Have a “travel” shelf or box designated for “travel only”

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when packing for a trip is forgetting stuff!  We have, more times than I care to admit to.  We fixed that little “problem” by setting aside a space in our closet for travel only items.  It took a couple years to come up with all the “travel only” items, but we have found again and again that it’s worth it!  Nowadays there are travel size items for just about all of your toiletries / bathroom needs and OTC (over the counter) medications.

Product Give-A-Ways

Whenever you are at any kind of event or show that offers free samples of potential travel items TAKE THEM.  I’ve seen small sizes of q-tips, bag clips, mini-first aid or band-aid kits, small pads of papers, pens, suntan lotion, etc.  We’ve all seen them!  I take them all and put them on my specially allocated travel shelf in my closet.  On more than one occasion, I have not had a need to use an item, but have run into someone who did and it is the easiest, kindest gesture to offer your free items to someone else in need.

Hotel toiletries

On the last day of my hotel stay I always take whatever bathroom toiletries are there – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sewing kit, shoe shine cloth, shower cap.  I have a designated box at home that I put them all in.  Then one of two things happen -as needed, I take them with me on trips or I give them away to a senior center who are always in need .  That little sewing kit can be a life-saver if an inopportune button pops – that shower cap an cover up a plate of goodies for later (think of it like saran wrap).

Water Bottles

Ok, so we all know you can’t get through Security with a filled water bottle.  But, have you ever gotten to your destination and had to but a bottle of water for 2x, 3x the price you paid at home??  I try to always bring an empty 16 oz bottle with me and I can fill it up at the hotel, bar, restaurant, etc while I’m there and it saves a good chunk of change while on the road.

Ziploc Bags

I have learned over the years that Ziploc bags are the one “don’t miss” item for any trip.  The list is so long of things I’ve used them for that I don’t think I can make a complete list here, so here are just a few of my favorites:

Dried flowers, rocks, sea shells, half eaten anything, wet socks, camera bag on a rainy day, receipts, tickets, anything that shouldn’t mix with anything else

I always bring a couple of small and 1 gallon ones.  If there’s any chance that I might have to take home a wet swim suit or pair of shoes, I bring one of the newer, larger size bags.