Multi-purpose items to help you travel light (10 indispensable things to take on holiday with you)

Member Name: NutNutNut

Product:	10 indispensable things to take on holiday with you
Date:	26/03/09 (266 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Saves space, money and hassle

Disadvantages: None as far as I can tell.

Ok, I'm doing things a little differently. What I am going to attempt to do is list items that have multiple uses, therefore cutting down on your luggage and....well ultimately...err cheating! But what I really hope to do is give you all some space saving tips. Maybe even some cutting down on consumerism in general tips lol. So here we go;

1. Johnsons Baby Top to Toe Wash. I have reviewed this product recently and it truly is a multi-purpose one. Just pop it in your bag and you now have your face cleanser, body wash, bubble bath and shampoo all in one! Saves taking all those extra bottles with you and you can share it with anyone who is joining you on your travels, even your kids and pets. It's also great for handwashing your clothes, so you now don't need to pack so many clothes as you can wash the few you take with you.

2. Mobile phone. Most models these days have a built in digital camera of good quality so you can take all your holiday snaps on it. Pretty much all phones also have mobile internet settings and if you ring your service provider you might get a good deal on how much you actually pay for it. Perfect for all you internet-addicts out there who couldn't possibly deal with not having access for the whole time you're away. You also have (providing your phone has these features) an MP3 player and/or radio, just don't forget your headphones. Another useful feature is the alarm clock in case you need to start your journey back home early on the last day. Oh and there's the whole making/receiving calls and texting thing lol.

3. Canvas sneakers (assuming you go on holiday in the summer). Ok so loads of people think of holiday shoes and say "ooh flip-flops!" but think about it, canvas sneakers are lightweight and will keep your feet cool on a hot sunny day, but are also good for rainy days (providing it's not actually cold) because your feet are not over-exposed. This means you only need to take one pair of shoes, and you don't even have to find room for them because you will wear them there and back. Oh and if it's REALLY hot be brave and go barefoot lol.

4. Thick socks. If things happen to get really cold all of a sudden then point 3. may prove a problem. IF this happens then you can just stick these on and problem solved. My main reason for including them are the fact that they can be treated like slippers for people who dislike walking around barefoot. They are a lot lighter and easier to ball up and stick in your bag than slippers and it saves you packing something extra. If you are planning on handwashing your clothes as I suggested in point 1. then you don't need to pack many pairs. You could get away with only two theoretically.

5. Hair bands and/or hat. Look, you're on holiday, stop fussing with your hair. Leave your hairdryer at home and let your locks dry naturally. Don't bother packing any of your fancy styling tools or products just let your hair act natural while your away. You never know, it might make you feel liberated! Nobody knows you where you're going and you probably will never see these people again so who cares what your hair looks like? If you really can't bare to let it fall naturally or it is too out of control for your liking just put it up in a hair band or plonk on a hat. Problem solved and space saved!

6. DS Lite. Ok so this isn't an essential item, but I have found it has multiple uses entertainment wise. Obviously you can play your standard video games but Nintendo have brought out so many different games and applications that anyone can find something to entertain them. Like a wholesome family game such as scrabble which everyone can join in, or an electonic book if you like reading before bedtime. So no need to pack a board game (not even a travel one) or a book (not even a "pocket" one). Oh and of course if you are going to a non-english speaking country, you can get any language translator for the system. Good stuff.

7. Toilet roll. this might seem a strange thing to take away with you but assuming you are going somewhere that doesn't supply it (and you may be in a pickle if you discovered at the last minute they didn't) it is a pretty useful thing to have around. It's not just essential for wiping your bum but is also fine to use as tissue and an invaluable first aid item both for cleaning wounds and as a makeshift plaster.

8. Sudocrem. On the subject of first aid, forget all your fancy creams for this ailment and lotions for that insect bite, all you need is a little travel size pot of this stuff. It can be used for any wound as it's antiseptic and also soothing for any sort of rash. It is fantastic for sunburn, which is a risk if you're on holiday during the summer months. If you have babies it is a wonderful nappy rash cream. Even the tiny pots last months so any left over can still be used when the holiday is over.

9. Versatile clothing. Now I'm not going to start giving out fashion advice, but with the weather being unpredictable in some places (depending where you're going), it is a good idea to take clothes for whatever the weather. However, it is inconvenient to take loads of clothes with you, so try to find clothing that is versatile. Things like trousers that can be rolled up and fastened into shorts on hot days or worn full length on cooler days are ideal. Or long sleeved button down shirts that you can roll the sleeves up and unbutton on hot days (if you're a girl I would definitely advise you wear something underneath) and still be fairly protected from the sun, and on cold days roll the sleeves down and button up to keep warmer. Of course these particular items are better for the summer months not the winter ones, but even in the summer I would advise taking one warm jumper/hoodie with you even if it's just for the evenings when the temperature drops.

10. Yourself. Yes you are the most multi-purpose item of them all. It's your holiday! Do stuff you have never done before, see as many sights you haven't seen before as you can, cram as much as you can into each day and then chill out at night knowing your making the most of your time away and not letting the time go to waste. Enjoy yourself!

So there you have it. I hope my list has been useful to you and helps you to travel lighter in the future. If you're lucky enough to be going on holiday have a great time and let me know if any of my tips helped you.

Summary: You should all be kissing my feet for this