's badge pins, both very "Texan." We pinned one of the sheriff's badges on a little boy staying at the inn where we were staying in Southern France, and he thought we were the cat's pajamas after that.

Don't just take a generic "raincoat", take a Gore-tex shell.

I also have some L.L. Bean dress shirts that I can literally sleep in and they still don't wrinkle (much).

Merrell Jungle Moc shoes - they're so comfortable that they double for slippers (and they slip off for the idiots TSA's).

Also, those plastic bags with the one-way opening to pack your clothes in and then squish all the air out. They really work.

Now take everything you've set out to pack and throw half of it in a corner and forget about it!

a small flashlight to use when you get up at night. Melatonin for adjusting to the local time zones.

a small flashlight to use when you get up at night.
I'm very happy with the Petzl Tikka Plus LED headlamp. Good for lots of hours on 3 AAA batteries, and no bulb to burn out or break. It has a strap for wearing around your head like a miner's headlamp.

Great for walking at night if you are out of town, but I have used it mostly as supplemental reading light with underpowered hotel lamps.

Is there any chance this can become a sticky? There's some great ideas in here. ^

Sure you can use it in the woods, but a compass is even better for starting off in the right direction after walking out of the subway. Great for orienting your map when you are trying to figure out where you are, or which direction to go.

Small, cheap (but not so cheap that you don't trust it :p ), and liquid filled (so the needle doesn't wiggle too much) is your best choice, IMHO.

Lighters are on the prohibited list - but for the most part, only in the US.
Yes, they are, and flights into the US from foreign countries also prohibit lighters (at US government direction). In many countries a cheap Scripto type lighter can be bought for around 25 cents; it's probably simpler to just pick one up at the local convenience or mom & pop store after you arrive rather than try to finagle one on board.

Is there any chance this can become a sticky? There's some great ideas in here. ^

ask and ye shall receive!

Yes, they are, and flights into the US from foreign countries also prohibit lighters (at US government direction). In many countries a cheap Scripto type lighter can be bought for around 25 cents; it's probably simpler to just pick one up at the local convenience or mom & pop store after you arrive rather than try to finagle one on board.

I don't recall the last time I ever saw a 25 cent lighter! I just don't understand why I'm allowed to carry 4 packs of matches, yet not a single lighter. The flights back to the US may prohibit lighters, but I've never been stopped for a lighter on a return flight to the US. Either way, I'd rather try my luck & put it in my checked bags or even pocket it than just give up a lighter.

Well I think the items vary according to the place you'r staying in. In my case, going to the Eastern Europe on Winter, my basics are clothes to keep me warm. I just want that!

Btw, I think in these cases a Gore Tex coat is just essential. For rain, snow and cold temperatures.

To easily use underground all over the world I would suggest my fav palm or pocket pc software METRO.
You can get it for free at http://nanika.net/metro

There's some good ideas here, but I really always try to bring a map.

They're cheap and I hate having to hunt for one when I finally get to where I'm going.

I don't recall the last time I ever saw a 25 cent lighter! I just don't understand why I'm allowed to carry 4 packs of matches, yet not a single lighter. The flights back to the US may prohibit lighters, but I've never been stopped for a lighter on a return flight to the US. Either way, I'd rather try my luck & put it in my checked bags or even pocket it than just give up a lighter.
Thailand. 10 baht at the 7-11 or Family Mart. Even cheaper if you buy a multi-pack at Tesco-Lotus. :)

Returning from Thailand to the US on Thai Air, EVERY piece of CHECKED luggaqe was HAND-examined. (When I've flown via NRT, they just x-rayed.) I was specifically asked if I had any cigarette lighters. Since I do not lie to airport security personnel, I told them that I had a gift Zippo lighter still in the box and was informed that it was not permitted, even in checked luggage, on flights to the US and I wound up leaving it with the friend who drove me to the airport.

I agree that many cheap lighters are probably snuck through security, but I carry matches when flying.

Generally, I carry matches too in my carryon - however, I've been to BKK 3 times in the past 2 years & I have never had my checked luggage hand-inspected (backpack everytime) and never had my carry-on hand inspected either. I've flown UA, NW, and TG & the only issue I ever had was from NRT-BKK on UA the first time I flew where I got gate checked & I had 2 lighters (January 2004). They told me I was only allowed one, so I took the one that had more gas left!

Used paperback books. I can usually get them half-off or better. I like to take a mix of classics and mind candy. I take a bunch, and when I'm done reading them, I leave them behind in hostels or trade them. I once had a bunch I was going to dump when I was in Puerto Natales, Chile and found a shop that was buying english-language books for more than half the cover price. I actually made money on the books.

A small/travel size bottle of Gold Bond has been priceless....be it for a long, long haul plane flight, train/bus ride, or just excessive humidity somewhere....
I hope I don't need to elaborate on its essential-ness.

A small tube (chapstick size tube) of nick-it. At the size of a little chapstick tube, it takes up minimal space and does wonders for when you accidentally cut yourself shaving and you're in a hurry to get somewhere.

Instead of packing flip-flops for the beach, pool, or hostel shower, I'll wear a pair of Crocs to the airport. Since they're all rubber, I don't have to mess with taking them off at security. I can pop 'em off on the plane and throw on the plane socks if needed. They work great for beach, pool, shower, etc. and now they even have these sort-of dressy kind that you can wear out to dinner, etc. Items like that which serve several purposes rule.

1. A cheap click-type pen which can unscrew to refill the ballpoint. Unscrew it; there is room in here for a rolled-up $100 bill if rolled around the refill. Also, room for a big-eye sewing needle. Obviously, dont lose the pen! :p

2. A round metal bell -- the kind dancers from India wear on their ankles. I thread it with fishing line, and tie it to my rollaboard/briefcase. After setting it down, any movement causes the tinkle, which is not an obtrusive sound but distinctive enough for me to notice. The same bell can be hung on the doorknob inside your room if worried about night visitors. Add a couple more bells if you want; they are only about half-inch diameter. Or make two separate bell-lines.

3. The fishing line is also useful for many other things, especially when used with the big-eye needle.

1. A cheap click-type pen which can unscrew to refill the ballpoint. Unscrew it; there is room in here for a rolled-up $100 bill if rolled around the refill. Obviously, dont lose the pen! :p
This would be a very good idea if it kept me from losing my pen. My guess: I would also lose the $100.

...

2. A round metal bell -- the kind dancers from India wear on their ankles. I thread it with fishing line, and tie it to my rollaboard/briefcase. After setting it down, any movement causes the tinkle, which is not an obtrusive sound but distinctive enough for me to notice. The same bell can be hung on the doorknob inside your room if worried about night visitors. Add a couple more bells if you want; they are only about half-inch diameter. Or make two separate bell-lines...


The bell is a great idea, I might have to give that one a try sometime. ^

The bell is a great idea, I might have to give that one a try sometime. ^

Glad to have added to your travel repertoire. I've been flying since I was -3 months old :p (am now 45) , and some of these tricks have been handed down through the family.

Did I post the one about using playing card edges to shave? :D

Or making toys with fishing line and bottle-caps to entertain youngsters (yours and others)?

Or playing tug-of-war with an airplane blanket to get in-flight exercise?

