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Friday, October 11, 2013
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Thursday, October 10, 2013
Travel Secrets: Top 12 Unexpected Things to Bring On Your Next Trip
From the "ziploc washing machine" to unconventional storage containers, the seasoned travelers in our Forums recommend some surprisingly useful everyday items to pack on your next trip.
Inflatable ice bucket
Don't laugh- I have an inflatable ice bucket. You just blow it up and it's really well insulated. We used it recently in Italy. We bought our own wine at the store, had the hotel fill the bucket with ice, and sat outside in the garden. We have also used it on trains to keep sodas, beer, and wine cold. You don't need to put ice in it to keep it insulated. It folds to a very small size. It's not a necessity but it gets a lot of use. –Lynnaustin
Hiking stick
Mine's a hiking stick- bought as suggested for a Turkey hiking trip and used now whenever I travel anywhere (or hike anywhere). It's really helpful on those endless marble steps without rails found outside mosques and temples, and on those terrible broken pavements. I last used in Greece, India, Nepal and Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. My stick's by Trekkers, collapses to @ 16", is easily adjusted, and fits into a backpack. –NGail
Contact lense cases
I use contact lens cases to store cosmetics. Moisturizers, foundation, etc work great in these. I use a sharpie to label them. I can get over a week's worth of my items in just one side of a case. This saves a ton of room! –mms
Duct tape wrapped around a pen
I knew that the duct tape rolled around a pen would come in handy but I've found many uses for it. –Lsky
Scarf
The first time it happened accidentally, but now I always look for a great scarf at our first stop and tie it around my handbag strap. It's a great souvenir and a cool accessory that I get lots of compliments on, plus I use it for many of the same things you might use a bandana... But since it's larger, it has also serves as a tablecloth on picnics, protection for my white crops while sitting on cathedral steps, mopping a sweaty brow on those hot summer days, or covering my shoulders on visits to cathedrals. And when I get home, it becomes part of my decor as a table cover. I love all the ones I've collected. –Lady
Balloons
Balloons: blow a couple up and put inside shirts or pants you've just hand washed, which cuts drying time considerably. Plus, they take up no room , are cheap, and can be presents for kids. –sandy_b
Ziploc washing machine
One of my favorite travel hints that I learned on Fodor's is the ziploc washing machine. Take a large ziploc, put in the clothes, and squirt of soap (or shampoo). Shake it, dump water, shake it, dump water, add water and shake again. Easy. –Lsky
Collapsible flower vase
Mine is not a necessity, but it always keeps me happy when I travel, especially if any hotel or experience does not live up to my expectations. The Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum in New York sells a package of two plastic flower vases. They fold flat as a ziploc bag, weigh nothing, and can accommodate a small bouquet. I always take one along in my luggage and treat myself and my companion to inexpensive blooms from the nearest flower stall or market. –poetess
Beach towel
My all time favorite, can't go on any trip without item is a beach towel. Not one of the super sized ones or super fluffy, just an over sized towel. I carry it on the plane. I use it as a neck roll, a pillow, a blanket, cover for my head, back support, a towel, an ooh "I'm not laying on this bedspread" protector, extra pillow booster, etc., etc. –travelpig51
Camping headlamp
Mine isn't exactly a new product. It's the camping headlamp that can be used as a flashlight or as a night reading light. It works great as a night reading light when you don't want to bother your companion who wants to sleep... I've converted almost my entire family to carrying these headlamps in their luggage. Takes up minimum amount of space but is so useful! –easytraveler
Digital audio recorder
A very small digital recorder is a great thing to have. I can take it out at any time and record my impressions, memories, and the like. When and if I write a trip report, the memories are right there. I think this makes the trip report more interesting (and longer!!) and when I'm back home, it's fun to listen to my entries and remember what I was thinking and doing. –Pegontheroad
10 Things You Should Never Wear When Traveling Abroad
10 Things You Should Never Wear When Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad isn't as simple as buying a ticket and hopping on a plane. Safety should be a key consideration no matter where you travel, and part of staying safe in an unfamiliar place is dressing to blend in -- or, at least, not dressing to stand out. Beyond avoiding matching T-shirts, baseball hats and white sneakers, not to mention "I Love NY" sweatshirts, keep in mind local customs and attitudes, as well as religious beliefs, when choosing your attire.
"My adventures have taken me, as a solo female traveler, through primarily Muslim countries as well as primarily Christian countries," says frequent traveler Lisa Munniksma. "I've always been modest in my appearance, but after traveling and meeting so many travelers and locals from various cultures, the importance of respecting traditions in dress has been driven home."
Before you get out your suitcase, here are 10 things to leave in your closet as you pack for your next trip abroad.
