Little improvements for packing

Jean, interesting about the Rolaids for magnesium. Do you take one every night or morning to prevent soreness or actual muscle cramps? Have you ever tried actual magnesium supplements?

I have started bringing a 2 oz tube of conditioner with me and a small bar of solid shampoo because sometimes the all purpose shower gel/shampoo can be too harsh for my hair after a week or so into a 3 week trip. I hate taking extra fiddly unnecessary stuff but gave in on that.

Do you only take one pair of shoes? You’ve loved Keen Rose a long time, right?

I was thinking the same thing as Lyndash regarding the magnesium. I looked up the ingredients for Rolaids and it contains 200mg of Magnesium Hydroxide. I usually take a 500 of Mag. Oxide for leg cramps and I do carry the pills with me on vacation.

I don't mind shower gel but I have to bring my own shampoo and conditioner. You know how short I keep my hair but I can't tolerate hotel shampoo and I need to have conditioner, lol!

BTW, the bar of soap also works well for leg cramps. You put it between the sheets near your feet and if you feel a cramp starting you just touch your foot or calf to it and it will go right away. So that could do double duty for leg cramps for you! (And no, this is not a wive's tale...it does actually work! https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/soap-under-the-sheet-can-prevent-nocturnal-leg-cramps )

Glad you are having a wonderful time! Thanks for taking the time to type out tips!

Hi Lyndash,

I take two of the Rolaids at night - not every night, because it interferes with a med I take in the morning. At home I do use magnesium supplements a few times a week.

I have a very tiny concentrated tube of Pantene shots that works well as a conditioner. Yes, my hair will be happy when I return home to my regular water & regular shampoo. : )

Pam, the soap idea is making me laugh because I can picture either that my foot is chasing a runaway bar of soap, or I forget the soap at the first hotel, and the hotel staff are wondering what on earth I was doing with soap in their bed! LOL!

I confess that I did something on this trip that I hate. I don’t like hearing that travelers are dumping clothes, etc. during their trip. But, I didn’t want to carry my black flats for the entire trip when I realized after Polignano a Mare I wouldn’t need them. So, yes, I did throw away a pair of older shoes in a larger garbage bin in Rome, so I wouldn’t have to carry them in the hilly smaller cities of Umbria, : (

Oh gosh, Jean, I am with you! I am NOT one that normally dumps clothes either but when I came home from Orkney/Shetland last year I dumped a pr of shoes AND a rain jacket. I was so ticked off at that rain jacket which had failed on waterproofiness that I could not look at it and was not going to haul it back home. AND that was from my hotel in Edinburgh and taking a taxi to the airport, lol!!

BTW, I asked the staffer at the front desk if it was OK and said if staff could use them they were welcome to them. She said it was perfectly OK and that if no one needed them she would drop them at a charity shop.

I love reading everyone’s packing tips — it seems like the littlest things often make a big difference, and I learn so much from everyone else!

Your deodorant solution is very clever! I am also someone who likes only a particular kind (Dove Sensitive), so what I do is melt a chunk of it in a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave and pour it into a small container like this:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/683442669

You could do this with any stick deodorant. Whenever my travel stick gets low, I pop the leftovers out and remelt them in with a fresh chunk from my big stick. I’ve had the same travel container for years (not exactly the one I linked, but just like it).

Thanks for sharing!

I always bring a small bar soap, and 3oz container of conditioner (I have long, thick hair and ones from hotels don't work for me). I also always carry a small sunscreen stick. I also have super dry skin so I usually buy a regular size body lotion at the location.
Earrings are the best souvenirs! I'm with you on that.
And I need to check these Keen Rose sandals. I need a new pair that is roomy (i.e, not tight straps).

And as for dumping clothes, I've dumped a baseball cap hat (let's say it encountered a misfortune and wouldn't dry in time) that I replaced with a new one at the location.
And before I traveld to Thailand and Japan, I went to a Dollar Store in the US and got a couple of slipper socks with grippers. I used them inside temples. At the end of the trip, they stayed in the trash.

Joy, I love those sandals! I think I’m on my 6th pair. They don’t wear out, but I want to ensure any cushion within the material isn’t’t worn down internally. I pretty much wear them on all travel and all summer at home.

