April 2010 Top Tips
Want to know the latest travel tips, gadgets and advice? Or are you more interested in the best websites, travel books and maps? Either way, this page is for you! This month we look at some essential travel items you should never leave home without!
Don’t forget to pack the..!
Everyone has that special item that they never travel without – whether it’s a sleeping bag liner, a pillow case, a USB or an emergency chocolate bar. Here is our list of things of essential travel tools. They don’t cost a lot of money, can be found in your local supermarket and can really make a lasting difference to your holiday!
Ziplock bags – Among other things, you can use them for food, to store your liquids in then when flying, and to keep your documents and camera waterproof. These handy little suckers are worth their weight in gold.
Duct Tape – A great quick-fix item. This tape is strong, waterproof and compact. It can temporarily seal up a rip in your tent or backpack, and can also be used to label food (using a marker pen) or to create a quick clothes line (using dental floss)
Dental Floss – Apart from its usual function, this stuff is strong and can be used to tie up bags of rubbish when camping, to sew up rips or to make a strong clothes line.
Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil, 10ml – Use it to clear your sinuses and sooth aching muscles. Add it to your bath water, or use it to get rid of the musty smell in hotels and hostels. Also a few drops in a glass of water can calm an upset stomach.
Flashlight – A light, powerful torch will always come in handy for camping, power surges, dimly lit rooms and hostel dorm rooms when everyone is sleeping.
Permanent Marker – Great for labeling food in share kitchens, writing on ziplock bags or on CDs (if you save your photos as you travel).
Whistle – A potentially life-saving device if you get lost while trekking or separated from your group. It can also be used to frighten off pickpockets in the city.
Hand Sanitizer Spray – The must-have item. Instead of choosing a spray with alcohol, which can damage your hands, try an organic spray. We love the Eco Products Hand Sanitizing Spray, which contains organic ethanol, lavender oil and Echinacea. It can double as a perfume, room freshener and is great on tired feet!
Tissues – Obvious but easily forgotten. These are essential for public toilets, impromptu picnics and sudden colds/ flu. Try to buy the 100% recycled ones.
Are there any essential travel items we’ve missed? Email us! Write to magazine@saexplorers.org
Websites We Love!
http://sangay.wordpress.com A helpful and thorough blog about the Galapagos Islands and the rest of Peru. Up to date and easy to understand, this blog offers a breakdown of the best cruise options, as well as concise and user-friendly advice.
www.travelpod.com The grandfather of the travel blogging community, this site was set up in 1997 to offer free blog space to travelers. It now also features social media networking and video.
www.in-lan.com/en/ The online home of LanChile´s award-winning onboard magazine. There are great articles on South American destinations, travel tips and well-written features.
www.ocolombia.com A new blog written by a well-travelled expat living in Colombia. Lots of down-to-earth travel advice, as well as comments on politics, culture and society.
Do you know a site we should review or do you have a blog we need to see? Email us and let us know! Write to magazine@saexplorers.org
Category: Travelers Tips
