Packing is my worst nemesis. I either overpack or under pack and spend hours before any trip agonizing over whether I’ve forgotten something important. There are a few things, though, that always make it inside my backpack. These six items make my life easier, help me save money, and assuage some of my environmental related guilt about flying too much.
Dry shampoo
I really hate washing my hair. It’s long and thick and coarse and wavy and it takes forever to dry and then another eternity to straighten into something somewhat smooth and not puffy. To prolong time between washes I use tons of dry shampoo to soak up the oil at my roots without having to restyle.. It’s also handy if you’re on a multi-day trek or train journey and don’t have access to a shower shower.
Sarong
I’ve traveled with the same rainbow tie dye sarong, something I bought for about $10 in Mexico, since 2009. It’s literally been everywhere with me and served just about every purpose imaginable from beach towel to makeshift curtain. It’s come in handy on really cold buses and in guesthouses where I wanted my skin as far away from the sheets as possible. I also used it once to shield my face from spiders while sleeping on a mattress on the floor in Bali.
Sarong as a picnic blanket in the Philippines.
Cleansing wipes
I use a cleansing wipe every night to take off my makeup, whether I’m at home or on the road. They are also good if you need to freshen up after a long flight or, once again, if you’re on a multi-day journey of some sort. I brought two 40 packs with me to Southeast Asia and had no regrets about the space they took in my bag.
Packing cubes
If you’re not already traveling with packing cubes you’re doing it wrong. I’ve become a sort of packing cube evangelist over the past two years and have converted many to my ways. I have three medium sized cubes and one small double sided one. I use the medium cubes for clothes- one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for dresses- and the small one for underwear, socks, and bathing suits. I originally bought them because I have a top loading backpack that can be a pain to dig through, but now I use them in a suitcase or duffel bag too. They are that great.
That backpack is filled with packing cubes. Otherwise this tiny train room would be a disaster.
Water bottle
So I kind of failed at using a reusable water bottle in Southeast Asia because I was too lazy to purify every liter of water I wanted to drink, but in places like Europe and the US I never travel without one. Plastic water bottles are bad for the environment and buying a liter or two each day starts to add up so I just bring one along and fill it up at the hostel. Or in bathrooms because I’m gross. If you’re looking for a new bottle, I recently bought a Sigg aluminum bottle and I didn’t know it was possible to be this in love with a drinking vessel.
Say no to disposable plastic water bottles like the 2 I’m sitting next to in Mandalay.
Menstrual cup
If you are a woman of menstruating age, buy a menstrual cup now. Right now. My Diva Cup was even more life changing then the packing cubes and that’s saying something. It’s perfect for traveling as you don’t have to carry around 4 freezer sized Ziplock bags of your favorite tampons (not that I’ve ever done that or anything) or end up stuck with only pads available in a tiny Philippine beach town because you didn’t plan ahead. They are also great for long bus rides because you can wear it for up to 12 hours, they are environmentally friendly, and you’ll end up saving money. Have I convinced you yet? Because I could go on.
Yes, you will get very familiar with your body and there can be a steep learning curve, but forget any hesitations you have and buy a menstrual cup before your next trip. Or now.
(No, I am not being paid by any menstrual cup manufacturer to say this. Once you start using one you’ll realize how awesome they are and want to tell everyone you know about them.)
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What are your packing essentials?
” I also used it once to shield my face from spiders while sleeping on a mattress on the floor in Bali.” Ah yes, a sign of a true traveler!
I also back the cleansing wipes. I like using them as washcloths when showering.
jennifer recently posted..Happy Second Birthday to My Blog!
Oh, that’s a really good idea! I’ll have to give it a try.
I’ve gone back and forth about the menstrual cup – I think I just need to get it. I cannot be using up precious backpack space with bags full of tampons. Thanks for the tips
Laura recently posted..Learning Korean: Resources for Beginners
Doooo it! Best decision I ever made when it came to long term traveling. Seriously.
Yes.. I agree with all of these! But I really need to invest in some packing cubes. I’ve been using small, cheap laundry bags instead of packing cubes for awhile now and while they’re a good alternative, I just know they’re not as convenient.
Kelsey recently posted..17 Creative Travel #Hashtags to Use & Follow on Instagram
They really are amazing and make traveling and packing so much easier.
YES a water bottle…. I have lost so many and every time it is devastating.
Alexis Kensey recently posted..Snapshots: the good things as of late
Yeah, I’ve gone through like ten. I feel like it’s the one thing I end up setting down and leaving constantly.
Wet wipes are definite must for me! There is no problem that can’t be solved with a wet wipe
I really need to get some packing cubes, though. I’ve heard they’re super useful and I like things to be organised so they seem like the perfect thing!
Lizzie recently posted..How to Find What You Love: Mastering the Art of Juggling Work, Life, and Travel
Yesss! Get some packing cubes immediately. Your life will be much improved
Dry shampoo +1,000,000,000. My travel plans this year include a Greek island where a bucket is used for the dual purpose of showers and watering flowers in the garden, and a tiny Italian village where plumbing is pretty unreliable, and I’m like YEP NO PROBLEM SOUNDS GREAT. God bless you, dry shampoo.
Michelle Marie
wherewevegone.com
Michelle Marie recently posted..alsace, france – january 30-31
Yes! Dry shampoo is a lifesaver when showers are not convenient.
Dry shampoo and face wipes are lifesavers on overnight flights!!
They really are!
I didn’t end up using dry shampoo — but we traveled in warm countries on our long trip, which meant that daily showers were kind of a must. But I agree with the rest, and would add my eye mask (for those times the curtains aren’t blackout) and iphone (so many reasons, including an ambient sleep noise for the times when there is a loud party next door).
Jenia from HTL recently posted..Happy Friday!
In Southeast Asia I definitely used dry shampoo less as the sweat situation necessitated daily showers so I get it
And I didn’t include an iPhone because I thought it was too obvious- I couldn’t imagine traveling without one!
Ughh dry shampoo! Why do I never bring that with me?! I know we both have the same hair issues!! haha
And just get an IUD and forget about period problems completely
I have an IUD and still get mine. We must have different models? Next trip I am so getting a diva cup. I just got back from Panama on Wednesday and was down to 2 tampons when we left PTY. I searched Tocumen Airport up and down for tampons or pads (I was desperate) and eventually was told at the pharmacy that there is none in the entire airport. WHAT THE #*!*? Luckily I made my last two tamposn last the 5 hour flight to Newark and promptly bought a box full at an airport convenience store within steps of leaving the terminal. America! So moral of the story, must buy a diva cup for all future travels.
Kristin McNeil recently posted..Top 10 things to do in Seoul
Yes! This is exactly why the Diva Cup is so great. There’s nothing worse than the feeling of not having enough tampons. Or having to ask strangers. Which I’ve maybe done…
Dry shampoooooo all the time. Though I think your hair like never needs shampoo.
Completely agree with all of them but I’ve never done the packing cubes before. Loads of travellers seem to love them so I’ll have to look into that.
Ceri recently posted..My Five Favourite Things in February
You must! They totally keep me sane when I’m on the road.