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6 Travel Accessories to Help You Pack

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find out you forgot an important item. You should try to pack as light as possible. This is especially true if you are going on a backpacking or bicycling trip where you will be forced to carry all of your belongings with you. These can be items that can increase your comfort or make it easier to access your belongings. Whatever the case may be, having the proper travel accessories with you can help to make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful. Here are a few indispensable travel accessories you should think about bringing with you begin packing.

  1. Money Belt

    In many countries, pickpockets and purse snatchers are a major problem. Thieves will look for women who are carrying bags which are easy for them to grab or are not properly secured on someone's person. They also look for men carrying wallets in their back pocket which can easily be lifted out without their feeling it. A money belt makes it nearly impossible for either of these crimes to occur.

  2. Electrical Adapter

    While on vacation, you will most likely be bringing some electronic gadgets. Even if you are backpacking, you will at least have your phone with you. Foreign countries do not have the same type of electrical outlets. Therefore, you will need to plan ahead and make sure you have an adapter that can be used in the country you will be visiting. If you will be visiting multiple countries, you may need to purchase multiple adapters. To save space, however, you can purchase an adapter with interchangeable prongs that fit an array of country-specific standards.

  3. Voltage Converter

    Along with checking to see what type of adapter you will need for your electronics, you will need to buy a voltage converter if you are using single-voltage devices. This is because some countries use different amounts of voltage. Without a voltage converter, you risk frying your gadgets or blowing out an electrical circuit.

  4. Travel Blankets and Pillows

    It is difficult for most people to sleep while they are traveling by car, train, or plane. This task is even more difficult if you don't have the right sleep accessories. The tiny pillows and thin blankets provided on airplanes just won't cut it. There are blankets and pillows designed specifically for travel so that you can easily fit them into your carry-on baggage.

  5. Micro Umbrella

    If you plan to be doing a lot of biking or walking outdoors on your trip, you might get caught in the rain. There are now micro travel umbrellas available that can fold down to a size only twice the length of a credit card. One of these can be easily tucked away until it is needed.

  6. Multi-tool

    A multi-tool can come in handy for an array of situations. They contain several knives, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, pliers, scissors, and a file. It's like having a tool kit in your pocket. If your eyeglasses break, a luggage lock becomes stuck, or you find yourself with a surprise bottle of wine, you'll have the perfect tool at the ready.

Last Updated: October 17, 2014