GoTravel

LOL TxTravelPro! My thoughts exactly!

emd

Well, the title did ask for secrets. I guess the motto is "be careful what you ask for"...

smokey

Nightlight for the bathroom; maybe an extra for the kitchen/living room if staying in a cottage/condo.

L84SKY

I did hesitate before I wrote that particular hint but it was something that hadn't occurred to me until my friend suggested it. Just trying to be helpful, sorry if it bothered anyone.

DebitNM

Lightdays...if ya gotta ask...you don't need 'em!!! LOL

Debi

Dohlice

The nightlight is a great idea. We used to stay often in a hotel that had an insanely bright light in the bathroom. It not only burned the eyes of the person using the bathroom in the middle of the night it shined right on the bed when you opened the door. I always brought a nightlight there, I will have to remember to bring it on my next trip too, just in case.

I bring my picnic blanket and the corkscrew when I go on a trip where we're moving around a lot. I never want to miss the opportunity for a picnic. OK, I also bring my little cheese cleaver.

DebitNM

FYI - I posted this same topic on Canada and Europe as I thought there may be different fodorfolk that hang out there and not make it here to US board. There are lots on neats tips on Europe board...check em! Just pass the first couple where I was told this thread was beat to death and it was trying to beat a dead horse.

Oh well, like I said there...no one makes you read a topic, much less post a reply.

Debi

SpeedBuggy

Maybe it's because I'm a guy, but I saw no problem with the LightDays suggestion. Gave it the ole "hmmm" when I read it and went on. Don't want to upset the cart, but as we age some of us men may be borrowing that little secret! lol

Thanks for a great, informative thread, Debit. It can't be too beaten to death if so many of us are learning so much!;-)

PMS

I've never had a LightDay. What am I missing?

SpeedBuggy

Very surprised you don't know what that is "PMS"! Hope I don't get banned for this:

http://tinyurl.com/zeq3w

sunshine

I like the tip about taking a sheet instead of a beach towel.

SpeedBuggy

Years ago, when our oldest daughter went backpacking across Europe after h.s. graduation, my wife made her one of those Rick Steve recommended folded/sewn sheets for the hostel beds. She has since made more of those and we use them for all kind of things - beach towels, top a bunk bed without making the bed, shawl for cool days/nights, etc.

tamjam

Huggies wipes, or something similar. Either pack them in a ziploc or buy the travel sample packages. Adds comfort for the obvious, but also helps with washing hands, face, etc.
Always take the collapsable cooler to beach locations. Depending on the size, you can use it as a carry-on, and take out what you don't need when you get to your destination.
There's a great "sheet" that you can buy at a grocery store or Target type place. I can't remember the name. It's two shades of blue, and has small weights on the corners. Great for the beach, as it's made of a fabric that dries almost immediately. Lightweight and packs up very small too.
Incense sticks for sitting on a patio in mosquito prone areas. Lightweight and they seem to work to keep some away. And the smell is nicer than bug candles.
Yogurt in the to-go tubes if you are traveling to an area where you worry about getting sick. Easy to carry. The bacteria in the yogurt can help keep your tummy healthy.
Light Days are great.
Last suggestion - "Carry On" only!!!!

ParrotMom

The shoe bag is an old tip...you buy the lightest weight shoe bag possible...Ive seen all net.. and hang it over the bathroom door. We put in slippers, flashlight, first aid kit, laundry soap, shoes and anything else to keep stuff off the floor..We then at the end of the trip roll it up..put the items in a zippered plastic bag and we are ready for our next trip..It' s called our "necessities bag", I do make a notation of items that we[ve used up on a little sticky and when I get ready for another trip I know what I need to refill.. This is a hint I found about twenty years ago plus on a cruise board and have been sharing ever since..

TxTravelPro

Thanks for the link, SpeedBuggy...
I am devastated that Amazon states:
Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.

Really, I know what this is, I am just trying to think of how it applies (other than the obvious). I was mentally trying to figure out any clever uses for this product.
Hmmm...

SpeedBuggy

LOL, Tx. Sorry, that link was for PMS, who asked what lightdays were.

TxTravelPro

Oh, as for the topic...
I carry a TINY Radio Shack sound machine.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

It is a great item to have in a noisy hotel and is about the size of a wallet.

SpeedBuggy

Tx made me think of something we just purchased. For the beach, one of those little wind up radios would be great - no batteries needed. We just got one for hurricane season, but we are finding lots of good uses for it. Got it at CVS on sale for $10.

starrsville

That's a great tip for a friend of mine. Perfect gift idea!

TxTravelPro

Oh, I also grab a handful of shoe bags and slippers from the TSA line at the airport.
I use the plastic bags for a million different things and I use a pair of disposable slippers while at the hotel!

It's FREE!!!