What Are Your Uncommon Travel Essentials?

jfsmoose on 02/08/2023 - 23:13

Hey fellow travellers, I'm getting ready for an upcoming international trip in a few months and I'm on the lookout for travel essentials that are not your typical packing list items. You know, those hidden gems that have saved your trip or made your adventures a whole lot more enjoyable!

Having already scoured through the standard travel blogs and checklists, I'm turning to the experts right here on Ozbargain. What are your unusual or uncommon travel essentials that have proven to be incredibly useful during your journeys.

Of course, we all know about the standard items like packing cubes, water bottles, power banks, travel adapters, noise-cancelling headphones, and Apple AirTags (which are indeed lifesavers!). But what about the lesser-known items that have come to your rescue during your journeys?

Travel

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 02/08/2023 - 23:16

    Vibrator

    • HardQuiz on 03/08/2023 - 06:15
      +4

      Very common.

      The OP is asking for uncommon items.

    • rumblytangara on 03/08/2023 - 11:33

      Definitely more common than you seem to be assuming.

      Just don't pack into carry-on.

      Some of the higher end ones also have a 'travel lock' mode to avoid those embarrassing airport moments.

  • Hybroid on 02/08/2023 - 23:17
    +12

    Depends where you're going but sometimes a small selection of meds can be very useful. Whether painkillers or Gaviscon or Imodium can be a big help. Also a very mini first aid kit with some plasters and odd bits. Nail clipper has multiple uses too.

    Don't overthink this too much though, you'll end up carrying so much extra stuff you'll never use. Especially if going to a developed country where a nearby supermarket can be visited for whatever needs arise.

    • Mechz on 03/08/2023 - 00:16
      +8

      Always carry painkillers, antihistamines, ibuprofen, sleeping pills, imodium, anti-reflux, ventolin. Because when you need these things you don't want to have to search for a chemist. The rest you can buy as needed.

  • z z on 02/08/2023 - 23:39
    +6

    Power-cube (with built in USB), giving you USB ports, plus multiple power outlets. Plug it in somewhere (behind a bed-side table or similar), and then you can gave all your chargers hanging off it easily.

    • parsimonious one on 03/08/2023 - 11:16

      Yep, this works very well

      Just need one PowerPoint travel adapter and the aus plugs/ devices plug straight into the multi-port board

      It’s a game changer

  • Muzeeb on 02/08/2023 - 23:40
    +9

    Merino wool t-shirts

  • FoxJump on 02/08/2023 - 23:46
    +3
    • travel router (ql inet) [ great for getting access to internet when your hosts dont 'remember the wifi password' - just create a new access point ! ]
    • spare sim card [ keep in mind they do expire eventually if unused ! ]
    • two bank cards (different banks, one visa, one mastercard)
    • rope, towel that i dont mind destroying if need be, pocket knife [ I built a diy shower out of this once ! came in handy (i had to add an empty plastic bottle on site) ]
    • Scotty 350 on 12/08/2023 - 18:02
      +1

      Travel router + a chromecast. Keeps you safe online and don't need to be continually connecting all your devices to new wifi networks. Our one also takes sim cards which is handy at times.

  • ddhar on 02/08/2023 - 23:47
    +4

    Mini water kettle (300mL). No more wondering if the kettle in the hotel room is clean or had been used for nefarious purpose.

    • jjjaar on 02/08/2023 - 23:59
      +1

      No more wondering because you know it has been used for nefarious reasons.

    • TEER3X on 12/08/2023 - 18:04
      +1

      Wtf are people doing to hotel kettles???

      • ddhar on 12/08/2023 - 19:59
        +1

        The two I have heard of are: Cook instant noodles and Wash underwear.

        • Sweet3st on 12/08/2023 - 20:21

          Eewww… hopefully not both 😣

  • jv on 02/08/2023 - 23:49
    -1

    MSI MP241X 23.8" FHD 75hz Monitor

  • jjjaar on 02/08/2023 - 23:59
    +3

    Power board so you can charge multiple things at once. Nothing worse than rocking up to a hotel/hostel with only one power point. I also prefer one that has a bit of an extension cord on it because many hotels don’t have wall plugs near the bed/both sides of the bed.

    Also side note… Depending on where you go, earthed travel adapters may not work. This means any Aussie plug you have that is earthed (3 prong) also won’t work. So it’s good to just check if you do take any power boards or extension cords that they aren’t 3 prong otherwise you may be carrying something you can’t use.

    Bike lock in case you have to leave luggage in a luggage room that doesn’t feel secure (ie one where guests just have free access to it and the hotel isn’t monitoring what goes in/out), you can lock it to whatever immovable structure they have in there. Also means it’ll be exactly where you put it when you come back so you reduce the fear that it’s been lost when someone has just moved the bag.

    Maps.me (or other preferred) for offline maps in the event you lose internet. Download your city maps and save all your hotels as a pin in advance (or check they’re at least offline searchable). It also works for location tracking offline so you can use it to find your way back to your accomodation, but also track your location on planes (when there’s no in flight display/info available).