Religiously Immodest Clothing
It's wise to dress conservatively in any country holding deeply religious views, such as those in the Middle East (if you're not sure, your travel agent or guidebook can offer advice on local religious customs). Women in particular should avoid miniskirts, tank tops, bra tops, short-sleeved shirts, shorts and sometimes even capri pants. Revealing dresses and cleavage-bearing necklines are also huge no-nos. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in many Middle Eastern countries or when entering a church or other holy place.
Pants and long skirts are a safe bet, and women should carry a shawl in their bag or purse just in case. As a general rule, travelers should cover their shoulders and knees when entering any church or holy site to avoid unwanted stares or being denied entry. It's also wise to keep your feet and ankles covered. When in doubt, stick to long sleeves, and men, keep that chest hair concealed.
Sneakers and Open-Toe Shoes
In Europe, in particular, sneakers are for sporting activities only. White tennis shoes, Crocs and Birkenstocks are notably frowned upon by Spaniards and Italians. Instead, wear comfortable leather walking shoes in the city, and keep them polished and in good shape. White, lace-up tennis shoes are the calling card of American tourists (and don't even think about Velcro sneakers).
It's also wise to stick with closed-toe shoes, which can help prevent insect bites or cuts on your toes from gravelly surfaces. "It is not sanitary to wear flip-flops and other open-toe shoes when traveling to some areas because you can get infections," notes Talia Salem, a communications specialist at PlanetWildlife.
Five Things You Shouldn't Wear on a Plane
Shorts
Yes, we Americans do love our shorts, but most other cultures don't wear them for everyday walking around, no matter the season or how close they are to the Equator. Leave the khaki shorts for beaches, parks, tennis clubs and hiking trails. Our habit of dressing down to be comfortable is puzzling to most people overseas. Rarely will you see locals wearing shorts unless they're off to play soccer.
Flashy Jewelry
Never wear expensive, flashy jewelry abroad, unless you want your diamond rings, pearls and pricey watches to be tagged for someone else's collection. Since there's probably no need to impress anyone that much on your trip abroad, leave the valuables at home.
Religious Imagery, Curse Words or National Flags
Avoid clothing sporting religious or military symbols, swear words, national flags and any words or symbols written in a language you cannot translate. There's no need to unintentionally spark an emotional debate while on vacation. It's also not a bad idea to leave religious jewelry, even cross necklaces, at home. If you must, wear them under your clothes so they're not visible to anyone.
Bright Colors
Stay away from bold colors, loud patterns, plaids -- you get the picture. Stick with conservative hues like navy, blue, tan and grey. Look put together, opting for classic, well-fitting clothing. You want to blend in, not draw unwanted attention to yourself (and nothing does that better than a neon green tank top).
How to Blend In with the Locals: 20 Tips
Inappropriate Colors
In the Western world, we may wear black to wakes and funerals, but in parts of Asia, white is the funereal color -- good to keep in mind on the off chance you may be mourning someone's passing while on holiday. Meanwhile, stay away from wearing black or blue in central Africa, the favorite colors of large, biting tsetse flies.
Jeans
If a visit to a factory, rural area or even a touristy spot where the locals wear jeans is on your agenda, then, of course, jeans are acceptable. However, jeans should fit well and be wrinkle-free. It's even better if you opt for black or dark blue jeans. Baggy, ripped, even skinny jeans are generally frowned upon outside the United States.
Backpacks
Planning to spend the summer backpacking across Europe? Then a large backpack is practical and probably a better bet than a rollaboard suitcase for lugging onto trains and traveling between destinations. But bring a secondary bag, like a small fabric tote bag, for everyday touring around cities. Any kind of backpack, big or small, will mark you as a tourist.
Cameras
Snap a photo, then put your camera away. Nothing screams tourist like a camera permanently hanging from your neck. Not only do you stand out, but you may get targeted by thieves. Carry a good camera that you can fit into your small bag.
"My adventures have taken me, as a solo female traveler, through primarily Muslim countries as well as primarily Christian countries," says frequent traveler Lisa Munniksma. "I've always been modest in my appearance, but after traveling and meeting so many travelers and locals from various cultures, the importance of respecting traditions in dress has been driven home."
Before you get out your suitcase, here are 10 things to leave in your closet as you pack for your next trip abroad.
Religiously Immodest Clothing
It's wise to dress conservatively in any country holding deeply religious views, such as those in the Middle East (if you're not sure, your travel agent or guidebook can offer advice on local religious customs). Women in particular should avoid miniskirts, tank tops, bra tops, short-sleeved shirts, shorts and sometimes even capri pants. Revealing dresses and cleavage-bearing necklines are also huge no-nos. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in many Middle Eastern countries or when entering a church or other holy place.