To easily use underground all over the world I would suggest my fav palm or pocket pc software METRO.
You can get it for free at http://nanika.net/metro

I will second this. It's a great app and made getting around Paris a breeze!

Welcome to FlyerTalk jef.

You've picked a great forum for your first post ^ OK, I'm a tad biased :)

EmailKid

I've never been backpacking before and am contemplating a trip this summer to Europe. The packing lists mentioned are definitely going in my "email to self" notes.

Thanks for the great tips.

Pack shampoo/lotion, etc. in ziploc- had mine leak all over my clothes. Good thing it was on my return trip home (to be fair, it was my first flight ever!)

About the padlocks- the last few times I've traveled, the TSA has broken the padlocks on my bags to search them, a waste of my money... anyone else had this happen?
so maybe not padlock them until you get off the plane at your destination?

I always take a mini sewing kit and a couple buttons. A tube of superglue is handy, and ditto with the duct tape.

Also- I try to coordinate all my clothes so they all are wearable with each other to make the most outfits possible (obviously a female trait!), so I pack less. However, in places like France, where people wear the same outfit 3 times in a row, without washing it, this isn't really a big deal (they think YOU're wierd)...

If you will be walking alot with your bags, to/from train stations, hotels,etc, fill 'em with 30 lbs of books and hike up and down some stairs to see what it is like, so you don't overpack.

About the padlocks- the last few times I've traveled, the TSA has broken the padlocks on my bags to search them, a waste of my money...

Well, they are entitled to do that, because they tell you up front that they have the right to search your luggage. Something to do with Homeland Insecurity :rolleyes:

I think the padlock idea was to lock a locker in a hostel that provides same, such as HI Seattle (a pretty decent place BTW).

And of course they can't break the locks on my luggage, because 95% of the time I don't check luggage. Just LOVE being the first one to reach Customs. :D Well in smaller places like Central America anyways .... seems like larger places like NRT or BKK have BIG planes landing all the time, so the line never stops :(

Oh, and welcome to FT reckless31abandon. I see you submitted both of your maiden posts here ^ A great place to hang your hat. My second favorite forum is MR (Mileage Run).

EmailKid

Lighters are on the prohibited list - but for the most part, only in the US. I usually pack mine in my toiletry kit - if its a simple bic lighter, you can usually walk through security with it in your pocket & it won't set off the metal detector. Of course, if you do that, you can't be a dick to the TSA folks since they'll secondary you. I've never had a lighter pulled from a checked bag.

Lighters are prohibited in checked luggage everywhere. I'm surprised you've never had them pulled from your bags.

The OneBag site has some great tips - http://www.onebag.com/ and lists of what to take.

My pack is pretty much the same wherever I go. Safety pins, sewing needle and thread, blister tape, small medical kit (even in USA etc), ziploc, mini towel, fold up cup, mini cutlery set (with mini cheese board), bottle opener, compass, flashlight, all my clothes are cotton or made of quick dry non-crumple travel fabric, layers layers layers, hat for sunny days, kleenex for nose and toilet and saving hawker seats, umbrella, moisturiser, nasal saline spray, etc

Also, I prefer the mini pocket street directory for places like paris where the tourist books miss all the little streets. Cities with grids this is not such an issue.

I always bring a few clothes pins. They come in handy to shut the curtains in hotel rooms and also to close the packets of snack food I have with me so I don't have to purchase food at airports or train stations at exhorbitant prices.

I always bring a few clothes pins. They come in handy to shut the curtains in hotel rooms and also to close the packets of snack food I have with me so I don't have to purchase food at airports or train stations at exhorbitant prices.

5 or 6 ziploc bags in a few sizes plus a couple of kitchen size white garbage bags.

A big bag of trail mix

A fold up carry on or back pack to throw my laundry in. Keeps the remaining clean clothes fresher

A microfibre quick dry towel

I second the lighter. Does anyone remember the movie Spy Game, "Always carry a lighter and cigarettes..." It can be a great ice breaker, and I know a few people who have gotten out of a sticky situation by having an extra pack of cigarettes.

Definitely a journal. It is great to help keep track of everything.

Great list!

Our family likes to stay in condos when we go to Hawaii. We always pack a soft-sided cooler (6-can size) plus a blue ice pouch. The cooler can be flattened in the suitcase so it takes up very little space, and when we arrive we put the blue ice in the freezer of our condo. Every time we go to a beach/pool, we have cool drinks and snacks to take with us. No need to leave the beach or buy overpriced snack bar items.

LED shake flashlight, couple packs of wetones and face wipes, gum, chapstick, ziplock bags, small drawing pad, toiletries of course, camera in a pelican case and HDD photo vault in another one, granola bars and a handful of those little liquor bottles. Sewing kit, small first aid kit, small mirror, and rubber bands. Also a pair of boxers and some sox, a magazine, flip flops, some pens and a light cycling jacket. That's pretty much my standard backpack as a carryon set up these days. Alot of stuff, nothing unique, but they are small things that don't weigh much, and it pretty much covers my necessities should my luggage get lost. Something else that never fails to come in handy is a wide roll of 3m durapore. The best tape ever.

Used paperback books. I can usually get them half-off or better. I like to take a mix of classics and mind candy. I take a bunch, and when I'm done reading them, I leave them behind in hostels or trade them. I once had a bunch I was going to dump when I was in Puerto Natales, Chile and found a shop that was buying english-language books for more than half the cover price. I actually made money on the books.

What a great tip. I'm totally going to do this from now on. I never reread paperbacks so this is an effective way to prevent the clutter of books I keep accumulating.

The OneBag site has some great tips - http://www.onebag.com/ and lists of what to take.
Just ignore the $225 carryon (http://www.redoxx.com/catalog/carry-on/p_91018-air-boss.html#product-review-list) that he recommends. ;)

Just ignore the $225 carryon (http://www.redoxx.com/catalog/carry-on/p_91018-air-boss.html#product-review-list) that he recommends. ;)

Well, this is the Budget Travel Forum, so I doubt too many BT travelers will be buying that one :)

Of course you never know, and sometimes what may seem expensive to one person another one may perceive as good value for the money.

I'm still using a backpack / carryon that I purchased at a garage sale 15 years ago :D

EmailKid

with "sample size liquid detergent". Saves me from vacuming the inside of my luggage for the powedered kind....don't ask.

A great item to have is sticky velcro on a strip. You can get precut patches or cut your own to fit. It doesn't replace needle and thread, but makes terrific heavy-duty closures, etc.

Large square of dark fabric. Can use as a place setting, blindfold for sleeping, a way to fold clothes tightly, etc.

As mentioned, ziploc bags.

Also - Crystal light drink mix. Can be easily added to a water bottle for a non-alcoholic, caffine-free drink back at the hotel and it is very light weight to pack & carry. Also use Sugar Free Tang drink mix for mornings. When your done, just refill the bottle from the tap and make more.

Of course, you have to be somewhere that the water is safe to drink.....

with "sample size liquid detergent". Saves me from vacuming the inside of my luggage for the powedered kind....don't ask.

I did that for a while, and then discovered a product called "Camp Suds" which is intended for campers/trekkers. The stuff is cheap (1 USD at any outdoors/camping supply), can be used to clean everything from dishes to clothes to dirty hands, and keeps pretty well for use on future journeys. And it is (or at least claims to be) non-toxic and biodegradable.

