Unexpected Non-Tech Items We Can’t Travel Without

Whenever we talk about must-have travel items, I feel like it’s a lot of technology. Think phones, chargers, Kindles, noise-canceling headphones, power banks, digital cameras… It just reminds me that not too long ago, we used to travel mostly unplugged! And despite all we have tech-wise today, there are still a ton of non-tech items we can’t travel without.

Last year, I polled followers on Instagram and Facebook about their non-tech travel must-haves, and was blown away by the number of the responses! Whether it’s a necessary accessory or an ingenious travel hack, you all had me jotting down tips I’d never heard of before. (Which says a lot considering how many times I’ve packed a suitcase!)

 

There were so many gems, I thought I’d try to compile some of the more unique, multi-use items into one list. Next time you start packing for a trip, see if anything of the following winds up being a game changer.

Non-Tech Items We Can’t Travel Without

Handkerchiefs/Bandanas

So many people mentioned always having a handkerchief or bandana on hand because they can be used for so much. Tie around your neck to protect your shirt during meals. Use to keep your hair out of your face. Wet and place on the back of your neck when outdoors to both stay cool and protect your skin from the sun. Use instead of tissues (just look up ways to fold a handkerchief to get the most of it and hand wash in a sink each night). Find yourself in a smoky situation? Cover your mouth with a handkerchief to help with breathing.

Really, there are so many uses! 

Pinky Balls

I got so many questions about pinky balls, so here’s your explanation. Pinky balls are small, solid bouncy balls that can work miracles as mini massage tools. Roll under your feet after a long day of walking. Lay down on the ground to massage in between your shoulder blades after a long flight or train ride. Really just roll them along anything that aches, and you’ll thank me later. Just make sure you get the solid ones, not the hollow ones, or else they won’t work. I also specifically like the pinky balls because they’re softer than, say, a tennis or golf ball.

For those of you that really need help after a long travel or sightseeing day, follower Lorna also recommended therabands to help deepen stretches.

A Baby Swaddling Cloth or Two

As the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy states, “A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.” I’ll do Douglas Adams one better – instead of a small hand towel, look for baby cotton swaddling cloths. Yes, you read that correctly! When I became a mom, I quickly realized that these super soft cloths work for everything I’d want a towel for and even more. Off the top of my head they can:

• Act as a last minute towel
• Clean up spills
• Be used to wipe down screens
• Be dipped in water to help cool off
• Be a nice blanket for the plane
• Use as a pillow cover for hotels

And the best part? Wash them in the sink before you go to bed, and they’ll be dry in the morning! Bring two so while one dries, you can use the other.

Duct Tape (Or Electrical/Gaffers)

For those of you that have never traveled with duct tape, I know your first reaction is to give me some major side eye. However, as everyone who has traveled with duct tape knows, this thing is an absolute lifesaver!! Duct tape can fix just about everything in a pinch from broken suitcases to tears in clothing or shoes. It can even act as an emergency band aid. Use it to child and pet proof hotel rooms as well as help completely block out any light that might poke through curtains or under doors. Seriously – what can’t duct tape do? Just get it in a fun color, that way TSA knows you’re just a seasoned traveler not someone looking to commit a crime 😉

As a bonus – wrap your tape around a pen for a two-in-one item!

Some Sort of Small Tray

Back in the day, most hotels had some sort of ash tray in the room. As follower Jane mentioned, these ash trays were great for keeping smaller nicknacks like jewelry, hearing aids, bobby pins, etc in one place. 

Since smoking is, thankfully, not as popular as it once was, most hotels no longer have ashtrays. Instead pack some sort of small tray if you find yourself constantly losing smaller items. You could bring a nice jewelry tray but other followers mentioned old peanut butter lids and collapsible cups! 

Ziploc Bags

No matter where you go or what you do when you travel, you are very likely always going to find some sort of use for a ziploc bag. Bring them in a few different sizes and just fold them up and tuck them into your bag. Fill one up with water and freeze for a makeshift ice pack. Use as a back-up bag for liquid items. 

