Jun 18, 17, 4:17 pm
Last edit by: EmailKid
Best items to have for Budget Traveler:
Unlocked SmartPhone with local Sim card with data (not all countries have addresses posted)
Extension cord with multiple outlets (some budget hotels have exactly ONE electrical outlet)
Free local maps that you might pick up at tourist information places (the more the better - different versions seem to list different streets depending on what printer considers important)
USB battery pack for when you are lost and mobile is running low on juice and you need Google maps
Unlocked SmartPhone with local Sim card with data (not all countries have addresses posted)
Extension cord with multiple outlets (some budget hotels have exactly ONE electrical outlet)
Free local maps that you might pick up at tourist information places (the more the better - different versions seem to list different streets depending on what printer considers important)
USB battery pack for when you are lost and mobile is running low on juice and you need Google maps
Favorite budget travel items?
Feb 1, 06, 11:29 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,513
Originally Posted by Rampo
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.
Feb 1, 06, 3:13 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 22
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.
Btw, I think in these cases a Gore Tex coat is just essential. For rain, snow and cold temperatures.
Feb 2, 06, 4:27 am
#19
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rimini , Italy
Programs: IHG RA - PC Plat - SPG Plat - Hilton Diamond - Sixt Plat
Posts: 246
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
You can get it for free at http://nanika.net/metro
Feb 2, 06, 8:49 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Del Ray, Alexandria, Virginia
Programs: KE Skypass, Morning Calm
Posts: 1,655
Originally Posted by bhatnasx
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.
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.
Feb 2, 06, 11:34 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,513
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!
Feb 3, 06, 6:29 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Berkeley, California
Programs: Starwood Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 556
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.
Feb 3, 06, 7:09 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: OW/AA, DL, UA; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,932
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.
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.
Feb 4, 06, 2:06 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 93
Some of my essentials
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.
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.
Feb 4, 06, 12:37 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LAS
Programs: Hotels.com
Posts: 269
Originally Posted by jinglebear
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!
Feb 5, 06, 9:36 am
#27
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: UA 1K, PC RA, HH Gold
Posts: 178
Originally Posted by jinglebear
...
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...
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...
Feb 6, 06, 3:20 am
#28
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 93
Originally Posted by 95 Z/28 LT1
The bell is a great idea, I might have to give that one a try sometime. ^
(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?
Feb 6, 06, 7:59 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by Luca T.
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
You can get it for free at http://nanika.net/metro
Feb 6, 06, 10:03 pm
#30
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR but currently stuck in Texas
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,175
Welcome to FlyerTalk jef.
You've picked a great forum for your first post ^ OK, I'm a tad biased
EmailKid
You've picked a great forum for your first post ^ OK, I'm a tad biased
EmailKid