Whoops!

My pocket sized A-Z for London. It lives in my pocket when I spend time there.
Cost me about 5 pounds 5 years ago.

Also my cellini travel wallet. It was a gift from my aunt about 10 years ago - cost about 99 rand. It however always has my FF card, my year long A+ travel insurance, my O/S bankcard, my passport and my accupressure chart for jet lag. Its got a hand strap and it fits very neatly into my travel hand bag.

As for locks and the TSA - the TSA approved locks are good - have about 4 of them and have yet to have any problems with them (though I have yet to travel to the states with them ;-) ).

Also labels with addresses so that I can send postcards.

LOVE the labels idea for the postcards!

I always try to have my Swiss Army knife. Unfortunately this is only possible now on flights where I have check-in luggage. A small flashlight is also a must-have item (especially when returning to a dark hostel room late in the evening when people are already sleeping)

...
Also - Crystal light drink mix. Can be easily added to a water bottle for a non-alcoholic, caffine-free drink back at the hotel and it is very light weight to pack & carry. Also use Sugar Free Tang drink mix for mornings. When your done, just refill the bottle from the tap and make more.

Of course, you have to be somewhere that the water is safe to drink.....


Great idea! Try this next time and see which you prefer: There is a product family called "Emergen-C", a powder in a packet double the size of a sugar packet. Several flavours, but all essentially are Vits B+C, + Electrolytes + Trace Minerals. Add the powder to bottle/cup of water and drink away. Within a minute you WILL feel refreshed!

I buy mine at Trader Joe's, pack of 24 I think. Made by Alacer; you can also get via web. [Note: there is another new product being demoed at Costco; it contains bad sugar-substitutes.]

FWIW, at home I add a packet to the mix when I make Jello if my kids are sick. Even sick ones will eat Jello, and this way I can ensure they are getting their electrolytes and BC.

Another travel item for me *used* to be (havent looked in stores since my last move) small packets of miso soup powder, made by Hain Celestials or some such. Organic, all natural, .... Not only can be used as soup when hot water kettle in room (you did bring your immersion heater, didnt you?), BUT also makes a great sprinkle to put on buttered bread for an instant, low cost, nutritious snack or picnic.

Lastly, visit the Food Court at the largest shopping mall in your area. Chances are you will be able to "acquire" a few packets of condiments, e.g. ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, malt vinegar, relish, soy sauce... A couple of each in a ziploc is a veritable spice cabinet.

One tip I came up with a while ago. In the Frame of your pack these is enough space to hide a photocopy of your passport and a few bucks...just in case. On the back of mine, I have a phone card access numbers for the countries I'm visiting just in case I loose all my cash and need some wired in.

I used the list at www.onebag.com to pack. I generally only travel with the MEI Voyageur listed on OneBag as a carry-on bag. It costs about $150 shipped so it's slightly cheaper than the Air Boss. I do have a Red Oxx Air Boss as well but the ability to convert from a shoulder bag to a backpack is so much more valuable than 3 separate main compartments.

These are some of the things I took on my last international trip:
waist security pouch: I have one with a metal cable to prevent cutting but if you wear it below your belt line with your shirt tucked in it's very hard to notice that you even have it on let alone reach it to cut through the cable so you may be better off with one without a cable which may be more comfortable to wear

poncho: a bit more bothersome than an umbrella for quick in and outs between buildings or stores but much better for an extended walk around a city while it's raining plus it keeps your hands free

Packtowl: some hostel towels can be downright nasty

shaving oil: this is the greatest thing since sliced bread plus it's much more compact than shaving cream

laundry kit: packets of Woolite, sink plug, flexoline and I can pack only enough clothing for 2.5 days for 10+ days of travel, buy it at Magellans

daypack: in case you need to check your carry-on (god forbid) and good for trips to the grocery store, etc.

blister pads: just in case..

business cards: I've actually started using these on some trips to exchange contact information

storm whistle: just in case you need to draw attention to yourself, also can substitute as a keychain in place of the hostel keychain

compass: useful after you get out of the subway or are trying to navigate roads that aren't quite laid out in cardinal directions

headlamp: I use a Petzl Tactikka+ which has a red filter, 3 settings and a flash setting, runs off 3 AAA batteries and I think is far more useful than a handheld flashlight

duct tape: everyone should travel with duct tape

ziplock baggies & plastic trash bag: I carry 3 in different sizes plus a medium-duty trash bag which can serve as an emergency backpack cover (if you're not using a poncho or need to leave your pack somewhere)

ultra soles: foot fungus protection

duct tape: everyone should travel with duct tape


uh, ok... :o

I agree with the duct tape, no end of damaged baggage in transit issues have seen me without the much needed stuff... A bit of duct tape goes a very long way.

I agree with the duct tape, no end of damaged baggage in transit issues have seen me without the much needed stuff... A bit of duct tape goes a very long way.

Of course ...... please see my new sig line :D

EmailKid

http://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?image=headrest9fx.jpg


:)

duct tape: everyone should travel with duct tape


Yep. It works miracles but there's really no need to travel with a big roll. I like to wind some up on my Nalgene water bottle. A few feet of it around the bottle and it barely increases the diameter of the bottle. Just be careful when you wind it on...don't touch the adhesive or it won't work as well when you need it!

Pack shampoo/lotion, etc. in ziploc- had mine leak all over my clothes.

Cut small squares from plastic grocery bags and place them on top of the bottle opening and then put the cap back on. This will prevent leaks.

Not something to take with you but makes packing much easier. I started with a packing list from the internet, copied it, made changes and saved it on the computer.

With your own list you can be a specific, and include items that might only be on your list. I also have a pre trip list (stop the newspaper and mail, etc.) and a "out the door" list (turn down heat, etc).

Don't take lots of stuff with you, but don't forget what you really need.

Im a big fan of travel magazines, books, guide books, gadgets etc. I subscribe to budget travel, and like the lets go series. anyone else? am i missing out on a little know magazine or book?

Well you can pruchase online really good guide books on www.lonelyplanet.com
Also you my read there tips also. On www.virtualtourist.com you may also find good savvy tips. And there is a good website http://www.infohub.com/scripts/quiz_cgi/index.php not sure if you can purchase a travel book online but u may check it there, but their section Savvy Traveller Quiz is indeed awesome. there are tones of usefull savvy tips on how to travel all around the world on budget:)

take care

Yep. It works miracles but there's really no need to travel with a big roll. I like to wind some up on my Nalgene water bottle. A few feet of it around the bottle and it barely increases the diameter of the bottle. Just be careful when you wind it on...don't touch the adhesive or it won't work as well when you need it!

What I actually did was flatten an empty toilet paper roll out then wrap the duct tape around it. Instant travel sized duct tape. No need to buy the grossly overpriced stuff that's rolled up into "travel sized" packages. Also this way you can pick the quality of duct tape you want to bring, consumer grade vs. industrial strength, etc.

What I actually did was flatten an empty toilet paper roll out then wrap the duct tape around it. Instant travel sized duct tape. No need to buy the grossly overpriced stuff that's rolled up into "travel sized" packages. Also this way you can pick the quality of duct tape you want to bring, consumer grade vs. industrial strength, etc.
Also works well to wrap it around a pencil.

