Duct Tape and Resealable Plastic Bags

Posted by Evelyn Kanter Sep 3, 2006

I have used duct tape to wrap my heels to prevent blisters before a hike, re-inforce the sides of a suitcase that has started to fray, and to seal packages I'm sending home.

Duct tape is easy to carry, and you never know. What have you used it for during a trip? Or, when did you wish you had some to fix a problem?

Okay, Ziploc is the brand name, like Kleenex is for tissues. Still easier to write and read than resealable plastic bags. Whatever you call them, I love them for packing.

Since they are see-through, you can find what you are looking for in your bag, and airport inspectors can see what they are looking at just as easily.

The small snack sizes carry my supply of trail mix - my own homemade blend of almonds, dried papaya, dried pineapple, dried ginger and M&Ms. In my toiletry kit, these are the perfect size for cotton balls, and such.

A medium size is enough for all my chargers. The charger for my digital camera that is different than the charger for my cellphone that is different from the charger for my PDA that is different from the charger for my laptop. Why these guys can't get together and figure out a universal one-size-fits-all charger is beyond me. But that's another blog entirely.

Medium sizes also are great for toiletries. One for toothpaste & deodorant type essentials, another for lipstick and mascara type essentials. And, they keep my paperback novel from getting dog-eared and torn.

Large sizes are perfect for clothing. One for underwear, another for an evening something with sequins, more for t-shirts or sweaters. Keeps them neatly folded, each one happy and neat inside its own pouch.

What's your packing secret?