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Finding the right packing accessories to fit your next Adventure

Every trip poses a new set of circumstances. How long are you going to be gone? Are you flying? Will you need your passport? What about security?

I recently returned from a trip to South Africa. I used my new suitcase which was fantastic. It made it through airline abuse without a scratch. The downside was it was a little too small for two weeks, so I also took a piece of carry-on luggage. With my backpack (made of the same heavy material as my suitcase) stuffed with my computer, cameras, extra set of cloths and medications, I had two carry-ons. Even if I locked my backpack and my identification and credit cards were safe, there are two problems: getting everything out at the airport for security and boarding, and my backpack is not RFID-secure.

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track information attached to objects including credit cards and passports. Although it has been around for years, its relatively new use is identity and digital theft. RFID skimming enables information from RFID-based smart cards to be read and duplicated.

I use an RFID neck stash that acts as a little purse. I actually wore my old one out, so I went looking for one that was a little bigger. Lewis N. Clark has a large selection of RFID products, so I started there. 

In it I put my passport, driver’s license, boarding pass, credit cards, a little cash and any receipts I collect at the airport. It is small. If I get stopped for having three items (and yes, it happened one time out of dozens of flights), it easily fits into my backpack. It is also very easy to conceal under my jacket or sweater. I actually leave it on when I am on the airplane. I have heard too many horror stories of things being stolen while you are asleep or in the restroom. But that’s another story.

For an upcoming trip to Italy, I will be catching buses and trains to move around Tuscany and Le Marche regions. Although my South Africa plan worked, I don’t want to have two suitcases in tow. With the help of Eagle Creek, I will be touring around this magical country with a Gear Warrior AWD 29, the bigger version of the suitcase I took to South Africa. Problem solved.

I’m currently in the process of packing and realized my toiletry bag has seen better days, so I set out to find a new one. I usually shy away from hanging toiletry bags, but I found one that was different. The bottom part is three inches wide with little sleeves to hold items such as hairspray, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner. There is room in the bottom for other items as well as a front pouch; two pouches on the top part that folds out to hang and a pouch on the front of the folded-up kit. I was sold.

            In Cambodia, a monkey attacked my RFID purse that I carry for the usual reasons as well as water, and extra camera batteries and SD cards. Fortunately no travel writers were injured in the attack, but my purse did suffer a few ill effects, so I ordered a new one. It converts to either a cross-over bag, or a backpack. And while I was at it, I found a zippered leather RFID clutch for evenings out.

 I always use packing cubes. I think of them as mini dresser drawers: one for tops, another for undergarments and pajamas, and so forth. After packing the cubes, they fit neatly into my suitcase. When I am at a hotel looking for clothes, I simply take out the cube, get what I want and put the cube back; no fuss, no muss, no stress.

I also discovered packing tubes. The tube fits perfectly between the ribs caused by the suitcase handle. I ordered two. They are excellent for socks and other small items, and they save me even more space in the suitcase.             

While in Italy, the two cities I will be visiting are Florence and Venice. I found two travel guides I will be taking along: Secret Florence and Secret Venice to help me explore the legendary cities. JonGlez Publishing offers several “secret” guidebooks.

I must brag too on my favorite travel shoes. They are lightweight, don’t take up a lot of space in a suitcase and are so comfortable! I actually wore one pair out hiking in the Galapagos Islands, South Africa, Easter Island, all over Europe and the United States. CMUK shoes go everywhere with me when I travel!

I’d say I’m ready: right luggage, RFID purses, new toiletry bag, packing cubes, packing tubes, guidebooks and travel shoes.

Italy, here I come!!

For more product reviews, click here. 

 

Tags: Guidebooks, packing tips, product reviews
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About Author

marilynjones

Marilyn Jones, a journalist and photographer for more than 30 years, specializes in travel. Her articles and photographs have appeared in major newspapers including Dallas Morning News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Baltimore Sun, Chicago Sun-Time and Columbus Dispatch. As well as major magazines including Elks Magazine, Alabama Living, Military Officer, Escapees, Texas Farm and Home, Illinois Country Living, Carolina Country and Renaissance Magazine.

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27 Comments

  1. Donna Janke
    May 15, 2017 at 7:15 am

    I’m always looking for better ways to pack and organize. Packing tubes sound like a great idea. I, too, use a neck stash when I fly and love it.