There’s a toe protector that’s saved me from a broken toe a few times, the sole is like a hiking shoe, and they can get wet. They don’t look completely dorky with a dress, and I don’t like wearing socks.

Bring a small bar of soap.

I slice a bar of soap into pieces (e.g., 10 different hotels = 10 pieces). This works great for me as I have a small travel-size bar for each stay and I never have to carry around a wet bar of soap. The soap I use is a homemade one that slices easily. Some brands crumble when sliced.

I have this small collapsible bowl from Sea to Summit.

https://seatosummit.com/products/frontier-collapsible-bowl
When it is collapsed, it also works as a small plate. It is very light.

I've used lotion as a leave-in conditioner on my long, dry hair in a pinch, and it's worked just fine. I also have dry skin, so I always bring a little tube of lotion, anyway.

Joy,

I was going to say that if you buy Jean’s Keen sandals that you throughly try them out at home. I have a pair and like them but they don’t have enough support for my feet for more than a mile of walking.

That said, I love how they are water proof. I will wear them to run errands in the rain.

Jean, as one of your prior suggestions has changed me, I am now going to try your magnesium and soap in bed tip. LOL

From one of your posts last year, even though I never liked dresses, I bought the Royal Robbins blue dress that you suggested. OMG. Game changer. It was my most favorite piece of clothing last year. I have a duplicate dress arriving Monday in olive. This dress would fit in my pocket! One warmer outfit and I'd be done! I have a 14X14X8 wheeled Eagle Creek tote. That might be my next travel bag... (Just dreaming right now as I had to cancel my RS Ireland trip in August for a little medical adventure instead.) Dreaming is good. In the meantime, I'm working on manifesting a few more trips next year. LOL.

Kudos to you for your Cotopaxi packs.

Learning something new about magnesium, bars of soap and leg cramps. I don’t get them, but my husband does sometimes, so I will pass this on! Does it help with general mild leg muscle aches as well?

On the hair front, I found a packet of hair conditioner at CVS that really worked well for us with hard water. It’s by Malibu. I will link it if I can find it. I will never go without it to the UK.

Found it: https://www.cvs.com/shop/malibu-c-hard-water-wellness-hair-remedy-1-packet-prodid-189987?skuId=189987&cgaa=QWxsb3dHb29nbGVUb0FjY2Vzc0NWU1BhZ2Vz&cid=ps_pla_fs_bea_hair_na_nab_na_mp_ggl_na&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21199578405&gclid=Cj0KCQjwio_RBhDMARIsAJPveNMO6Q-7stchaJwAOZTu97D6Z7gldGh9kARdMqc0ebygOsUYulxUZNYaAm_DEALw_wcB

On the hair front, I found a packet of hair conditioner at CVS that really worked well for us with hard water. It’s by Malibu. I will link it if I can find it. I will never go without it to the UK.

I need to try this one. And I love that I can just bring a few packets instead of a 3oz tube.

I have a pair and like them but they don’t have enough support for my feet for more than a mile of walking.

Beth, thanks. If I have to walk a lot, I usually opt for tennis shoes but this is a good point. I use sandals mostly for shorter outings and maybe going out for dinner or if I need to look a little more put together. I am not a dress/skirt person. My main problem is that my feet are a bit puffy at the top so most sandals have straps that dig into skin. And my feet do get swollen in heat. I have bought and returned so many sandals, but haven't tried the Keen's yet.

I have a pair of rubber sandals that I wear when I go to the beach but they are bulky and not really "dressy".

Always travel with Keens ( low cut hiking and slip ons). If traveling during Spring or Summer ( very rare) I take and wear Keen sandals. Yup luv the Keen brands of shoes. Expensive, comfortable and durable. My various pairs have been to such locales as London, Yosemite, Rome, Havana, Boston, Florida Everglades, Cape Canaveral, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Chaco Canyon, Portland and Florence.