A small bottle of hand sanitizer (like Purell). Use it frequently and especially before eating anything.

If you're located in Australia I just bought these and Highly recommend them

6 In 1 Camping Set - $49.95 (http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/6-1-camping-set/)

Head Lamp/Torch/Light - $1.95 (http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/adjustable-head-lamp/)

I love the ideas for making your own little supply of duct tape and using squares of plastic bags to keep bottles from leaking.

You folks are really good!

Simple phrase book if you are going to a place where they speak another language other than your own is always handy. I prefer them very small then it is not cumbersome when you need to get directions in a hurry. (like where is the bathroom?) :eek:

I can't stand having to carry all those darn "membership cards" that FTs have, so I generally only carry the ones I really need for that particular trip and just travel with a list that has all the others on it in case I need one. Gotta love the ability to use a small font and keep it as small as possible. After this current bout of laziness, I'll probably step it up a notch and laminate it, that way it will last longer.

I've always used a lighter to wrap duct tape around. Of course these days you'd have to use an empty one.


I put duct tape on my sneakers when they start to fall apart.
Since my baby left me I'm wearing duct tape on my heart.
{From "Duct Tape Blues"}

I've always used a lighter to wrap duct tape around. Of course these days you'd have to use an empty one.

Welcome to FlyerTalk Karaokemonk.

Please see my sig line :D

EmailKid

A small bottle of hand sanitizer (like Purell). Use it frequently and especially before eating anything.

FYI, These are being freely given away at many, many AA ticket counters. It's the Germ-X brand, small travel size, and it comes in a TSA-Friendly zip-loc bag too! Bonus baggie!

The TSAs do not like them...a lot of people throw the baggie as-is into their carry on, and then it's a 2nd bag that now violates the 1-baggie rule. And/or, they stuff the GermX into their already overflowing 1-baggie, and stuff keeps falling out, and it's a hassle to check. So far, I've found most AA ticket counter agents glad to part w/ several at once---so stock up!

The large super mega jumbo sized plastic bags have come in very handy--from laundry hamper to 'carry-on' bag. During a trip, the zipper on my duffle bag gave way (fell off actually). I didn't have time to buy a new one so I put my stuff inside the jumbo baggie and then put that inside the duffle shell for easier carrying. All my belongings made it home without worry of them spilling out all over the airport/airplane.

A growing number of websites offers free mp3 city audio guides, just search google for audioguide, audio guide, mp3 city tour followed by the name of the city.

A good overview (20 cities) is on www.iAudioguide.com

My Favorite budget travel item?

During the times I travelled absolutely on a shoestring, I always had a smalltea cooker with me (I don't know what's the appropriate English word, it looks like this (http://www.rapido-service.ch/category/site/wasserkocher.jpg)). It's working with electricity and you find it it most hotel rooms anyway.

The reason: You can save a lot on food by buying instant meals (like this (http://www.doit24.de/pics/150/3/30226120.jpg)) without having to waive a hot meal ^

Nowadays I prefer tasting the local food (not everywhere though :( )

A growing number of websites offers free mp3 city audio guides, just search google for audioguide, audio guide, mp3 city tour followed by the name of the city.

A good overview (20 cities) is on www.iAudioguide.com

Great idea ^

During the times I travelled absolutely on a shoestring, I always had a smalltea cooker with me (I don't know what's the appropriate English word, it looks like this (http://www.rapido-service.ch/category/site/wasserkocher.jpg)). It's working with electricity and you find it it most hotel rooms anyway.

That's generally called a hotpot. Another alternative would be to carry a small camping pot of some type and an immersion heater.

About the padlocks- the last few times I've traveled, the TSA has broken the padlocks on my bags to search them, a waste of my money... anyone else had this happen?
so maybe not padlock them until you get off the plane at your destination?


I use cable ties (those skinny plastic ties) instead of a padlock, the TSA guys can cut them if they want to check my backpack/suitcase, I just put on another one when my luggage arrive (IF they arrive!!!). Just put one through the zipper loops. They come if various sizes and colours too.

I also bring along bungy cords for hanging up wet laundry, shoes, or food, also good for securing bags to the overhead racks on buses/trains.

And of course, duct tape! Endless uses - including taping my paranoid friend's boots to her ankles when we spent the night inside the Bogota Airport. Don't ask!

Oh, and a roll of (soft) toilet paper, because if you have a cold or tummy problems (polite way of saying - getting the .....), you don't want sandpaper quality loo paper next to your skin :D

About the padlocks- the last few times I've traveled, the TSA has broken the padlocks on my bags to search them, a waste of my money... anyone else had this happen?

Yes, lots of people. TSA tells you that you have to use APPROVED locks, i.e., ones they can open with THEIR key. Sorry if this sounds a little harsh, but just yesterday on my way to the old west Texas town of El Paso saw three young ladies who had water bottles, big tubes of toothpaste (way over 3 oz), not to menion the fact that the plastic bags were not out, but in the carryon.

So yes, if you don't follow the rules, they break the locks / take your water ...

BTW, welcome to FlyerTalk.

From DFW awaiting my first bump voucher of the year (and first one in well over a year),

EmailKid

And still waiting for that voucher .... with 30 seconds to go they decided they didn't need me after all. Can't count the times I boarded after being first on the bump list.

1 travel size bottle of Gold Bond.

A trial size bottle of Tide detergent (or any detergent but I prefer Tide.)

You never know when accidents happens and that Buffalo Wing sauce or beer ends up on your Aloha shirt or dress pants and you want to get the stain out.

When I travel for long periods I do laundry at local places. Nice way to meet residents of the neighborhood. :)

About the padlocks- the last few times I've traveled, the TSA has broken the padlocks on my bags to search them, a waste of my money... anyone else had this happen?
so maybe not padlock them until you get off the plane at your destination?


I keep my bag locked but wait for the TSA to check the contents via xray scan. They've been unfailingly polite, sending my bag through while I wait - and they've never asked me to unlock it for a search:p

A trial size bottle of Tide detergent (or any detergent but I prefer Tide.)

You never know when accidents happens and that Buffalo Wing sauce or beer ends up on your Aloha shirt or dress pants and you want to get the stain out.

When I travel for long periods I do laundry at local places. Nice way to meet residents of the neighborhood. :)

Woolite makes individually sized foil-wrapped packets that are a little easier to handle perhaps. Also fewer rinse cycles than with Tide..

i use to carry a small jar of peanut butter
is this still allow in carryon?

i use to carry a small jar of peanut butter
is this still allow in carryon?

That's a no no, it's even specifically mentioned on the DHS list.

Regarding laundry detergent, I actually carry a little box of powdered detergent (which protects cloting if it breaks open in your bag, unlike the liquid detergent). Also, if its an extended backpacking trip, I bring nylon cord so I can do my laundry in my hotel room sink and hang the clothes in my room. You can find a variety of uses for cord/rope when you're on the road...

