An Eclectic Mix of More than 20 Unusual Packing Tips

Here are a few travel tips about unusual ways to use common household items. This article also mentions some inexpensive products that can help you make the most of your next vacation or business trip.

Wine corks, cardboard drink coasters, and plastic bread bag ties have something in common: You can utilize them in innovative ways while you travel. Read on for more information.

Cardboard Drink Coasters

Save the drink coasters provided by bars and restaurants.

• They make great Frisbees, small enough for the hands of young children, and they actually go quite far when thrown.

• Turned over, they make good drawing surfaces. During a long car ride or plane trip, coasters and crayons can keep your children occupied for a considerable length of time.

• You can use coasters as luggage tags. Record your information on each coaster with a permanent marker. Then punch a hole through the top of the coaster, and attach it to your suitcase with a small zip tie or ribbon. Remember to trim loose ends from ties or ribbons to prevent them from catching on handling equipment or other luggage.

Demand Double Duty from Some of Your Suitcase Contents

• Push cufflinks or earrings through the holes in belts or wristwatch bands. Snap the backs on to keep them attached.

• You can do the same with an old tie, sock, sash, or piece of ribbon.

Alcohol-Based, Sugar-Free, Color-Free Mouthwash

• Refill your hand sanitizer bottle with mouthwash if you run out.

• Use it to disinfect small insect bites, cuts, and scrapes.

• Mouthwash will help to calm inflammation and itchiness from things like poison ivy.

• In a pinch, it can be used to remove minor stains from clothing.

• Out of facial astringent? Mouthwash to the rescue! Just be sure to wash it off afterwards.

Runner's Wrist Wallet

• Purchase a runner's wrist wallet before you travel. Try to find one that has pockets large enough for credit cards, cash, and small valuables. Women will be able to leave their heavy purses behind, and men won't have to worry about their regular wallets being removed by pickpockets.

• Some runner's wallets will even accommodate smartphones.

• If you plan to be out after dark, look for a product with a reflective stripe.

Wine Bottle Cork Sewing Kit

• About 1/4 inch from the wide end, use a small knife to make a cut about 1/3 of the way through the cork.

• Push straight pins and threaded needles into the narrow end, then wrap the thread around the cork, and anchor it in the cut.

Lighten Your Load and Conserve Space with Paper Shampoo

• Frequent flyers, campers, and backpackers will love paper shampoo. Several companies make packs of dissolvable sheets.

• Manufacturers such as Travelon and Soap2Go also offer products like shaving cream, body wash, and laundry soap.

Save Your Plastic Bread Bag Tags

• Use them to keep pairs of socks together.

• Scrape price labels off souvenirs before sending gifts home.

• Keep your hair ties organized.

• Use them for hanging light laundry to dry on wire hangers. Tags take up very little room in your suitcase, and they weigh much less than clothespins.

• Draw a checkerboard on a piece of paper, and use two different colors of tags to create a makeshift checkers game.

• Instead of packing spools of thread, wrap strands of varying colors around several different tags.

Now that you have read these tips, look around your home with an appraising eye. You might be able to find other common items that you can press into service for your next holiday.

(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.

About the Author:

If you liked what you read here, be sure to have a look at Kathy's two helpful e-books: "Top Tips for Packing Your Suitcase" and "Top Tips for Travel by Air". Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)