Better be safe than sorry!
Ear plugs, medical kit, electrical adapters…these are just the norm! You want the most random things that I always pack in a suitcase, then read on.
Random, by the way, equates to practical. Life on the road comes with a certain degree of unpredictability of the unknown. Sometimes it involves the rip of a dress, the slip of a fall, or a crack of an iPhone screen. For prevention, there are a few things I always carry in my bag, as the overused saying goes: better be safe than sorry!
1. Organic plastic bags
Probably the most practical item I store in my luggage is: a plastic bag! An organic one, that is. I always hide a few in the inner pockets to stop the fear of spillage. In case you run out of laundry bags, plastic bags come in handy for protecting the rest of your luggage from a pair of muddy sneakers.
2. Scotch tape
So random, but so handy in times of dire needs! This is a lesson I learned from years ago that scotch tape can help stabilize a dress from moving too much, sealing an envelope or most recently, glue my friend’s accidentally broken iPhone screen.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAs6f48Euxs/?taken-by=brockdavis
3. Lint remover
Because I live with a cat, I seem to always find animal hair on my clothing. So if you’ve got a pet, carrying a lint remover is practical even if your pup or kitten isn’t along for the ride.
4. Vaseline
Instead of carrying a variety of ointments in your medicine kit, a tiny jar of Vaseline is enough for accidental scrapes and bruises. For a long time, I’ve always carried Vaseline in my toiletry bag because of its multifunctional purpose as: a chapstick, a Neosporin, an eye cream (if I run out of the actual cream,) feet lotion (if I also run out of those.) It’s the perfect all-in-one.
5. House slippers
Just in case the hotel I’m staying at surprisingly needs a good carpet wash, and the OCD in my wants to keep my flip-flops for outdoor activities. House slippers are great for your after-shower-freshly-cleaned-ready-for-snuggle feet.
6. Rubber bands
Just like plastic bags, rubber bands come in handy in the most unexpected situations. For girls, as an extra hair tie. For men, to secure a loose bag so bottles of liquids don’t spill. There are a million scenarios where rubber bands are practical to have, so pack a bunch of these then thank me later.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ52KSdB5Ww/?taken-by=decalcomaniac
7. Sewing kit
I’ve actually never used one on the road, but I always have it in my toiletry bag. Maybe it’s just for safety reasons, but it’s a tiny and light kit that will come to the rescue when needed. Someday, I know I’ll be grateful to have packed this little guy in my bag.
8. Safety pins
Unlike the sewing kit that never gets used, I actually bust out safety pins much more often mainly for fashion-related disasters.
9. Packs of tissue
Boxes of Kleenex or packs of tissue will literally SAVE YOUR LIFE in developing countries that often don’t include toilet paper in public restrooms. So always remember to bring your own. Carrying tissues around is also helpful during sweaty days under the sun, accidental tumbles or falls, or when an unwanted cold arrives while traveling.