Where to begin... there are great ideas here so I don't have lots to add. Probably my best tip is how to carry around a lot of information. Instead of taking an address book and separate printouts of tickets and reservations and such, I create a word document that contains all relevant addresses/phone numbers of people at home and the ones I will visit, passport #s, medical insurance info, frequent flier #s, itinerary, reservation details, and suggestions of sites, restaurants, etc. that I've gleaned from my pre-trip web-surfing. I leave all this on my home computer for the house-sitter or anyone who cares, and print (in tiny font) all the info to carry with me. I am usually with my family, so this can be a lot of info condensed into a few pages. I also lighten the load by ripping up my guidebooks and taking relevant pages in a ziploc bag. Painful, but I'm always glad I've done it.

For laundry, I like Dr. Bronner's peppermint liquid soap. It works for hands and face as well as clothing and dishes. I made a travel clothesline out of the bungee cord they sell by the foot at big hardware stores. I love to look at the latest camping gadgets, and my most recent acquisition is a coffee press pot made of lexan. I got one of those electric coil heaters at a garage sale, and I can make my own coffee. My favorite travel towel is microfiber by Aquis - they are so compact but really absorbent. I always travel with a travel pillow, eye shade and earplugs. My favorite purses for travel are by Bagallii - great for the hyper-organized.

You can get more great tips for packing light at www.ricksteves.com - go to the grafitti wall, and to the regular lists they provide.

We have french press coffee mugs that we got at Starbucks some years ago. Works great, especially internationally, since you only need is coffee and hot water. Also great on cruises.

For laundry, a few tablets work great, and there's no mess.

Great thread folks, thanks. No matter how much you've traveled, you can always think of something new.

PS. What to leave at home: anything to do with Rick Steeves. Barf.

My $7 U-shaped inflatable pillow is a must. You gotta love that on any flight. Some people may say you look like a tool wearing it but they aren't the ones who leave the long flight with a sore neck!

... but they aren't the ones who leave the long flight with a sore neck!

Please elaborate. Never had a sore neck, even on long haul (did get sore when I did a IAH-HNL-GUM-MNL-CEB-MNL-GUM-HNL-IAH with only a three day stay in CEB). I wouldn't mind looking ridiculous if it were comfortable, but I've read it does not work :confused:

Please advise.

EmailKid

I have one of the inflatable pillows (http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Pillows_and_BlanketsIF665?Args =) and it works fine for me. Others say they're not really comfortable using one. You can try the buckwheat filled ones for a different feel but they add some bulk to your luggage after you get off the flight.

There's also the wrap-around (http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Pillows_and_BlanketsIF383?Args =) kind in the event that you find your head mostly drooping to the front.

Links are all to Magellan's.

PS. What to leave at home: anything to do with Rick Steeves. Barf.

There are T-Shirts for sale that read, "Rick Steeves is my b****".

Please elaborate. Never had a sore neck, even on long haul (did get sore when I did a IAH-HNL-GUM-MNL-CEB-MNL-GUM-HNL-IAH with only a three day stay in CEB). I wouldn't mind looking ridiculous if it were comfortable, but I've read it does not work :confused:

Please advise.

EmailKid

When I use to sleep on planes especially when I was exhausted I would do that start falling asleep that you see people do sometimes, and then their head slumps down. After doing that like 15 times it's like giving your neck muscles a real workout. I would wake up with a really sore neck! With the U shaped inflatable pillow it stops your head from falling down. The pillow supports your neck! Voila...instant comfort!

There are T-Shirts for sale that read, "Rick Steeves is my b****".

I'm no fan of his shows, but for people who've never been to Europe, it actually has pretty good info. And mom loves his show, and she was a seasoned traveler (to a degree) in her day, and probably visited more continets than most posters here :p

And PBS seems to make all kinds of money when they show his programs during pledge drives, so he must be liked by some.

EmailKid

I've heard him speak at the travel fair his company hosts, and he's actually very witty and personable. The show is not to everybody's taste, sure, but he's been a pioneer in opening up travel outside of your standard tour-bus approach to more than the adventurous few. I've talked to people who have done his tours, and they were uniformly impressed. I've used lots of info from his website, and it's been helpful. Plus, he's extremely generous in helping our local PBS station with pledge drives.

My fav item is the folding passport holder found here

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/VFUN_tcm4-177296.pdf

I can fit my passport and all my documents into it, saves me a lot of searching and worry incase I lose something.

On the subject of U pillows, I used to have one but found it pushed my head forward too much, has anyone got a solution?

On the subject of U pillows, I used to have one but found it pushed my head forward too much, has anyone got a solution?

I upgraded to a Bucky's travel pillow. It's very smooshy, so the filling can shift to the sides and leave the back of your neck free to recline. Costco had a package deal with a passport holder, velvet eye mask, and earplugs, so now I travel in style!

Regarding laundry detergent, I actually carry a little box of powdered detergent (which protects cloting if it breaks open in your bag, unlike the liquid detergent). Also, if its an extended backpacking trip, I bring nylon cord so I can do my laundry in my hotel room sink and hang the clothes in my room. You can find a variety of uses for cord/rope when you're on the road...

Just because I'm on a budget trip or economising doesn't mean I have to drop my standards - and with a bad back I need to travel light.

Marseilles Soap is about the best toiletry item ever made.
A good quality olive oil based soap it's been manufactured and used for centuries.

Good as a soap for your body (tough on grime but very gentle - won't dry you out)

Excellent as a shampoo (as a female I'm particularly fussy about shampoo and wouldn't use any other kind of soap for this as it would leave my hair with the texture of dried straw)

Marvellous for washing your clothes with!

If you can get hold of it in Southern Europe you'll find it a very good price. If not, you can get it in huge bars at L'Occitane. It may seem expensive, but if you heat up a sharp knife with hot water you can easily make the huge block into 5 reasonably priced handy bars.

We use it on a daily basis as my husband has severe eczema and doesn't get on well with many soaps. He was fine with clinique, but that's an expensive habit if you're washing your whole body with it. He's been very happy with the Marseilles Soap and I'm a delighted convert (I grew up thinking of it as a clothes detergent as my Spanish grandmother has always used it for hand washing, it never even occurred to me until relatively recently to wash my body, let alone my hair with it!)

Top stuff!

http://usa.loccitane.com/product/product.asp?product=MST020&variant=25SA500BL&=
It's usually $8 (as I said, divide by 5 as it's a pretty big block - a divided portion should be all you need for a two or three week trip).

There's another version with a lavender scent (http://usa.loccitane.com//product/product.asp?product=25SA350OL&variant=) (not my favourite fragrance) which is just the same under the Bon Mere title. Might have the added effect of keeping moths away from your luggage!

(you can get my preferred soap in a smaller size (http://usa.loccitane.com//product/product.asp?product=MST022&variant=25SA125LT) but it isn't nearly as economical)

well when I go somewhere, i always my "stuffable" jacket. It's a jacket sold at sports stores and it's light weight. It keeps me warm and I can always layer if i need to. It comes in a pouch about..3 inches in diameter and 5 inches in height.

I always take an mp3 that requires AAA batteries because charging iPods are a hassle and AAA batteries can be found virtually anywhere.

