Last weekend we stopped by the beach to fly a kite but the kids decided to play with the sand instead. Since I forgot the bring sand toys, the plastic container I packed their snacks in came in handy as mold and scooper. What is your favorite double duty item to bring on trips?

Nothing beats a couple of plastic garbage bags. Use as laundry bag, garbage bag, and in and emergency, a rain poncho.

Next best is ziplock bags, for souvenirs, change purse, waterproof cell phone protector, snack carrier.

thin cotton washcloths - cheap 10pk from Walmart

facecloth (esp in Europe where they're often not found at hotels)
dish rag
handkerchief
brow wipe
windshield cleaner
etc.

(not all uses with the same item, mind you)

Duck Tape

Cell phone- phone, the best alarm clock I've ever had, great clock, and phone book.

Sarong- bathrobe, picnic blanket, handy to bundle things up in to take to hotel laundry.

Love duct tape
and gallon sized zip locks for storage, hand laundry, waterproofing camera or wrapping around big liquids to pack home (like wine).

Rubber flip flops- for the shower and to wrap around fragile things in the suitcase.

Ziplock bags - various sizes.

I forgot to add:

My little boxy magnifier with a light. Serves as flashlight, albeit dim and helpful to read maps.

This isn't anything I actually bring with me but vinegar.

When I got my suitcase from the baggage claim the other day it was filthy. Covered with thin black stuff.
After the normal cleaning, wiping it down inside and out, I scrubbed it with a mild laundry soap, rinsed it and it still had the black stuff. Then I poured vinegar on the outside and set it in the sun. It's almost like new.

No longer have it, but years ago, my mother took a huge beach towel, folded it over, sewed up the sides and put a drawstring in it. It could still be used as a towel, you could haul all your beach stuff in it, and even use it as a great laundry bag for all your wet clothes.

sarong(s) -

wear 'em... or use it as a picnic blanket, towel, kitchen table cloth, window covering, bed sheet, the list is endless!

I have an Australian hat made out of rabbit's fur which I bought in Flemington NJ.

I have had this hat since 1987 and have pictures all over the world wearing it.

My wife hates it

OK, I'm stumped.

What's double duty with a fur hat?

Keeps him warm and aggravates the wife.

I grew up in Flemington!!

My 8 foot long - 3 foot wide cashmere scarf. I carry it with me everytime I fly - which is very, very often.

It can be a pillow, blanket, scarf, eye mask, coat, lower lumbar support, etc...love it!

I know this sounds morbid, but I told my husband when it is "my time" I want it to go with me....

"It's a dessert topping. No, it's a floor wax. It's BOTH." (Appologies to SNL if misquoting from 30 years ago.)

mrlou!!!!!!