Packing ideas

Rather than provide our packing list – there are loads of these on the Web – we thought we’d just list things we have found really handy or things we wished we’d packed but didn’t! We’ll add to this as we go along………..

Travel washing line and 4 pegs (pegs good for holding curtains together!). Soap leaves and laundry sheets (these are eco products and flat so take up little room and don’t leak!).

Toiletries. We took shampoo and travel soap bars (grumm), as they’re not so bulky and reduced plastic use. We also tried the silicone travel bottles but found that they can change the consistency of some lotions (body lotion and emulsifier cream), so I’m not so keen on these although a lot of folk swear by them.

Some sort of multi tool – we have a Leatherman. Very useful to tighten screws on luggage handles among other things!!!! We also used the knife to prep food when we didn’t have any other implement! Don’t forget to pack in your hold luggage, tho.

Sewing kit – for those pesky buttons that fall off.

Wire – we had a cable made up that went through all the baggage loops and could then be attached to something immovable with a padlock (useful in hostels). We didn’t use this as much as we thought we would.

Water bottles – we used these all the time, and if you can get a strap, that may also be useful. You can get ones that filter the water depending on your destinations. We also had reusable coffee mugs that were collapsable (stojo) – great for getting cheaper hot drinks at stores or just making your own to take around.

Cutlery – we bought a spoon, fork and knife set that fitted into a case. They’ve come in useful, especially for our breakfasts (yoghurt, fruit, granola etc) in hotel rooms that wouldn’t normally provide cutlery and picnics.

Suction hooks – we find there are many places with no hooks in bathrooms etc and have found that suction hooks can help. They are also helpful in campervans!

Packing Cubes – we used two small and 2 larger Millicans. The small ones were ideal for a week’s worth of undies and t-shirts and fitted in our rucksacks. The larger ones were useful for dirty washing and taking to the laundrettes.