Pants and long skirts are a safe bet, and women should carry a shawl in their bag or purse just in case. As a general rule, travelers should cover their shoulders and knees when entering any church or holy site to avoid unwanted stares or being denied entry. It's also wise to keep your feet and ankles covered. When in doubt, stick to long sleeves, and men, keep that chest hair concealed.
Sneakers and Open-Toe Shoes
In Europe, in particular, sneakers are for sporting activities only. White tennis shoes, Crocs and Birkenstocks are notably frowned upon by Spaniards and Italians. Instead, wear comfortable leather walking shoes in the city, and keep them polished and in good shape. White, lace-up tennis shoes are the calling card of American tourists (and don't even think about Velcro sneakers).
It's also wise to stick with closed-toe shoes, which can help prevent insect bites or cuts on your toes from gravelly surfaces. "It is not sanitary to wear flip-flops and other open-toe shoes when traveling to some areas because you can get infections," notes Talia Salem, a communications specialist at PlanetWildlife.
Five Things You Shouldn't Wear on a PlaneShorts
Yes, we Americans do love our shorts, but most other cultures don't wear them for everyday walking around, no matter the season or how close they are to the Equator. Leave the khaki shorts for beaches, parks, tennis clubs and hiking trails. Our habit of dressing down to be comfortable is puzzling to most people overseas. Rarely will you see locals wearing shorts unless they're off to play soccer.
Flashy Jewelry
Never wear expensive, flashy jewelry abroad, unless you want your diamond rings, pearls and pricey watches to be tagged for someone else's collection. Since there's probably no need to impress anyone that much on your trip abroad, leave the valuables at home.
Religious Imagery, Curse Words or National Flags
Avoid clothing sporting religious or military symbols, swear words, national flags and any words or symbols written in a language you cannot translate. There's no need to unintentionally spark an emotional debate while on vacation. It's also not a bad idea to leave religious jewelry, even cross necklaces, at home. If you must, wear them under your clothes so they're not visible to anyone.
Bright Colors
Stay away from bold colors, loud patterns, plaids -- you get the picture. Stick with conservative hues like navy, blue, tan and grey. Look put together, opting for classic, well-fitting clothing. You want to blend in, not draw unwanted attention to yourself (and nothing does that better than a neon green tank top).
How to Blend In with the Locals: 20 TipsInappropriate Colors
In the Western world, we may wear black to wakes and funerals, but in parts of Asia, white is the funereal color -- good to keep in mind on the off chance you may be mourning someone's passing while on holiday. Meanwhile, stay away from wearing black or blue in central Africa, the favorite colors of large, biting tsetse flies.
Jeans
If a visit to a factory, rural area or even a touristy spot where the locals wear jeans is on your agenda, then, of course, jeans are acceptable. However, jeans should fit well and be wrinkle-free. It's even better if you opt for black or dark blue jeans. Baggy, ripped, even skinny jeans are generally frowned upon outside the United States.
Backpacks
Planning to spend the summer backpacking across Europe? Then a large backpack is practical and probably a better bet than a rollaboard suitcase for lugging onto trains and traveling between destinations. But bring a secondary bag, like a small fabric tote bag, for everyday touring around cities. Any kind of backpack, big or small, will mark you as a tourist.
Cameras
Snap a photo, then put your camera away. Nothing screams tourist like a camera permanently hanging from your neck. Not only do you stand out, but you may get targeted by thieves. Carry a good camera that you can fit into your small bag.
What to pack?-- travel packing list
Your bag is your life. The smaller it is the
less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable
you feel. The closer you can stick to it and
less cumbersome it is the happier you will be.
Taking a cell phone has many advantages and is highly recommended, but several disadvantages worth noting. Firstly if roaming on your home network, call costs (made or received) will be significant (but SMS costs are manageable). Make sure the phone you take is of the correct type for your destination/use (i.e. 'unlocked' if you want to use local SIMs and the correct band (here's good link for those in US and elsewhere). For a 'catch all' international SIM card recommended are Cellular Abroad.
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A camera: to what extent are you into photography? And how much time and effort do you want to spend on it? Point and shoot (compact cameras) aren't perfect for amazing photos but with a good eye for composition you can take reasonable pictures. However they are perfect to carry around carefree, light, less expensive, reasonable zoom and excellent for a record of people and places. For those serous about photography will want an SLRs, which will take better pictures, but (with lenses) might be considered too big/bulky for ultra-lightweight travel. If going the SLR route get good lens(es) including one with a long (300mm) zoom which makes all the difference for wildlife and shooting people discreetly from a distance (you might consider a teleconvertor).
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