You say these things just add weight? Can you believe that this past 9-day trip to Rome and Naples, we only used 3 hand carry luggages, 10kilos each (2 small suitcases and 1 hiking backpack), and 2 small Jansport backpacks inspite of us being 3 women? Mind you, I also have our Nikon DSLR and iPad to carry around!
So, here are our little hacks. Click on each picture. Maybe you can pick our brain and use these. =) Feel free to add any if you have suggestions!
1. Ice pack: Really helped when I accidentally walked into a chain attached to two short poles (which wasn't very visible because it was just below my knee). I should have bruised the bottom of my knee but this baby kept it from bruising.
2. Dramamine: Harmony gets motion sickness. This small thing the size of my lip conditioner has saved us plenty of throw-up bags, if you know what I mean...
3. Advil (or your choice of pain reliever). Need I say more?
4. My Melaleuca Tea tree oil. It is my muscle relaxant which also doubles as my mosquito repellent!
5. First aid mini kit. I have band aids, a few of different sizes for different occassions =) lol, spray-on Neosporin and some alcohol pads in them.
6. Foldable fabric bag (it opens up into the size of a regular shopping plastic bag). This has helped us carry around many things from souvenirs to water bottles to snacks etc. This is always tucked in my purse. I love it! It's like an extension of my purse!7. Fan. I could not leave the house without this! Mommy, Harmony and I each had one and during these hot temperatures inside train stations, waiting in line for tickets and all, it helps to have a little but of air. (also great for covering your face from the sun and from wafting the person's body odor or smoke next to you. lol)
8. Flashlight. You should carry one anytime you travel! Period!
9. Toilet paper. Yes, in Europe, you should carry one because toilet seat covers are non existent here and sometimes, when the restroom is out of toilet paper, it's great to have your own.
10. Antibacterial wipes; With the airport security about liquids, I have stopped carrying hand sanitizers and have replaced them with these. I place them strategically in every pocket in our luggaes, purses and backpackes, and place one in my pocket all the time.
11. Flushable wipes. Yes. It is one of those things I always carry around, especially with a 5year old. =)
12. Disposable Poncho. Light enough to be packed, efficient enough protect you from rain and cheap enough to be thrown away after the trip. But buy it before your trip. They will only cost a buck or two from your local store. If you buy them at the tourist attraction, they can cost you between 5-7 euros.
13. Compass, whistle and small flashlight. If you can get these in one, great! If not, at least the whistle with compass. When you are sight seeing, it's great to look at a map with the compass so you know where to go. Not all the streets here have names like the ones in the States, esp in Italy. Usually, I have Ryan who is great in interpreting maps. But it should always be carried around when you travel because when WiFi or data fails you, go old school: map and compass!!! Bring a whistle in case of emergency. An accessible whistle can deter your assailant or alert others in case you need help.
15. FOR KIDDOS: ID holder/tag. Harmony carries this around her neck when we're in public places. It contains my phone number and our hotel business card. In case she gets lost, people can call me.
16. Lingerie cash holder. This is a gem! I use it for large amount of cash for the entire trip. It passes TSA because it is fabric. I don't have to worry about my cash being stolen. I also hide the money I don't intend to use for that day and keep me from overspending! =)
17. Ziplock bags. Yes! A must have to keep passports and all kinds of stuff dry.
18. Coin purse. Keep the money you intend to spend that day stored in a small coin purse instead of a large wallet. Hide it in the innermost pocket of your purse zipped away from pick pockets.
20. Tennis balls tied inside a clean sock. This is my therapy! After walking all day and carrying a backpack, I roll my back on these. My physical therapist taught me how to make it and it is my PT on the go! =) I rarely have to take pain meds because of these! Ask me how it works if you are intersted. It's really easy and you can make use of those lonely socks. =)
21. FOR THE KIDDOS: Sketch pad and crayons, esp if your child is into drawing and coloring.
22. Hair ties. These double as cord saver. I never have tangled charger cords because I always have these things around. Keeps me sane (I hate loose cords!)
23. Mint or gum. If you or your travel companion easily gets motion-sickness, this is a must! Be mindful though that in some countries, chewing gum is considered disrespectful so mint is probably better.
24. Laundry soap. Yes, this is why we can fit 9 days worth of clothes in 3 hand carry luggages. We wash them, hang them dry and mix and match for the rest of of our trip. When my luggage was lost on our way to Czech and Germany last year, I had to wash the clothes I had left in the other luggage so I was saved! This method though requires planning. Make sure all your clothes mix and match the shoes you are bringing.