Invest in reversibles! I have a microfiber jacket that when reversed, the fleece goes on the outside. Thus 2 jackets in 1, to vary on how cold it is plus you don't look like a dork wearing the same jacket during a 1 month backpacking trip around Europe. :D

We take one of those cool wind up flash lights (it's not one of the big boxy ones - it's a regular one) and MAN has that come in handy a bunch of times. We keep one in the car too...... Actually I was thinking of buying a few to trade off when we go down to Mexico....... Now where did I buy the darn things.... :)

I've never been able to use the U shaped pillow as designed. I fold down the tray table, place the pillow on the tray, and fall forward. Most of the time this works for me. I just have to make sure that I'm not in the seat directly behind the exit row. *crunch*

Rick Steves books are great :)

I absoultely Hate his political philosophy, BUT his convertible carry on backpack is absolutely the best (IMHO). I bought my first 12 yrs ago, then bought one for my girlfriend (now wife) 7 yrs ago and just bought another one for myself - not because the first one was worn out, just getting a bit threadbare, and I liked the improved features I saw in the newer one. I take 1-2 trips a year. At least one of them is always 3-6 weeks in length, and I always ONLY carry on my ONE Rick Steves carry-on convertible, that's all. That bag and this style of traveling has saved both me and my wife so many missed connections, and so much time in airports that I could write a book. Not to mention the sheer convenience of having both hands free as we walk briskly off the airplane, zip through customs, and are in our taxi or rental car before most passengers have arrived at the line for the "waiting for my bag to slide onto the carousel" ritual.
I have shown and lent this bag to friends who then went on to buy their own after experiencing the freedom and comfort it affords.
I know I'm sounding like a commercial, but when you find a really outstanding product you want everyone to know about it. Hope I've helped someone, it's my repayment for all the great tips I've gotten from this site.

P.S. I just thought that the "Tide to Go" pen might be a valuable addition to the packing list.

Not that I've read any of his recent books or seen his programs lately, but I'm certainly curious why so many seem to dislike Rick Steeves. Can anyone provide me a link so I can learn more?

As for my own feelings, that guy totally made my second trip to Europe. His Europe through the back door is mandatory reading for anyone I know planning their first trip (and I've purchased at least half a dozen of them for this very purpose). I have seen few guidebooks that focus more on how to travel in Europe as opposed to where to go in Europe.

A few months ago while in Bali, I stumbled upon one of his first books, a well-worn South East Asia travel guide. It turned out to be far more helpful than the more recent photo guides I found.

Now, does anyone have a link to this convertible carry-on backpack?

.... but I'm certainly curious why so many seem to dislike Rick Steeves.

Not necessarily dislike, but for those of us who've been there, it's old hat. His tips are great for first timers, especially of certain age. When I made my first European trip way back when, I had all the time in the world so could make all the mistakes.

His show is for people like me, except older and that they never traveled anywhere, or if the did they stayed at the Marriott and ate at the restaurant at the hotel. And they still think you should not drink the water or buy from food from street carts :rolleyes:

Now, does anyone have a link to this convertible carry-on backpack?

Um, RickSteves.com/ (http://www.ricksteves.com)

Link to backpacks and stuff is at botom right.

EmailKid

Wet Ones for sticky fingers and for washing hands when your hand sanitizer falls out of your pocket. (Aloe Wet Ones are a great substitute for toilet paper when the turista just doesn't go away.) Gatorade for the turista. Tide pens were terrific on my last trip. My traveling companion and I looked like toddlers after every meal. The pens really do work.

I pack clothes (T shirts together organized by color; slacks together, underwear, etc) in giant zip locks. It means I can pull out the bags containing the clothes I want to wear that day without having to repack everything. The clothes stay nicely folded and repacking (assuming I put the clothes back in the bags if I'm not laundering them) is a breeze.

I just bought an Sony eReader for my last trip. I was worried about weight of carryons (and checked luggage)--was gone for almost four weeks with two long, long flights. It was great.

I haven't made it through the whole list yet, but want to add "extra bag." Sounds funny, but go with me. Depending on how long my trip is and how much I plan on buying (shirts, trinkets, other items) I check one suitcase. On the bottom of that suitcase I lay a smaller bag that folds very small or flattens. I pack all my stuff on top of it. That way I have an "extra bag to fill" while I'm traveling. Especially since most airlines are getting VERY strict with their weight limit's on bags. I've never been caught with a "heavy" bag coming home even though I buy stuff during my trip. Hope that helps.

My "don't leave home without" list has grown a little with this posting!! Great ideas!! Thanks everyone!

Marseilles Soap is about the best toiletry item ever made.
A good quality olive oil based soap it's been manufactured and used for centuries.


Thanks for that tip, we use this soap as hand soap but I hadn't considered using it as a shampoo.

One item I like to take with me is a small bottle of hand sanitiser - not usually for me, but for my wife who has a touch of the Howard ;)

compression bags
small flashlight
lighter
safety pins
sunscreen
extra shoelaces
large ziplock bags
pre-paid calling cards
hand sanitizer
address and phone numbers for local consulate or embassy

All great ideas - washing powder liquid is always my nemesis!

Something else to take along, especially in poorer areas of Asia - photos of your family. Invariably when talking with the locals they will always ask about your family, and they adore photos. Trinkets (mentioned before) are also great - your 20c hair tie or pencil from home will often be swapped for a home cooked gourmet meal :D

Those small ziplock bags are also great for paper currency - I find my cash can rip and get all sweaty when in hidden pockets or money belts, so the snack size bags are just right for most notes.

Not so budget, but something I took with me around europe - my PDA. Phrase books, all your addresses and phone numbers, copies of all insurance/flight information and stuff, photo backup, an MP3 player, maps, a journal, and even GPS all in one little unit.

A lot of good tips. One thing I would add is water bottle. Fill up whenever you can get free water during the trip.

wet naps are a must when I travel

Samatha Brown once said her best travel tip was a vintage train case and I bought one on ebay. You can fit everything you need in one and the best part is that you use it for a foot stool on the flight. On long flights it is the best thing.
Clorox wipes are a must, clean you tray table, seat arms, volume controls, etc. I have had seatmates ask me for a wipe after seeing me clean. I work at an airport, those trays don't get cleaned very often in quick or long turn arounds. If I sit next to the window I clean the window also. I don't want to get sick on my vacation.
Last trip to Germany I bought a great pair of boots for hiking on ebay very cheap and left them and other clothes that I could care less about. I then had room for my Germany goodies. I think each hotel maid got some clothes.
I have this one one 22 inch roller bag and my travel train case. I refuse to carry more but like to buy stuff.

Hello everyone,
First post; heard about flyertalk from someone I met at a Bhutan slideshow last night. Excellent information.

Some of my essentials:
a 2 gig or higher flash drive for storing and backing up pictures. They also come in handy for storing copies of your passport, traveler check and ATM numbers, and you can download a copy of a Password Vault type program for using in internet cafes when you don't want to type in your passwords.

Silk sleep sacks are an absolute necessity for travel in Asia and other developing areas. Places in my budget range rarely have top and bottom sheets and there's no telling when anything was last laundered....

Washing clothes is a big deal on long trips, and I either buy small packets of powder soap and wrap tight with rubber bands (which are another excellent thing to have), or in some places you can buy small round hard bars of laundry soap that are perfect for travel. Safety pins double as clothes pins and take up far less room. I like to buy a small bundle of plastic wrapping twine to use for clotheslines or bundling up items that I buy as gifts.

