SPECTACLES, TESTICLES, WALLET & WATCH
September 14th, 2008
Everyone has a list of things they take traveling. Things that make life better on the road. Things that you can easily justify in packing (backpacking?) unlike, say five pairs of shoes. After traveling to more than 50 counties, I have a number of items that I never leave behind. Most are lightweight and have more than one use.
-
1. Headlamp
They’re not very expensive (about $30) but they can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re traveling to the developing world where power cuts are regular. A headlamp is great for reading on dark and stormy nights – just slap it on your noggin’ and dive into that trashy novel. It also does dual duty as a hand held flashlight. And the batteries last forever. Get one. Now.
2. Multitool
No, not your father’s Swiss Army Knife. Multi-tools are much more useful (but like Swiss Army Knives, must be packed in your checked luggage). They perform multiple functions as knives, pliers, screwdrivers and much more – all in one slick little package. Leatherman has various versions in various sizes. And, of course, there are hundreds of cheaper knockoffs. Don’t leave home without one.
3. Sarong
If you’ve got a sarong on hand, you’ve got: a towel, a skirt, a beach towel, a head wrap, a tourniquet, an instant satchel, a bed sheet (above or below) and even an emergency curtain. And that’s just what I’ve used mine for, Lightweight, cheap, multi-use – sarongs are a must-have travel item.
4. Trouble Brewing?
Love coffee? Hate instant? That’s a real problem when you’re traveling off the beaten path. Luckily, there are all sorts of portable coffee presses that are no bigger than a water bottle. Unfortunately they add bulk and weight, something you likely want to avoid.
But there is an option that not only works, it’s also cheap and small: the Cup.Pour.Ri One-Cup Coffee Steeper. For less than six bucks, this spoon-sized steeper lets you make good coffee or tea easily, anywhere. All you need is some ground coffee (or tea leaves) and boiling water. Fill the Cup.pour.ri with your favorite grind, place in a cup, pour in boiling water and let steep. Voila! A tasty alternative to Nescafe!
[DCM]
What do you consider absolutely essential when traveling? Tell us about it. Comments below.
September 15th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Finally! A usable travel website!