Always have a tube of chapstick, a packet of gum, and carry a couple of bandaids in my travel wallet. Must haves are: Kleenex packets, earplugs, chums for my glasses and sunglasses. Also take 2 pairs of cheap reading glasses. Depending of where I’m traveling will often carry a coin purse. Learned years ago that the conditioner tube found in boxes of Lady Clariol are perfect for travel. For shampoo can’t beat travel sized bottles of Johnson’s baby shampoo. Never forget a pair of tweezers either.
Also learned to carry either my ancient metal Bayer Aspirin tin or a cylindrical case of Alleve or regular Asprin tablets. You do so at the suggestion of your cardiologist. Lastly never ever forget to take a couple of disposable wash cloths a couple of grocery bag or stationary clips, small ball of twine and zip lock bags.

As I often travel in Fall and winter I never forget: Smartwool socks, Amazon mid length rain coat with detachable hood, lightweight turtle neck, puffer vest and gloves. Might also pack a Slouchie.

One adapter for iPhone and iPad mini, ( charger chords for each) a paperback novel, a paperback sized crossword word puzzle, a couple of pencils from golf courses, small nail clipper and a whistle.

Also maintain a papertrail for my reservations.

Gave up lugging cameras about a decade ago. Take iPhone snaps and upload to my instagram account.

I’m always a carry on bag packer. Also take a small light weight back pack for under the seat. Usually a well worn Baggalini back pack they no longer make. Perfect size for a paperback, iPhone, mini iPad, glass case, and travel wallet.
My passport is in a leg wallet or in a neck wallet worn under whatever top I’m wearing.

Laura, I used to bring stuff for picnic food, but now I only bring a spoon for yogurt. But your bowl looks like it’s a similar thought to my silicone cup. Plus I like that orange color, so you don’t forget your bowl!

Claudia, good ideas to share! I pare way down to bare bones because everything’s on my back & I ride a lot of trains. Your mention of a golf pencil made me smile! My husband gave me one of his that I wrapped some paper tape around it in case of an ouchie several years ago. By now I need to update that tape, but it still gets placed in my toiletry kit during each trip for sentimental reasons.

Surprisingly, the TP in my purse hasn’t been needed during train rides, etc. in this trip except as a little Kleenex.

"Does it help with general mild leg muscle aches as well?"

@Mustlovedogs - In my experience, no. Taking Magnesium DOES help me with mild leg muscle aches, though. If I've overdone on a workout I use the M&M combo, hahaha....Motrin and Magnesium.

”If I've overdone on a workout I use the M&M combo..”

Pam, I was hoping you were going to suggest peanut M&M’s! I need a medical reason to pack those - LOL!

That’s good to know Pam. I will take a few magnesium tablets in addition to the ibuprofen when we go next trip. If I walk a lot, especially on consecutive days, I can feel it at night in the leg muscles. It’s not a constant thing, but I think it would help me sleep better possibly when on these step heavy trips. Thanks so much!

@ Claudia

My passport is in a leg wallet

Hi Claudia,
Would you please share about your leg wallet? What all does it contain? How are items in wallet kept dry if it rains? Is the wallet visible if when you sit down your trouser legs ride up a bit? Curious minds would love details.

This sounds like a possible solution for someone who can't wear a neck wallet that bothers surgical scars and who finds a waist belt wallet very uncomfortable.

Thanks!

Here's my new thing to pack (and I do now check a bag, which makes it possible).

At home, I drink just one cup of strong milky tea for breakfast. Ah, "one cup," but such a cup --- it's a 32oz mug:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2OJADE?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3

So, you can imagine how sadly I look at the teeny tiny espresso cups and the merely tiny coffee cups I've been faced with in Italy in our apartments there for the last 25 years. I have purchased larger cups a few times when we've stayed in the same apartment for a week or more, and donated them to the apartment.

My new solution is to pack a few of these 20oz recyclable paper hot cups and use each one 5 times:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WHZ42P7?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

A bit bulky, but lightweight, and in my favorite color (orange) I'm unlikely to accidentally leave one behind when we check out.

My other new improvement is one I should have known about years ago when I stopped bringing paperback books on trips and started borrowing books from the library with the Libby app and reading them on my phone. But, I was still tearing articles I wanted to read out of the New Yorker (a 10-year gift subscription from my mother), stapling the pages together, saving them for trips, and reading them in airports and on all-night flights. When my subscription lapsed, I suddenly wondered if Libby had magazines, and yes it does --- not only the New Yorker but a whole bunch of gardening magazines, too.