An iPod video with little retractable RCA cables (made by Emerge Tech) so you can load a ton of movies, language lesson videos, music, and even pictures of your country to show other people. It's great to be able to hook your iPod up to a TV and watch movies in a place that doesn't have any English stations, and it's always fun to invite some fellow travelers over for a party.

That's all for now, but I'm sure I'll think of some others. Great topic- so many good ideas.

Hello everyone,

Tried to post this last night, but it didn't work..... 2nd attempt:
First post; heard about flyertalk from someone I met at a Bhutan slideshow the other night. Excellent information.

Some of my essentials:
a 2 gig or higher flash drive for storing and backing up pictures. They also come in handy for storing copies of your passport, traveler check and ATM numbers, email addresses, visa pictures, etc. You can also download a Password Vault type program for your flash drive, for doing online banking in internet cafes where you don't want to type in your passwords.

Silk sleep sacks are an absolute necessity for travel in Asia and other developing areas. Places in my budget range rarely have top sheets and there's no telling when anything was last laundered....

An iPod video with little retractable RCA cables (made by Emerge Tech) so you can load a ton of movies, language lesson videos, music, podcasts, and even pictures of your country to show other people. It's great to be able to hook your iPod up to a TV and watch movies in a place that doesn't have any English stations, and it's always fun to invite some people over for a party.

One thing I do, since I like to sew, is make extra long pockets on all my travel pants and skirts. That way I have all my important papers and money in a location that's impossible to pickpocket, and it allows space for that extra wallet that contains all the things you really don't want to lose. I've had rooms rifled by cleaning staff, so it's nice to have everything with you. I've heard too many pickpocketing stories, so in really bad areas (in large crowds or Guiyang recently, where I saw a purse snatching) I put safety pins over my pockets to prevent anybody from reaching their hand in.

Washing clothes is a big deal on long trips, and I either buy small packets of powder soap and wrap tight with rubber bands (which are another excellent thing to have), or in some places you can buy small round hard bars of laundry soap that are perfect for travel. Safety pins can be used as clothes pins and take up far less room. I like to buy a small bundle of plastic wrapping twine to use for clotheslines or bundling up items that I buy as gifts.

That's all for now, but I'm sure I'll think of some others. Great topic- so many good ideas.

One word: Blackberry. Absolutely essential for getting through boredom at the gate, and finding out where to eat once I've made it to my destination.

Welcome to FlyerTalk tina.pdx !

Those sound like good ideas ^

EmailKid

always needed:
-lonely planet small new guide ( forgot the exact name )
-a map of the city I´m in
-a book ( waiting hours somewhere )
-creditcard ( if you have money you can have everything... ;-) )
-music mp3
-paper and a pen !!

:-P

Great hints, everyone! I'll definitely be updating my travel list.

My items (aside from the usual clothing/shoes/toiletries):

Safety pins
Crochet hook and small ball of yarn
Extra bag to carry goodies home (packed at the bottom of my suitcase)
Emery board (nothing worse than sharp, broken nails)
Dental floss (get a sample size from your dentist)
Rough Guide (if I've not visited previously)
Tiny compass/clock. I have one I picked up at a convention that clips on to a belt or purse loop.
Key flashlight (the kind that lights up when you press it).
PDA/Ipod
Bandaids
Granola bars. It's hard to think yourself out of a difficult situation when you're hungry.
Pen and small spiral notebook
Extra camera battery.

I agree with the extra bag idea, but with a twist. I always make sure mine is stored in outside pocket of my carry-on suitcase. If I'm checking in luggage, and over the weight limit, I can grab it quickly and pull a few heavy things out of my suitcase and throw them in the extra bag. (shoes, books, laundry, jeans are usually the weight offenders). This embarrassing thing has only happened once, but I'll always be prepared.

My extra bag is an old duffel with no pockets, just one roomy compartment and a zip. We never used it because it's not a nice, structured, quality duffel. It was just a freebie many years ago. But because it has no features or shape, it folds as tiny as a 3x5 card.

Now airlines are starting to charge for a 2nd bag, this large shapeless bag comes in handy, cuz you can put the bag you had planned to carry-on into it, or it into your carry-on. And shapeless means it can be squeezed into small leftover overhead space, or made to be a foot pillow for you.

Traveling is all about flexibility: if the airline says your overweight, but doesn't charge for a 2nd bag, split your stuff up and check this as a 2nd bag. (or your travelling partner's 2nd bag!) If the airline says they'll charge you for a 2nd bag, it can be your big carry-on.

Many people don't realize that the carry-on rules for most American carriers is TWO bags. They say ONE carry-on, but that means one carry-on small suitcase. AND each person gets a "personal bag" like a ladies purse or a mens briefcase. Ladies choose a large tote that is malleable to maximize this.
Also small food bags don't count since the airlines changed the food service.

I always put my purse in a bigger tote to get more mileage out of the purse idea. My favorite thing to bring on a trip when staying at a hotel is a night light that has an extra plug in so I always have an outlet to plug in my cell phone charger. Also I love shout wipes when traveling. They have saved me many times.

Im a big fan of travel magazines, books, guide books, gadgets etc. I subscribe to budget travel, and like the lets go series. anyone else? am i missing out on a little know magazine or book?

My Bijoux-Turner travel blanket bought at the airport for $10. It folds up and zips into itself. Washes and drys quickly and can double as a pillow in-flight.

When I go overseas, I always bring old clothes I'm only going to wear one more time, then ditch after I wear it there...I don't come home with any old socks, tee shirts, underwear, etc. It prevents me from having to keep clean and dirty clothes apart in my luggage (somewhat) and makes space to bring back cooler stuff.

When I go overseas, I always bring old clothes I'm only going to wear one more time, then ditch after I wear it there...I don't come home with any old socks, tee shirts, underwear, etc. It prevents me from having to keep clean and dirty clothes apart in my luggage (somewhat) and makes space to bring back cooler stuff.

Glad to see we are not the only ones who do this.....

When we went to Egypt.... we were able to bring back about 30 handmade dress shirts.... and no extra space was needed as we threw away what we took along the way. :)

557 Duct Tape. :cool:

I never travel without my camera and my iPod!!! Just can't live without them! :D

One thing I do before I go on a vacation for travel is print out the WikiTravel page for the city I'm headed towards. The price is right (free) and normally the advice is excellent -- for the most part, it's written by people who have lived there and know the ins-and-outs. It's typically quicker to read and a better summary than a thick guide book, and you can read it in-air.

For budget travel, I'd say my favorite items are a shirt, shoes and a readiness to enjoy new experiences. A passport helps too!

I thought I would mention Thorn Tree on the Lonely Planet website is a great tool to use when budget traveling. For my recent trains, planes and automobiles adventure it was very useful.

I have found that I sleep better on a red-eye if I can lay my head on something. The lightest and smallest "something" that I have found, by far, is an inflatable beachball. They come in two sizes at Wal-Mart (summer) and party supply stores (winter), and the larger size works better for me.

Mine cost about a dollar, weighs less than 3 ounces (approx 80 grams), and inflates (by mouth) in a minute of two. I place the airline-supplied pillow on top of it so my face isn't directly touching the plastic.

