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	Indispensable Odds And Ends For Travelers

	by Karen Wormald

Understandably, planning and packing an appropriate wardrobe is usually number one on any traveler’s to-do list. Infrequent travelers may never think to pack the little everyday objects that allow a quick fix or make travel SAFER and EASIER. When you’re on the road, you can’t always find these things, but they can avert disaster.

PLANNING AHEAD

The best way to ensure never leaving home without these necessities is to assemble them in a small bag that stays in your SUITCASE. Once they’re in place, you never have to worry about remembering to pack them again. If you must remove items between trips, keep a LIST of what’s missing in the bag so you can replace the items before your next trip. Because some of these objects may raise red flags with today’s airport security, always pack this bag of goodies in your checked luggage. The following list of suggested items can be tailored to your specific travel needs.

FOR REPAIRS

These items could make your life easier if something breaks or becomes DAMAGED while you are away from home:

sewing kit (scissors may have pointed tips)
duct tape (now available in flat rolls ideal for travel)
tube of glue
shoe polish or scuff remover
shoelaces
batteries to fit any device you’re carrying
Swiss Army knife

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

These items will make it easier for you to stay in TOUCH with people back home, and to keep track of information as you travel:

sticky notes
pencil (never leaks)
envelopes (for receipts, souvenirs, tips, or notes)
stamps (postcard or letter value)
pre-addressed labels
phone list of numbers you might need to call
extra business cards

STORAGE SUPPLIES

These items will make it easier for you to keep your STUFF organized and accessible while on the road:

hooks with suction cups
sealable plastic bags
folding tote bag
small bottles with lids for liquids
collapsible hangers

FOR LAUNDRY

These items will help you stay CLEAN -- even without the convenience of a laundromat -- as you travel:

mesh laundry bag (hang in closet to separate dirty clothes)
extension cord (doubles as a clothesline)
sink stopper
liquid detergent
individual packets of spot remover

SECURITY CONCERNS

These items will help keep you and your belongings SAFE no matter where you travel:

plastic ties to secure luggage at the airport
straps for typing things together
luggage locks (for security outside of the airport)
flashlight
travel alarm
panic button or personal alarm
money belt and spare "throw away" wallet

PERSONAL CARE

These items are optional, but may make life more COMFORTABLE on the road:

binoculars
umbrella
extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses
eyeglass cleaning cloth or liquid cleaner
eyeglass repair kit
shoe pads
braces for ankle, knee, or wrist
neck pillow or back support

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

These items will defeinitely help you get along easier in FOREIGN countries:

currency converter
hand-held language translator
voltage conversion kit
travel dictionary

A FINAL TIP

Pack consumable items with a FINITE shelf life -- such as sunscreen, bug repellant, over-the-counter drugs, and first-aid materials -- with your toiletries so you can double-check their condition and replace them in one quick trip to the drugstore.

Karen Wormald is president of Kew Publications, a freelance writing, editing, and proofreading service for business. Her feature travel articles have appeared in Cruise Travel and Office Solutions magazines. Karen has a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond (VA). She can be reached at or 804-379-8503.

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