At a restaurant that doesn’t offer to-go boxes and really, really do not want to leave your meal behind? See if you can get your food into a ziploc bag! Bigger ones are great for sandals or flats that accidentally get too dirty.

If you have space and know you’re the type to want to take food to go, I’d also add in some shallower plastic food containers.

An Empty Egg 6 Egg Carton

Reader Diana recommended this absolutely genius tip. Next time you get eggs, save the carton to throw into your suitcase. These cartons are built to protect something as delicate as an eggshell, so you can be sure they’ll come in hand for daintier souvenirs like ornaments or porcelain items. 

Electrolyte Packets

Hydration is one of the most important things to remember when traveling. And sometimes water just doesn’t cut it! When you sweat, you don’t just lose water, you lose salt as well. There’s a reason athletes fuel with gatorade! Bring along some electrolyte packets for an extra boost especially if you’re planning to visit humid countries. Trust me, no one wants to faint and end up in an ER internationally.

A Tea Cup/Coffee Mug

If you are very particular about your coffee and tea rituals, I cannot recommend bringing along your own tea cup or coffee mug. There’s something so soothing about having your own cup instead of something from the hotel. Plus it’s easy to wash them out thanks to my next travel must-have…

A Cut-Up Sponge Soaked in Dawn Dish Soap

Quite a few of you recommended bringing a small bottle of Dawn dish soap. Besides helping clean up items like a reusable bottle or tea mug, it’s also great for stains on clothing. (Not to mention your toiletry bag should something spill.)

However, let me do you one even better thanks to a game changing tip I learned from follower Tierney, who’s a flight attendant. Cut up a sponge into smaller sizes and then soak each cube in dawn dish soap. Put them all into a small ziploc bag and then stick into your suitcase. This way you won’t have to take up space in your liquids bag, and  you’ll save an extra bit of space on the bottle itself. GENIUS!

Wine Travel Bags

Wine travel bags are great because you can use them for more than just wine bottles. Since they’re non leakable and come with extra cushion like bubble wrap, use them for just about anything you’re worried about breaking. And, again, when not in use they lie flat and take up next to no space in a suitcase.

A Tide To-Go Stick

Having been on multiple continents in the last few years alone, I can assure you tide to-go sticks do not exist in most places. Even in the US, they seem to always be out of stock when you actually wind up needing one. Pick up at least one before your trip and stick it in your crossbody or pocket when out. You’ll thank me for this reminder when you inevitably get a spot on your favorite top!

Clothespins

Clothespins are such an underrated travel item. The main reason you’ll want them? To help hold curtains in a hotel room together. I swear no matter where I stay, those dang curtains never quite meet in the middle.

A Small Sewing Kit

While some hotels have small sewing kits as part of their toiletry options, I find it’s always nice to just head to the drugstore and get a small travel size one just in case. Plus they usually come with small scissors (under 4-inches are allowed in carry-ons), and safety pins – two items I’d also consider non-tech travel must-haves.

Old School Pen and Paper

Or a sharpie/pencil and notebook/sticky notes. I know most of us type up everything we need to know in our notes app these days, but there’s something to be said for an old school pen and paper situation.

Ear Plugs

If you are a light sleeper or can’t handle crying babies on planes – ear plugs are a must. Sure, you’ve got noise canceling headphones but it’s always good to have an option that doesn’t need to be plugged in and can get doused in water and not ruined.

A Physical Book

Just like old school pen and paper, there’s something to be said for having a classic, physical book in your hands instead of reading from your phone, Kindle, or tablet! And you want to know a money-saving hack? Numerous airports in the US and Canada have a Read and Return Program. Pick-up up a book on your way to your trip and return it for 50% on your way back. Easy.

Those are just some of the more unique items I found in the comments and from my own experience. Of course, you’ve got all your classic non-tech items like clothing, shoes, toiletries, and first aid, but I hope something like underwear is obvious. Anything you’d add? Let me know below!