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 15, 2017 at 11:04 am

      The packing cubes work so well. And I LOVE the neck stash!!

  2. Rachel Heller
    May 15, 2017 at 9:28 am

    Yes, that packing tube idea sounds great! I never manage to use that space well in my bag.

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 15, 2017 at 11:05 am

      The packing tubes work really well…I was so happy when I discovered them!!

  3. Janice Chung
    May 15, 2017 at 6:22 pm

    Funny that you mentioned hanging toiletry bags. I’ve avoided them as well…up until now. The one I got is so light but carries a lot. As for using a hanging stash, I don’t usually like things around my neck but I might rethink this.

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 16, 2017 at 3:43 am

      I wear the hanging stash like a cross-over purse and I can hardly feel it, but I like that my passport, credit cards, etc. are right by me at all times and so handy to get to without digging in a bigger purse. I am hopeful about the toiletry bag. All my items are packed and seem very organized, so I think I will really like it!!

  4. jane
    May 16, 2017 at 9:03 am

    Nice to see another ‘grownup’ uses printed travel guides, too, and not just electronic ones! And I agree, every trip requires a lot of thinking/planning for what to bring etc. I find that part of planning takes a lot of mental energy! 😉

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 16, 2017 at 5:57 pm

      This publishing company has so many “secret” guides; they are really fun to read and use for research…and I agree, it take a lot of thought to figure out what to take on a trip…I notoriously miscalculate!!

  5. Michele
    May 18, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I too love Packing Cubes … they’ve transformed my travel experience! I haven’t really focused on RFID protection but maybe I should look into this…

    • marilynjones
      May 18, 2017 at 11:07 am

      I agree…after discovering packing cubes, I never looked back!! I think RFID is a good idea…it’s like a hacker and a computer — nothing is safe anymore!

  6. Suzanne Stavert
    May 19, 2017 at 11:40 am

    I read this very carefully! I love all of your tips. I really need to be more efficient!

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 19, 2017 at 11:51 am

      Thank you!! It’s a work in progress for me. I just zipped up my suitcase for my trip to Italy (I leave tomorrow!!) and I am happy to have new gear to try!!

  7. Karen Warren
    May 20, 2017 at 7:25 am

    You sound very organised! I usually take whatever I can stuff into my backpack – or into a small wheeled bag on longer trips. Not at all efficient 🙂

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 20, 2017 at 8:14 am

      I am an organized person, but I lose things, so my organizational skills help me with that problem!! 🙂

  8. Sue Reddel
    May 20, 2017 at 10:09 am

    Terrific tips Marilyn! I love the size of the new purse you picked up and the RFID feature is perfect. Sounds like you’re ready for your next trip!

    • marilynjones
      May 21, 2017 at 8:59 am

      I am in Italy! Just arrived today and I love my new neck stash and the purse..I am ready to explore!!

  9. Patti Morrow
    May 21, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Really useful information, especially about the RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)– thanks for the heads-up!

    • marilynjones
      May 21, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you! I am so tired of scammers. Anyway I can stop them, I’m all for!!

  10. alison abbott
    May 21, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    I must be living under a rock, as I have never even heard of RFID. Thanks for that important information. The idea of packing tubes and the neck scarf are really useful, you sound like a packing pro Marilyn!

    • Marilyn Jones
      May 22, 2017 at 2:36 am

      You are so welcome. I was glad to find out about RFID myself and I always use a purse or neck stash with the protection. And I love the packing cubes and tubes!!! I appreciate your comment!

  11. Guru Karanam
    June 9, 2017 at 3:04 am

    Very well written. All the very best for further articles.

    • marilynjones
      June 9, 2017 at 3:12 am

      Thank you!! I appreciate you checking out my website!!

  12. Bryan Fiorilli
    June 20, 2017 at 12:37 am

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  13. Vanessa Davis
    June 21, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    Marilyn,
    I just came across your journals on Facebook. What a totally interesting life you must lead! I’ve been lucky enough to do a little traveling, and I know you must be having the time of your life! Good for you!

    • marilynjones
      June 21, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Yes I am having the time of my life!! I am so blessed to be able to travel and write about my adventures!!

  14. marilynjones
    October 10, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    Thank you so much!!!