    Ziplock bags in varying sizes. Helps if you may need to pack wet bathers/towels while in transit, or saving food from restaurants if you get full.

    If going to a place where you don’t speak the language, learn the essential words: yes, no, please, thank you, sorry, “do you speak English?”, and the number of how many people you’ll be with for when you’re asking for a table.

    • DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 03/08/2023 - 00:28
      +1

      Power board
      Ziplock bags

      Both common.

      • jjjaar on 03/08/2023 - 07:40
        +8

        Depends on who you ask. I’ve mentioned these to loads of seasoned travellers and been met with “oh wow I’ve never thought of that”.

        I think everything listed in this thread but the kettle are things I think of as commonly thought of, but if it helps someone who hasn’t, then great. Better to list things for those that haven’t thought of them before than to miss things.

      • jason101 on 03/08/2023 - 11:08
        +2

        Zip lock bags - 100%

        Also portable handheld luggage scale

    • JimmyF on 03/08/2023 - 09:09

      Power board so you can charge multiple things at once

      Agreed, ones with USB ports also work well. Someone recommended the Xiaomi Power Strips, as they come with a really long cord ~1.8m, which is handy for places that like to hide the powerpoint. They also have some built in USB ports etc.

      Depending on where you go, earthed travel adapters may not work

      Haven't had that yet, but I have a dodgy US one that is two prongs one side, and takes a 3 prong aussie. So guess it works around this issue.

      Maps.me (or other preferred) for offline maps in the event you lose internet

      More of a FYI for others, Yyou can download maps in google maps as well so it works offline including basic routing.

      • jjjaar on 03/08/2023 - 13:53

        Agreed, ones with USB ports also work well

        I find they’re great for overnight charging, but when you’re back at your accom for only an hour for a rest and a recharge (yourself and your electronics), they’re often much slower than normal chargers, so you may not get as much charge as hoped. Unless I’m buying the wrong thing, happy to be corrected.

        • Scotty 350 on 13/08/2023 - 11:38

          You just need to check the total power output of the ports. Some cheaper ones will state e.g. 2.4A (total of all the ports) which is fast but not if it's split to 2+ ports.

    • Infoguard on 03/08/2023 - 09:49

      Bike Lock is very handy for this situation if you can handle the weight of the thing.

  • Ghost47 on 03/08/2023 - 00:22
    +10

    Not sure if it counts, but for the plane flight I have a drawstring bag which I take out of my backpack and hold onto for the flight. I keep things like a book, toothbrush, headphones, McDonald's cookies from the airport, gum, water bottle etc. in the bag so that I don't have to keep getting my backpack from the overhead bin if I need something (you can also empty your pockets into the bag for comfort). Since it doesn't take up as much space as a backpack I can put it in the pouch or under the seat in front and still have plenty of legroom.

    If you wear glasses a glasses repair kit can come in very handy. I had a lens fall out of my glasses once but was able to fix it with a repair kit. Basically a screwdriver with two small glasses screws.

    When I travelled to South America I had a calculator watch which I could save phone numbers to. I saved my travel card details/PINs/emergency numbers (e.g. bank numbers) to the watch in case I forgot them. Oh, and depending on how dangerous the place you're going to is, or if there are pickpockets, a decoy wallet is good to carry around. That way if you get mugged or pickpocketed you give the fake wallet over with a couple of bills and you don't lose everything compared to if you had one wallet with all your bills in it (not that you should carry all your cash with you when you leave the hotel anyway). In a similar vein I took my old phone with me instead of the one I was using at the time.

    Maybe something like a pocket knife or Leatherman Micra might come in handy too, just make sure it's checked in otherwise it'll get confiscated.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2023 - 00:28
    +4

    A change of clothes & underwear in your carry-on just in case your luggage goes MIA. It only happened once but saved us from having to buy clothes in a hurry until our bags arrived at our hotel 36 hours after we did.

  • Sweet3st on 03/08/2023 - 00:37
    +2

    Uniqlo Heattech if you're going somewhere cold… you'll need less clothing.
    Confirm maps.me indispensable.
    Travelling budget airlines? Buy a flat nylon under shoulder bag from AliExpress or eBay, wear it under your jacket to stash all that heavy stuff that will put you over the weight limit.
    Also I only take carry on. More than this is too much and will just be a hassle to lug around.

  • Sweet3st on 03/08/2023 - 00:46
    +3

    And if you like to drink wine, a corkscrew. Why don't they have screw top overseas?

    • jjjaar on 03/08/2023 - 07:42
      +1
      • Knife, fork, lightweight cutting board! Perfect for DIY cheese boards with your wine, but also if you’re travelling on a budget and may be planning supermarket made lunches.
    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 03/08/2023 - 11:21

      I always carry a SS spirit measure for the duty free.

  • hasher22 on 03/08/2023 - 01:06
    +6

    A whistle, I was travelling around Asia last year alone and if something were to happen to me at least I have something to alert the area something is going on to draw attention to me.

    • jjjaar on 03/08/2023 - 07:44
      +3

      Oh that reminds me of a doorstop. Can provide peace of mind that no one can enter your room (noting that staff can always open locked doors).

