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.
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I fell in love in the porta potty line in the parking lot of some show.
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.
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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 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!
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I fell in love in the porta potty line in the parking lot of some show.
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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.
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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.
__________________ "The world is a book--those who do not travel read only one page." ---St. Augustine
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!
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!
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 (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?
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!
