Ooh I love an ingenious packing tip. I also like to pack as light as possible. I am still grateful for whoever (Lonely Planet?) told me not to take a towel but a sarong when I went back-packing many eons ago – dries quicker (so smells fresher), doubles as a sheet when the accommodation seems slightly less than spotless and is almost weightless. Plus it makes a fabulous souvenir when you are home if you buy it when you get there. I found even more great reasons here!
There are some great tips here for example: “If you place your shoes inside a shower cap, it keeps your suitcase clean.” . I also love the idea of taking herbal teas “Not only can they help keep you hydrated, but flavours such as peppermint and ginger can aid with digestion – which is a great help for your body when you’ve been sat down for long hours. Herbal teas are also a cheap way to get a drink when you’re stuck in airport layovers. Avoid paying for coffee, which will make it harder for you to sleep. Instead ask the café just to give you a cup of hot water. Dunk in your herbal teabag and enjoy for free!” (Big World Small Pockets). I would take my own cup too for greater planet saving frugality.
There is something missing from all these lists – the haramaki! lightweight and small, the haramaki can roll up tiny inside your handbag or hand luggage. It takes up hardly any space but packs a big punch when you start to feel the air conditioning in the airport or the plane. Pull on your haramaki and have warmth right where you need it without bulky, uncomfortable layers. Great for budget backpackers to business travellers. Air conditioning can mess with your body temperature and weaken your defences when flying – wearing a haramaki core-warmer round your middle can really help. The image below shows how effective a haramaki belly-wrap can be .
The photo above is of a 25 year old man without and then with a haramaki showing how the core-warmth spreads all over the body.
We would love to hear your travel tips and any on location photos with our haramaki would be FANTASTIC (and shared!) x