      • FloatingPoint on 03/08/2023 - 11:17
        +1

        And that reminds me I have one of those travel door lock which may works better then a wooden doorstop. Although it may not fit some doors (happened to me once where the gap between door and striking plate was too small to fit the lock).
        I bought mine from qicklock but there are many similar products around.

        • jjjaar on 03/08/2023 - 13:50

          Ah yes I was going to suggest this too but I’ve not used one. Appreciate the recommendation.

  • bargaino on 03/08/2023 - 01:39
    +1

    A small but bright light-bulb. Many hotel rooms have lights that are too dim for reading/work.

    • impoze on 03/08/2023 - 01:43
      +1

      I used a usb one plugged into powerbank

  • impoze on 03/08/2023 - 01:41
    +1

    Carabiners and clips to hang water bottles, bags and all sorts on backpack, other places

    Packable grocery bag for shopping or bringing extra snacks and food on the plane

    Credit Card with no foreign charge fees, travel insurance and lounge passes. Showers and food for layover are great

  • JIMB0 on 03/08/2023 - 08:01

    Phone number for the local bikies.

  • 87percent on 03/08/2023 - 08:17
    +2

    Carry a bumbag/fanny pack. Yeah you may look like a douche, but they’re super convenient when travelling. You can put passport, phone, pen, medicine, etc all within close proximity to you

    • try2bhelpful on 04/08/2023 - 09:34

      Get a Crumpler one and it doubles as a sling bag. Make sure you have a plastic tie to close it. Make it harder for the pickpockets.

  • jfsmoose on 03/08/2023 - 08:54

    Fantastic suggestions all, thanks very much! I have added a few of these to my shopping list!

  • cauilfield on 03/08/2023 - 09:43
    +2
    • laundry bag or drawstring bag to keep your laundry stuff;
    • eSIM purchased in advance
    • Aeropress if you are a coffee lover
  • Sweet3st on 03/08/2023 - 10:51
    +1

    I also now pack a tea towel if I'm travelling to beachy destinations. Big enough to sit on, drys you off just fine, takes up no room rolled up tightly.

  • bluesky on 03/08/2023 - 12:12
    +2

    Paracord - for emergencies, when needing to tie stuff, or create more options to hang bags, clothes, and laundry. Also, keep with me a quick-release paracord bracelet (for compactness) at all times, when out and about.

  • mrdean on 03/08/2023 - 13:56
    +1

    About half a dozen cotton shopping bags or cotton produce bags in various sizes. One turkish peshtemal towel. If you are carrying electronics, a water repellent liner bag/stuff sack. A bandanna.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2023 - 15:03
      +1

      One turkish peshtemal towel

      I have 2 & use it as a shawl/scarf/blanket on flights.

  • sonicentropy on 03/08/2023 - 15:03
    +1

    Japan - Dry Shampoo it's almost impossible to find there. if you have long hair and cant wash daily it's a godsend.
    Battery Bank 20000Mah small enough that airlines wont reject, but large enough to charge multiple device multiple times.
    Travel Eating utensils Set
    Central America, China - Wet wipes or tissues - toilet paper isn't always available

  • TheRealCher on 03/08/2023 - 15:41
    +1

    Hand held espresso maker

  • try2bhelpful on 04/08/2023 - 09:37
    +1

    Take a decent sized sports towel it can double as a cover if you aren’t keen on where you are sitting, lying, and it dries quickly.

    As a female I always take a shawl. Packs down small, looks OK for going out, and can also double as a pillow etc.

  • sam-1966 on 04/08/2023 - 11:44
    +1

    If going anywhere where there may be dodgy toilets take small packets of tissues or wet wipes just in case there is no toilet paper and a small container of something like Vicks Vaporub - smear a small amount under your nose and the smell is not nearly as bad.

    • ddhar on 04/08/2023 - 12:56
      +1

      Masks are not common now but I found them really useful for blocking out toilet stench (to some degree).

      Also, learning to hold a squat, so that my bum never touches any questionable surface, has kept me sane in my travels.

  • JoyVee on 04/08/2023 - 22:42
    +1

    I always carry large sewing needle and dental floss which is great for emergency repairs on fabric luggage.

    Also take hydralyte tablets or sachets so when you have tummy upset, diarrhea or vomitting, you can replace essential minerals you have lost. They need to be taken in water.

    Fixed a camera with masking tape from a long time ago. Now use my phone.

  • JoyVee on 04/08/2023 - 22:51
    +1

    oops Meant duct tape which is much stronger than masking tape.

  • mixtape on 08/08/2023 - 22:50
    +2

    If you use prescription spectacles.

    Please bag your spare or your old prescription specs. And leave it in your hotel/locker.

    Just in case you loose your primary ones.

  • JoelG on 25/08/2023 - 11:24
    +1

    A small pair of binoculars - I had some like these https://shop.australiangeographic.com.au/collections/telesco…

    Came in handy so many times , and beats paying for the touristy coin-operated time limited ones.

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