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Helpful things to bring on your next trip
A well-organized suitcase can really make your trip easier. Here are a few travelling companions that you’ll be really glad you brought along.
PACKAGING AIDS
Garment bags
If you’re packing suits or evening gowns, these are essential. Especially useful for business trips, garment bags hold clothes in place so they don’t wrinkle. Look for the ones that are waterproof and tearproof. Also practical are the kind that fold up for easy transporting and storing in small spaces.
Toiletry case with mini regulation-size containers for airlines
Carry your shampoo, body lotion, cleansing creme and other essentials in TSA-approved containers. The clear side makes it easy to find things, and the plastic lining can be quickly cleaned.
Hanging toiletry case
Comes with several transparent compartments that are quick to open and close. Store products, small accessories and jewellery that you need on a day-to-day basis. Plus, when unfolded and hung up, you can see at a glance what’s inside.
Mesh socks and underwear bag
Perfect for keeping socks, stockings and undergarments together so they won’t end up scattered all over your suitcase. And since you can see through their mesh sides, you can toss the bag in a drawer at your hotel to easily find a clean undergarment.
Compression packers
For packing large items, such as a winter coat or sweater. Just slide it into the bag, close it, then roll it up to expel the air so your item takes up significantly less space in your suitcase.
Money belts and neck wallets
Worn under your clothing, you can hide money and important documents, such as your passport and airline ticket, from would-be pick-pockets.
Waterproof bag
What to do when those swim trunks are still wet and it’s time to leave the hotel? Pack still-damp clothing in this pouch so the rest remains dry.
Watertight plastic containers
Ideal for keeping your wallet or passport dry when swimming. There are also some made especially for MP3 players and cameras.
ESSENTIALS
Travel adaptor
A must for your electric devices, such as hair dryer or electric razor, when you travel abroad. Make sure you bring along the correct adaptor for the countries you’re going to.
First-aid kit
Important when headed for foreign lands, especially in rural areas where there may not be a drugstore.
Mosquito netting for sleeping
In some continents, such as South America and Asia, it’s indispensable. Also useful when camping.
USEFUL ACCESSORIES
Luggage labels
For easily identifying your luggage, especially when travelling by plane. They’re also helpful for finding your bags if they get lost. Tip: Choose labels with a flap that hides your name and address from curious eyes.
Luggage straps
For strapping around soft-shelled luggage. If a zipper or other fastener fails, a strap will prevent the bag from opening up and the contents from falling out.
Inflatable travel cushion or pillow
Both are practical for plane, car or train travel. Some models fold up and serve as either cushion or pillow, while others may be inflated then deflated for easy storage in their space-saving pouch.
Dual-voltage garment steamer
Although it doesn’t press clothes like an iron, it does get rid of creases from shirts, blouses and light fabric.
Travel alarm
Compact and slim, keeps you from oversleeping and missing that important rendezvous.
Sleep mask
A must have for those who need complete darkness to sleep. Get one that’s padded and fits snugly around your nose.
Earplugs
Always a good idea to have on hand in case street noise becomes unbearable or the guest in the room next door decides to take a shower at three o’clock in the morning. For flying, there are earplugs that reduce pressure caused by altitude.
Wrist straps
Designed to relieve soreness due to carrying luggage, these bracelets use the principles of acupuncture by applying pressure to a precise point on the wrist.
Kit with detergent, sink stopper and expandable clothesline
You’ll really appreciate the mini clothesline after a day at the beach or rinsing out some clothes. Its suction cups readily grip any smooth surface. All three are sold separately or together.
Travel sewing kit
For those unexpected repairs, such as an unravelling hem or loose button.
Luggage scale
A good idea for avoiding extra fees due to surplus weight. Digital or mechanical.
Reading light
Attaches to your book. Lets you read without disturbing your travel companions.
No-Jet-Lag®
A homeopathic product designed to lessen the effects of changing time zones. There’s one for flying and another for travel by train, car or boat.
Travel iron and dryer
Many hotels don’t provide them. Find out first.
Poncho
Handy for rainy days. Folds into a tiny pouch that fits into a handbag. Tip: Get one wide enough to cover your suitcase, too.
Thanks to Marie-Ève Ménard, CAA-Quebec marketing technician, for her assistance.
Original article by Jacqueline Simoneau
Translated by John Woolfrey
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