12 Unexpected Items Every Traveler Should Pack

A light scarf is easy to stuff in a bag and can be used for more than keeping your neck warm. Some places, such as temples, ask visitors to cover their heads, shoulders, or knees, so you can tie the scarf around your body to meet the dress code. If you’ve ever watched The Amazing Race TV show, you’ll know that scarves can double as hair ties and bandannas for catching sweat. Competitors also drape scarves over their eyes to block out light and get some sleep before racing to the next destination.

I never fail to pack a few resealable plastic Ziploc bags in different sizes. The smallest bags are perfect for keeping the fluid from my contact lens case from leaking out. The largest ones can hold shoes, bottles of shampoo or alcohol, and wet or dirty clothes. The medium-size Ziplocs are perhaps the most versatile: they don’t take up room in a purse and come in handy when you need to take leftovers home. When I was in Istanbul, a fellow traveler didn’t have time for breakfast—so I handed him a bag, and he stuffed it with food from the hotel buffet to eat on the road!

Binder clips are typically considered office items for securing papers, but they can be used in clever “MacGyver” ways when you’re traveling. If the hotel blackout curtains don’t fully close, I clip the fabric together with binder clips to keep light from shining out. Travelers can also use the stationery clips to hang up clothes, repair torn straps or bags, keep track of cords and cables, secure a scarf or hat, and much more.

Mosquitoes are sneaky buggers, and in my experience, they show up when you’re least expecting them. I’ve learned to keep a travel-size container of mosquito spray in my carry-on backpack and bag so that I can have it with me at all times. Look for bug spray with DEET, as the natural versions are not as effective. I once arrived at Cancun Airport and was surprised to see mosquitoes buzzing around indoors—fortunately, I was able to quickly spray myself and escape getting bitten before stepping foot outside the airport.

On my trips, I go through dozens of makeup remover sheets. Look for small, resealable packages that contain disposable wipes soaked in makeup-removing liquid. They’re handy when you don’t have time to remove your makeup or sunscreen before a flight or if you want to refresh your face while in transit. You can also use the wipes on your hands if you eat something sticky or your body if there isn’t time for a shower.

When I am in hot and humid locations, I always put a foldable paper fan in my bag. You can usually buy a lightweight one from a dollar store—I can’t resist the Japanese versions with cute designs. Hand fans are a lifesaver when you’re stuck outdoors in hot weather or in a poorly ventilated space. Although you could wave around a folded piece of paper or pamphlet to cool off, I find that folding fans are sturdier and better designed to maximize airflow.

I once received a sari as a gift in India, and a woman at the hotel helped me to put it on. She asked if I had safety pins to secure the fabric, and thankfully, I had some on hand—or else I wouldn’t have been able to wear the garment for my sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. In addition to securing clothing, safety pins are helpful for cutting through packaging and stopping clothes from sliding off a hanger. You can also carefully use them as SIM card ejector pins.

Hydration is key when you’re on the road, but water bottles can take up a great deal of weight and space. Look for a foldable or collapsible water bottle as an eco-friendly alternative. Typically made from silicone, these designs are lighter than hard bottles and can be crushed down to save space. Some of these compact bottles can hold hot drinks as well.

Nothing hits the spot like a strong mint, especially after spending many hours on a plane or eating out and exploring all day. Somehow, that tiny mint refreshes your mouth and mind and puts you in the headspace to keep on going. I’m partial to sugar-free mints with natural ingredients like peppermint, which don’t contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial colors and flavors.

Noise pollution is an often overlooked source of stress, and getting a good night’s sleep is particularly challenging when you are changing time zones. Earplugs are my secret weapon for a more comfortable flight: They cut out the droning noise of the plane and improve my chances of falling asleep onboard. Noise-canceling headphones and earbuds do the job best, but disposable earplugs are great as an inexpensive option. Earplugs are also indispensable if you’re staying in a noisy hotel or going to a loud event like a concert.

My hands tend to get dry and itchy on flights and from handling luggage. Petroleum jelly (I’m partial to the Vaseline brand) has been my go-to for restoring moisture and healing flaky skin and small scrapes. I also use it as a lip balm and to keep eyebrow hairs in place. I’ve found the hydrating substance to be a better option than the free moisturizers supplied by hotels, as these tend to have irritating fragrances and are not formulated for maximum hydration.

I always throw a light, waterproof tote such as a Baggu into my travel bag. When you’re abroad, these reusable nylon bags are practical in a variety of circumstances. They can hold your laundry and be worn over the shoulder for errands like grocery shopping (and save you from having to pay extra for a plastic bag). The eco totes fold into a flat pouch that’s easy to store and come in a variety of stylish prints.