Deciding what to pack for a trip can be challenging if you want to keep your backpacks and suitcases lights.
Photo of Cork Screw © Robert S. Donovan
Here are five items that are useful to have while traveling that are small, lightweight and easy to fit into a backpack or suitcase.
1. Corkscrew
It’s nice to be able to buy a bottle of wine (or 2) and enjoy them in your room or in the hostel. Buying your own wine can be a lot less expensive than ordering them in restaurants and can be a nice way to end a long day of walking around.
2. Pedometer
Travelers and tourists tend to do a lot of walking. A pedometer will tell you exactly how far you walk and it’s interesting to keep track of how many miles/kilometers you go each day. It’s likely you walk much father than you think!
3. Tiny Flashlight (torch)
A tiny flashlight that can fit onto a keyring is a great thing to travel with. If you are staying in a hostel dorm room, they can be helpful to find your way through the room or find something in your luggage after the lights have been turned off. A flashlight can come in handy after dark if you need to look at a map. (If you have a smartphone, there are flashlight apps you can download rather than packing a tiny flashlight.)
4. Small Notebook
A small notebook is a great thing to travel with jeeping information you want quick access to in one place, as well as to write down information as you travel. For example, write down addresses, useful phrases in another language, points of interest, etc. It’s handy to have local people write directions, prices, especially if you’re having difficulty understanding them.
5. Lightweight Rain Poncho
Lightweight rain ponchos are easy to pack and very convenient to have while traveling. While travel umbrellas are a great thing to have as well, a rain poncho will keep more of you dry, making it more comfortable to stay out exploring longer even if it’s raining.
