12 Random Things That You Won’t Find on Everybody’s Travel Packing Lists
Everyone knows about the essentials of travel packing lists: Warm socks, plenty of underwear, and your cell phone charger are must-haves on any adventure. However, seasoned travelers are unique; some things they bring with them on their trips are unique and sometimes bizarre! Recently, these travelers met in an online discussion to reveal all the random things they can’t leave home without.
1. S-Hooks
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Inevitably, you’ll encounter accommodations that don’t meet your expectations of cleanliness. That’s okay! Bring plenty of S-hooks to safely keep things like towels, backpacks, and clothes off the floor. Many travelers call this little hack a game-changer!
2. Black Electrical Tape
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When a good night’s sleep is all you want, you’ll do anything to rest in a completely dark room! Therefore, many people travel with a roll of black electrical tape. “Tear off a small piece to cover every one of those annoyingly unnecessarily bright LED lights of various appliances and fixtures in the hotel room,” advises one particularly-savvy traveler.
3. A UV-Protective Umbrella
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On any adventure, you’ll find yourself walking and exploring simultaneously. Regular umbrellas will only protect you against inclement weather, while UV-protective umbrellas will keep you dry and shield you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You don’t want to be the person to get sunburnt because you didn’t protect yourself while walking everywhere, do you?
4. A Microfiber Blanket
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Bringing one item for multiple purposes on your trip can be a lifesaver! A microfiber blanket fills many needs. “I bring a blue, thin microfiber blanket,” reveals one woman. “Mashed up, it can serve as a pillow. On a plane, it keeps me warm. In areas where there is no heat in the room at night, it can help keep me warm. It’s also a nice and comfortable thing when leaning against in a chair. I love it.”
5. A Loved One’s Ashes
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While it may sound strange initially, I now realize that bringing a tiny amount of a loved one’s ashes with you when traveling is a beautiful gesture! Many travelers confess to doing this as a way to keep the memory of their loved one alive and commemorate that person’s love for traveling.
6. A Luggage Scale
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Admit it: Nobody wants to be the embarrassed person at the airport baggage counter who is frantically trying to get their luggage under the weight limit. Bringing a small luggage scale with you can help prevent these issues. You’ll never have to play the guessing game again!
7. Zip Ties
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Unless you’re blessed with unimaginable wealth, you’ll frequently stay in some less-than-ideal hostels and hotels. Zip ties can be used as a temporary fix for anything broken in your hotel. “Never know when you need to temporarily fix a broken shower head wall clamp or whatever,” explains one man.
8. Tea-Light Candles
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At some point during a trip, you’ll find yourself staying in a room that doesn’t have as much light as you’d like. Multiple travelers bring battery-powered tea-light candles and place them around their hostels and rooms so they can more easily navigate their unfamiliar surroundings in the middle of the night.
9. An Analog Compass
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We all rely on technology, but sometimes it’s best to bring an old-fashioned analog compass in an emergency. “If your phone goes down or gets pickpocketed, and you’ve lost Google Maps, you can still navigate with a compass,” explains one traveler. “I often use it instead of the phone for basic orienteering. On a leash around my neck, it’s always there, ready to use at a glance. You don’t have to turn it on, and you can read it in bright light or night if you get one with luminescent dials.”
10. Their Own Pillowcases
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Many travelers confess to bringing little pieces of home with them, specifically citing their own pillowcases. Not only does this remind them of home, but it’s usually a significant upgrade over the pillowcases in hotels, couches, and hostels!
11. Metal Traveling Spork/Bottle Opener
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Having a do-it-all tool with you when traveling can be the difference between eating and drinking like a cave dweller or dining in relative luxury! “It’s not the right tool for any job, but it’s better than eating potato salad with your fingers or breaking something in a hotel room trying to improvise a bottle opener,” confesses one woman.
12. Earplugs
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Enjoying a restful sleep can be hard to come by, which is why countless travelers always admit to carrying earplugs with them. Ambient noise pollution is a problem in many larger cities globally, and earplugs go a long way in shutting out unwanted noise as you sleep. In addition, there’s nothing wrong with protecting your hearing while you travel!
12 Cities People Voted Are the Snobbiest in America, Do You Agree?
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America comprises of small towns, medium-sized cities, and huge metropolitan regions. Some places are known for being warm and welcoming. In contrast, other sites have well-earned reputations for being incredibly “stuck up.” When users from an Americana-themed discussion forum were asked to name the most pretentious areas in the country, they were more than happy to offer their opinions. 12 Cities People Voted Are the Snobbiest in America, Do You Agree?
15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences
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There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene. With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum. 15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences
20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Tourists Should Avoid in 2023
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Wanderlust may take you all over the world, but some countries are too dangerous to visit, and knowing which are best avoided in 2023 could keep you safe. Let’s take a closer look at a list of the most dangerous countries in the world based on data from the World Population Review. 20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Tourists Should Avoid in 2023
14 Cities in the USA That Are Criminally Underrated According to Americans
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Everyone’s idea of a vacation or road trip is a little different. There are certain cities we gravitate towards more often, like San Francisco, NYC, or L.A. Have you considered exploring a new city that’s underrated and, perhaps, under appreciated? Check out these U.S. cities that a popular travel forum voted as “criminally underrated.” 14 Cities in the USA That Are Criminally Underrated According to Americans
Savor the Adventure: 15 Must-Visit Foodie Destinations on the Planet
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From tacos to pasta and dumplings to koeksisters, many countries and global cities know how to do food well with their delicious cuisine.
Although there are more than 15 food destinations on the planet, these spots are a must-visit and should be added to your travel bucket list if you love eating your way through a vacation.
Savor the Adventure: 15 Must-Visit Foodie Destinations on the Planet
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Source: Reddit
