-
Poster protector I travel with a mailing tube in my suitcase because I often buy paintings, drawings, and maps. My souvenirs always arrive home safe and sound. I just leave the mailing tube in my suitcase until the next trip. --Abbie-Stuart Fox, Durham, N.C. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Light reading I always pack a Petzl Tikka Plus headlamp. It's small, weighs next to nothing, and is perfect for reading in bed at night without disturbing my husband. They're sold online and at outdoor-gear stores for about $33. --Linda Smejkal, Hazelhurst, Wis. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Bungee fun Bungee cords make versatile travel accessories. Use them in the airport to lash a duffel bag to a wheeled suitcase, or hook a few together for a hotel clothesline. While camping, use them to secure tarps or to hang a lantern from a tree. They even hold your pants up if you misplace your belt. --Keith Saul, Kokomo, Ind. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Disposable bath mat Paper place mats can be useful anywhere there's an outdoor shower. By stepping onto a place mat after a bush shower in Botswana, I managed to keep my feet clean and avoided getting dirt in my clothes. --Sandy S. Hogan, Las Vegas, Nev. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Farsighted To avoid walking around gawking at skyscrapers while sightseeing in cities like New York, I pack a small pair of binoculars. When I spot an interesting building, I step out of the flow of traffic on the sidewalk, back up to a wall, and enjoy the architectural details or read inscriptions. --Virginia Hendley, Rio Rancho, N.M. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Floss leader I never leave home without dental floss. I've used it as a clothesline between tents in Botswana's Okavango Delta and to replace a lost screw for my sunglasses in Malaysia. I even cut off a piece of floss the size of my waist and headed to the night markets in Bangkok. My "tape measure" assured a perfect fit! --Kristi Hemmer, Cordova, Tenn. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Bad-weather friend Put a few plastic trash bags in the outer pockets of your suitcases and carry-ons. If you arrive at your destination and it's raining, you can cover your luggage with the bags while you make your way to your hotel. Just cut a slit for handles or straps. --Barbara Gesse, Greensboro, N.C. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Sarong it's right Lightweight, washable, and multifunctional, a cotton sarong is a practical addition to every traveler's bag. I've used mine as a swimsuit cover-up, a picnic blanket in the Loire Valley and a temporary skirt (over shorts) in a Bangkok temple. It's also handy as an airplane blanket, towel, or tablecloth. --Nicole Serafica, Langhorne, Pa. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
-
Hey, mister! During the summer, I plan to travel with a very small spray bottle. I'll fill it with water and use it as a mister to keep cool. I got this idea when we stayed at the Noga Hilton in Cannes. On the dresser was a pink aerosol can full of Evian water. While out sightseeing, wow, was it refreshing to spritz water on our faces! --Joy Shebroe, Walnut, Calif. (Photo: Kate Lacey)
Video of the Day
Custom Search
Select the details relevant to your trip to see a list of articles that match your needs — it's the best way to get ideas!
Get our newsletters!
Vacation ideas, travel tips, and great travel deals right to your inbox.
Subscribe to Budget Travel
The world's most useful travel magazine costs just $12 for 8 issues--or $20 for 16 issues!
Recent Real Deals
Sydney, Air, 4 Nights, From $1,552
With this Sydney vacation package you can spend four nights in the vibrant Australian city—and save more than $200 per person.
- Barcelona & Ibiza, Air, 6 Nights, From $1,019
- Palm Springs, Air, 4 Nights, From $385
- Rome, Air, 6 Nights, From $979
- Dominican Republic, Air, All-Inclusive Resort, Golf, Five Nights, From $1,076
- Amalfi Coast, Air, Car, 6 Nights, From $1,429
- Hong Kong, Air, 5 Nights, From $1,322
- Cozumel, Air, All-Inclusive Resort, 5 Nights, From $719
- Curaçao, Air, 7 Nights, From $1,314
Recent Features
8 Common Vacations: the Surprising Things You'll Need (and the Things You Won't)
From eco-tours to theme parks to weekend getaways, we’ll show you what to pack—and what to leave at home—for eight common vacation types.