So, you’ve consulted our family travel packing guide and think that your list is complete – or is it? In this article, I’m sharing 5 unusual things to pack that are super helpful for travel, that no one will tell you about.
1. Power strip
(Amazon SG | similar on Shopee)
With the number of devices we carry these days, we’re always looking for power points to plug into. Having a power strip on your travels helps in so many ways. First, you’ll only need one travel adapter to plug the power strip into, and depending on the number of power points and USB ports on the strip, you’ll be able to plug all your devices directly without the need for further adaptors. Second, everything is in one place! You can leave the chargers plugged in as you move from one accommodation to another. Third, if the power point in your accommodation is oddly located, you won’t be restricted by this as you’ll be able to use the extension cord to bring your chargers nearer to where you want them to be.
For us, we use one power strip each trip to plug in the kids’ baby monitor and sound machine. This is easy to set up and ensures we can place the camera in a location that suits the situation, not being restricted by the location of the power point.
2. Baby powder
(Shopee)
Life hack: baby powder removes sand from skin like a dream. Towel or air dry yourself after time at the beach or in the sand box, and lightly dust yourself (or your child) with powder. The sand will just fall off. This works so much better than water, towels or wipes. A tiny box of baby powder is all you need!
Don’t forget your travel insurance! Compare travel insurance plans using the SingSaver tool below.
3. Washi tape
(Amazon SG | Shopee) – This is the only brand that I’d personally recommend
There is no miracle tape like washi tape. In the US, they may sing praises of painter’s tape, but that’s because they haven’t met washi tape yet. Washi tape is painter’s tape, but smaller, more compact, and much much prettier.
On a trip, washi tape can be used to hold things together, temporarily attach blackout shades / garbage bags to windows, label items (it can be written on), make vehicle tracks for kids, make into small stickers for a toddler to play with, reseal an open pack of snacks, repair items, and more. We’ve even used it to hold a wound together in a pinch.
Pro-tip: buy from Amazon SG, which ships from Amazon Japan. The prices are so much lower than what you’d typically pay locally!
4. Cooler bag
(Amazon SG | similar on Shopee)
Having a small collapsible cooler bag opens up so many possibilities while traveling. It can be used to store groceries, fruit, or serve as an extra bag when needed. On our trips, we like to freeze a bottle of energy drink the night before a long hike or road trip, then stick it in the cooler to serve as an ice block and enjoy the icy cold drink as it melts through the day. We use this same trick to keep produce and milk cool in the cooler bag if we’re moving from one accommodation to another.
5. Laundry bag
Mesh laundry bags are another multi-functional product that can be so helpful while traveling. They can be used to hold soiled clothes, function as packing cubes, and keep your small items from getting lost in the wash. Choose a size (or a few sizes) that will make sense for your needs, and make sure you get the sort where the zip tab can be tucked inside to prevent it from opening in the wash.
Even if you don’t intend to do laundry on the trip, the bags take up virtually no space at all, and can be used for a variety of other purposes. They’re definitely always worth bringing in our books.
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And that rounds up our 5 unusual things to pack – do you have any others? Do share them in the comments below!