When she is not using it as a pillow, Mrs. Middle_Seat uses her beachball as a footrest.

A roll of scotch tape can be handy for securing the ball to your tray-table when you are not using it. On my last redeye I set mine on the floor in front of my seat, and later noticed it had rolled to the aisle where people were gingerly stepping over it.

I have found that I sleep better on a red-eye if I can lay my head on something. The lightest and smallest "something" that I have found, by far, is an inflatable beachball. They come in two sizes at Wal-Mart (summer) and party supply stores (winter), and the larger size works better for me.

Mine cost about a dollar, weighs less than 3 ounces (approx 80 grams), and inflates (by mouth) in a minute of two. I place the airline-supplied pillow on top of it so my face isn't directly touching the plastic.

When she is not using it as a pillow, Mrs. Middle_Seat uses her beachball as a footrest.

A roll of scotch tape can be handy for securing the ball to your tray-table when you are not using it. On my last redeye I set mine on the floor in front of my seat, and later noticed it had rolled to the aisle where people were gingerly stepping over it.


Cool...sort of like a poor mans version of this (http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=96981577&c=10980)? I will certainly give it a try!

Cool...sort of like a poor mans version of this (http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=96981577&c=10980)? I will certainly give it a try!
Yes, I bought and used a Sky Rest pillow before I got the beachball. The Sky Rest is sturdy and functional, but much heavier and bulkier (even when deflated) than a beach ball.

About a week before travel, I took the beachball out of its package and unfolded it to let the plastic smell dissipate.

Yes, I bought and used a Sky Rest pillow before I got the beachball. The Sky Rest is sturdy and functional, but much heavier and bulkier (even when deflated) than a beach ball.

About a week before travel, I took the beachball out of its package and unfolded it to let the plastic smell dissipate.

Thanks...I'm off to look for beach balls today!

Thanks...I'm off to look for beach balls today!
At this time of year they may be gone from the big-box retailers, but I have found them at party-supply stores. Actually, I didn't find them...had to ask the staff.

Good luck!

On my last redeye I set mine on the floor in front of my seat, and later noticed it had rolled to the aisle where people were gingerly stepping over it.

That is too funny :) What a great idea. I can't count how many hours I have shuffled, folded, and maneuvered my airline-provided pillow(s) to try to get them to fit nicely against the wall/window. I may need to try this.

That is too funny :) What a great idea. I can't count how many hours I have shuffled, folded, and maneuvered my airline-provided pillow(s) to try to get them to fit nicely against the wall/window. I may need to try this.

another possibilty is a giant Hefty zip lock bag. Just open it, close the zipper and you have a ready made pillow that can be as firm or soft as you like. Once I even took a straw and used it to top off the pillow by opening the zip a bit , blowing the bag up and closing it quickly

Great suggestions. I like to carry a few binder clips in several sizes. They have many uses: keeping loose travel-guide pages together, closing curtains, even hanging laundry. Stronger and more versatile than clothes pins or regular paper clips.

I scan my passport/ID etc. and email it to myself, so that no matter what happens I can access a copy.

Also, if I am going to multiple countries, I like to photocopy the relevant pages of a travel book, and recycle them as I go, instead of bringing lots of heavy books for different countries.

One thing I do before I go on a vacation for travel is print out the WikiTravel page for the city I'm headed towards. The price is right (free) and normally the advice is excellent -- for the most part, it's written by people who have lived there and know the ins-and-outs. It's typically quicker to read and a better summary than a thick guide book, and you can read it in-air.

I've recently discovered WikiTravel and find it quite useful for directions and general advice. Instead of printing out the pages, I do screenshots of the relevant sections on my iPhone; that way I have access to it anywhere without having to shuffle through a stack of papers. More environmentally-friendly as well.

I'm not a big fan of guidebooks though, I'd rather access sites like Tripadvisor for travel advice.

I don't go anywhere without a portable water heater. This is just a five inch coil with a clip to attach to the side of any container and a cord to plug into the wall. It takes up almost no space. FANTASTIC!

I got this in India from a fellow backpacker and used it to heat water to do my laundry and to take the edge off of frigid bucket showers.

In Europe (or anywhere else where eating out everyday gets expensive) I use it to make pasta, rice, porridge, and steamed veggies from the local supermarket.

I believe it costs around $2..worth every penny.

Dental Floss

Find a floss container that you can open, and put a medium needle, a large needle, a fish hook and a sealed antiseptic pad in the container, along with the floss.

I have used floss for sewing, stitches, emergency repairs, fishing, and (of course) flossing my teeth. If you have floss, you can skip the sewing kit.

World edition Blackberry or Iphone with translator guidebook and PDF of your passport loaded up
Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Jungle Juice Bug Repellent
Rainbow Sandals
LED Headlamp
Board Shorts
Standard Bandanna
Johnny Cash is a friend of mine T-Shirt

And I'm out

A travel French press (I'm picky about coffee, and spending £3 or €3 for a cup adds up quickly). Starbucks sells a Bodum one for around $10 now. This would work great with Natiaka's advice above on the portable water heater.

Corkscrew (if checking luggage, otherwise they tend to get confiscated) or a simple bottle opener, again to save on costs. In Germany, at least, I get more interesting beers and wines in grocery stores than in bars, for a lot less.

Plasticware. Places outside the US aren't as generous with the free cutlery, even when getting takeout.

I'm addicted to Muji and all the little travel trinkets, which, unfortunately, often aren't all that cheap anymore depending on the exchange rate...

how bout a map? hahaha. no but like the others have said, a journal! and a camera to remember the good times!

my favorite budget travel items are

1-camera
2-local map
3-books & magazines
4-small first aid kit
5-lock
6-some snacks and a hand towel
7-passport,cards address,

Im a big fan of travel magazines, books, guide books, gadgets etc. I subscribe to budget travel, and like the lets go series. anyone else? am i missing out on a little know magazine or book?

i like conde nast the best. foder's has some good books too.

i go to border's and have a coffee and can read them for free. they have all the travel magazines and books. if there is one i really like , i will purchase it.

they do not mind if you read for a couple hours. i asked the manager because i felt bad opening a "new book". i was assured that it's fine to browse them all day long if one wanted to.

enjoy yourself. i was thrilled to learn this and very pleased with the good leadership of that store. they have a nice way of handling customers. i wonder if their business is profitable. might be a good stock pick ?? not sure :-)

Other than the basics already mentioned, I like to bring a pair of flip flops for use as shower shoes, slippers for unclean hotel/BB floors and of course flip flops.

A few extra ziplock bags are also great to take leftovers back to your room or to take a picnic out with you during the day. Also a Platypus water bottle.

If possible one of those travel knives and a pair of travel chopsticks.

And of course a folding tote bag to carry stuff in and to avoid having to pay for a shopping bag in Europe. I use Chico bags, Kiva or even Envirosax.

I never leave without my maps. I always carry one or two whenever i travel. Saves me time rather than asking people around for directions.

Favorite travel item?!: My french-press coffee cup! Freshly brewed coffee anywhere, anytime!

A Michelin map of where I am going, an absolute must in Europe. In North America, I find Rand McNally pretty reliable. Also, Lonely Planet for decent cheap hotels.