Magnesium glycinate is the form usually recommended, although it is not as convenient as Rolaids.

DianeSLA
Leg wallets have been hard to find, probably due to skinny jeans and leggings. EagleCreek used to sell one.
It sits on your calf.

BackCountry still has some, well a picture of one.
https://www.backcountry.com/eagle-creek-undercover-leg-wallet?srsltid=AfmBOop6iSGw8VhKEXKMMPmJu0IZXfV5oTppmoOZF3AUuOEwgHDFU31U&clickid=weRxo2zgjxyZUrQTt3Shh21nUkuWO4Rlo2WW080&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&ircid=5311&irpid=10078&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm_campaign=Online%20Tracking%20Link&utm_term=bing.com&utm_content=Content

Jean and Pam, I'm another non-dumper of used clothing, but when I was in Seattle, I left my worn-out shoes behind. I couldn't stand the thought of taking them back home with me (like Pam, I was a little peeved at them for causing me to fall), but I wasn't really in any condition to go out and find a place to take them. So I just left them in a plastic bag sitting next to the garbage. I felt guilty about it, but I left a nice tip, so that assuaged my conscience a little bit.

"I will take a few magnesium tablets in addition to the ibuprofen when we go next trip. If I walk a lot, especially on consecutive days, I can feel it at night in the leg muscles. It’s not a constant thing, but I think it would help me sleep better possibly when on these step heavy trips. Thanks so much!"

@MustLoveDogs....do try this at home before you travel and with your physician's permission. I usually take 500mg for over use of muscles, lol and it does not have any affect on my...ummmm....colon. 1000 or 1500 and yes, I am cleaned out from head to toe, more or less, hahaha. Some people can have the laxative effect with just 500 so see what's right for you. And yes, I do take mg on the first night or 2 in Paris. ALL those steps...even if you've added steps and hills in at home....are h*!! on legs and rear!

Mag Glycinate is harder for me to find. I also have gotten some brands of magnesium that are too big for me to swallow so have a particular brand that works for swallowing. Nature's Bounty (green bottle) works for me but you might need to shop around on brands as well as dosage.

Jean, I am SURE we can come up with some sort of medical reason for you to spend some of your weight limit on Peanut M&M's. Caffeine from the chocolate and protein from the peanuts works to start with.

@Mardee - I totally understand about dumping your shoes that failed! Absolutely no point in hauling them back home.

Jean, I am getting ready to head out on a Road Trip to Yellowstone and let me tell you, the 3 people I'm taking plus the destination mean no packing light!

I always bring my own bath soap as I am very partial to Dove.........parts of me (I'll leave it at that) do not do well with any shower gels or soaps that are highly perfumed. Once I have used a bar at home down to a small enough size, I just throw it in a snack size ziploc and put it in my travel bag for the next trip.

The other thing I make sure to have is a quick-drying microfiber face cloth. I like to use a cloth to wash my face at night and I have yet to find a hotel or Airbnb that supplies them....clearly, they are not a thing in Europe. After several trips where I felt irritated about there never being any cloths, I finally smartened up and realized that I could easily do something about it. Too bad I am a slow leaner!

I am appreciating everyone's ideas and your tips are always helpful, Jean! On another note, I sure hope you write a trip report soon......I so enjoy your travel tales and I am especially interested this time as I will be wandering through the hilly town of Umbria myself in October.

Thanks very much for your post!

I occassionally get leg cramps at night. I learned of a solution, believe it or not, from a situation comedy in the early 1990's where one of the characters got cramp.

When the cramp starts, I immediately put both feet on the floor and press down on the foot of the leg having the cramp. Sometimes I stand up and do this. The cramp goes away almost immediately.

”From one of your posts last year, even though I never liked dresses, I bought the Royal Robbins blue dress that you suggested. OMG. Game changer. It was my most favorite piece of clothing last year.”

Wray, I’m glad you like it so well, and I think you wouldn’t be surprised to know what I’m wearing right now! Yes, it’s my Royal Robbins dress! This one is the same dress in a charcoal & gray subtle design. I’ve worn it at least every three days on this trip, so more than 8 times. It’s SO comfortable and looks nice with an easy silver necklace I bought in Torino last year & pair of cute earrings.

