There seems to be lots of internet sites to buy special travel stuff - which ones are the best cost/value? What are your absolute favorite items you can't live without? What is the best carry-on/backpack (at a reasonable cost)? And where do you like to get the less expensive basics and small travel items- Target, WalMart?
Posted by
OP
Fredericksburg
16 posts
Thanks! Good ideas already and I think I will go ahead and repost this on the General travel section. You guys are great to share info with us newbies!
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hi Nicole. I recommend : first look at everything that is for sale at Rick Steves' travel store at this website. I think all of those things are the best on the market : sleep shade (eye shades), neck wallet, lambskin travel wallet (coin pouch), silk sleep sack, traveling toiletries kit, ...
I also look at the various catalogs from Sierra Trading Post. They have various brand names. They receive more items frequently. All of it is at discounted prices. I bought my carry-on bag (with straps for carrying it as a back pack, the straps are tucked into the bag's outer pocket) at a very low price, from Sierra Trading Post. I think the small alarm Clock at Rick Steves' Travel store is very good, but I bought one that is lower priced at a AAA store. And yes, Wal Mart has a luggage department : that is where I bought my TSA padlock.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Nicole, I suggest : post this question again, at Travelers' Helpline/General Europe.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Places like Target have travel/luggage sections with name brands at cheaper prices (and no shipping costs) than online. I get lots of my travel stuff there, particularly small toiletries.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Nicole, I'm trying not to carry any liquids and found packinglight.net to have nonliquid soaps, shaving slivers, shampoo, etc. You activate it by adding water.
I must have my lotion and will bring the small bottle from the hotel. I do use contact lenses so Target has my small bottle of soluton.
I would only use the backpack to carry stuff you don't think are valuable. My favorite is my Eddie bauer one. I toss my umbrella, a light jacket and maps.