Here’s the game changer dress:

https://www.royalrobbins.com/us/en-us/women/dresses/spotless-traveler-tank-dress/?v=Y326002%3A%3A840265892619&from=pg

Frank II: LOL. As Time Goes By. I remember that scene. I loved that series.

Jean: My Olive dress arrived. I love it, also! I'm a changed woman. Haha. Now to find the correct necklace...

I have liked at that “game changer” drsss several times but hesitate. I like dresses below my knees because then do not have to conscious of how I sit. Is sitting an issue in this dress? Or am I just a Tom boy at heart who now wears dresses?

BethFL, I'm 5'5" and my knees are not visible. The front is just under my knees, but I think the back is slightly longer. For me the skirt is full enough to be able to fit in the ground. Also, when I tried my new dress on, I didn’t bother to take off my gym shorts and the skirt still looked fine. If I were hiking in it I might throw the shirts underneath for the climbs. I have gardened in my community garden in it for comparison.

I've always been a Tom Boy at heart!

BethFL, the dress has a little flair towards the bottom, so it doesn’t ride up when I sit. i am 5’8”, and almost 70. I feel like I look appropriate in the dress & have been complimented while wearing it. I think the length falls right at my knees but not below them except maybe in the back.

I did buy their short sleeve dress once because I liked this one so well. The short sleeve one looked frumpy, so I returned it.

I am getting ready to head out on a Road Trip to Yellowstone and let me tell you, the 3 people I'm taking plus the destination mean no packing light!

Ha ha, Pam! Good luck! How was the packing for the youngest member of the group?

Jean, I was thinking of getting that dress as well, but when I was setting up an account something went wonky and I ended up getting locked out for too many attempts to sign on. I took it as a sign that maybe I should rethink it. I just tried again after not having looked at the site for weeks and they still won’t let me sign in.

Sounds like maybe I should give the dress a try!

We tend to travel in October for about three weeks so we usually start our trip with hot weather and end just as the weather is turning crisp. We are strictly carry on bag travelers. Here are some on my packing hacks.

1) coffee- I tend to wake up very early - so I bring a 10 pack of Weavers French Roast coffee bags. I am a total coffee snob and trust me these work! If your room has a tea kettle these single serve bags are handy and don’t take any room in your bag.

2) small packable blanket . I bought one in Amsterdam that comes in a case the size of a eyeglass case. Handy for siting at the park .

3) skin care is importantly to me but last trip I let go of my multi step routine and use a combo moisturizer sunscreen while traveling.

4) e- reader. I love to read and prefer physical books but when I travel I take my kindle paperwhite - it’s the only time I use it. I can usually read 2-3 books while on vacation so this lightens the book-load.

5) I don’t leave clothes or shoes behind but do leave my rick Steve’s guidebook at the last hotel upon departure. Usually hotels have outdated guidebooks available. I lighten my load home and give another traveler the gift of a current rick Steve’s guidebook.

6) because of our fall trip I tend to bring a couple of sweaters for the latter part of the trip- then on my trip I admire the beautiful clothes while window shopping. This year I am going to intentionally leave the cooler clothes behind and use it as an opportunity to buy something when traveling that’s practical to use when I get home.

7) lavender essential oil - I dab a couple of drops to help with sleep. Can also be used as a room freshener if needed.

My 3oz containers for shampoo and conditioner fell apart after a recent trip and I bought new ones at Nordstrom Rack for our current trip. Unfortunately they were opaque and didn’t pass x-ray screening at Heathrow and had to go through a machine before I was OK’d to proceed to our connection. It seems I’m always learning lessons.

Thanks everyone, especially Jean for some excellent ideas! I need to check my evening magnesium dosage after this.... Your Keen Rose sandals are still on my wish list, interestingly an old pair of Keen sandals I bought for a multi-day hiking trip in the Swiss Alps 'resurfaced' and I'm testing them out, so far they feel great!

Jean, that dress looks awesome, but I recall you saying the version with sleeves was frumpy, I just don't want to wear sleeveless any longer - Do you have another idea? PS, Keen Rose sandals (in limited sizes) are 25% off on REI.