Earn your vacation black belt with these hacks that turn free items
into quick solves for common travel problems. From using a bar of soap
to fix a stuck zipper to repurposing a hotel-room standard as a security
device, hone your road-warrior survival skills with these easy tips. We
know you've got more clever ideas too, so please share them with us and
other readers in the comments section below!
Shower Cap as Shoe Cover
Flimsy shower cap, or custom shoe cover? You decide. In every
suitcase, there's a constant battle between dirty and clean items. Score
a victory for fresh-smelling shirts and dirt-free trousers by keeping
your shoes contained in a shower cap. Place them in, soles down, and let
the shower cap's elastic band cradle the shoes so that any dirt,
grease, or unidentified muck stays safely tucked away inside the plastic
pouch. Depending on the type and size of your shoes, you may need more
than one shower cap, but housekeeping is usually pretty generous with
them.
Bar Soap as Zipper Unsticker
There's nothing quite like the startling claustrophobia that comes
from having a stuck zipper. Whether it's on a suitcase, a boot, or an
article of clothing, a zipper that won't budge almost seems to be
personally reminding you that, when it comes right down to it, it can
trap you at any time. Reclaim control by grabbing the little bar of soap
that rests on every hotel room's bathroom counter. Rub the dry bar
against the teeth of the zipper to lubricate it enough to move. Once the
zipper is unstuck, rub the soap up and down against the length of each
zipper side, and then zip and unzip a few times to prevent further
sticking. Then dust off the flakes and give yourself a high five.
Doorstop as Security Device
Little rubber doorstops hide out behind hotel-room doors, waiting for
fleeting moments of glory. And while the unassuming devices are put
there so guests can prop open their doors, they're just as effective at
keeping doors shut. So if you want an added level of security when you
turn in for the night, wedge the doorstop under the bolted door. Voila,
you've just added an additional lock.
Shampoo as Leather Polish
Travel can be hard on leather shoes, purses, belts, and jackets, so
if you find yours looking worse for the wear while you're on the road,
turn to your hotel bathroom for a quick fix. Liquid shampoo has an
amazing superpower: A small amount, rubbed in circles with a cloth, can
clean and restore the rich color of leather. And though we've never
tested it, we've also heard that it can be a handy and quick way to
protect leather shoes from winter salt stains.
Bar Soap as Bite Relief
Bugs always seem to be on vacation, which explains why so many people
return from their travels covered in bites. Spare yourself a trip to
the pharmacy and treat an itchy bug bite with a basic bar of soap from
your hotel room. Simply wet the bar a bit, rub it on the bite, and let
it dry. Some people recommend rubbing the dry bar directly onto the
bite, so experiment to see which method offers more itch relief. Take it
with you and you'll have the perfect travel-bite remedy, since as a
solid, your trusty miniature bar of soap isn't subject to the TSA
regulations that itch-relief gels and creams must follow.
Airplane Socks as Scratch Protectors
You know the socks you often get on overseas flights? The ones that
don't fit quite right and come with weird treads that make them
impossible to wear with shoes? Give them new purpose by keeping a pair
on hand to protect items from getting chipped or scratched in transit.
They're the perfect size to hold the trinkets you pick up on your
travels—the ones that don't need to be enveloped in bubble wrap but do
need a bit of extra protection before being tossed into your bag. And in
a pinch, they can serve as a handy alternative to a glasses case in
your bag or purse.
Baggage Tag as Lint Remover
Didn't bring a lint roller (and don't travel with duct tape)? No
problem, you're still likely traveling with an item that can do double
duty and help you get out the door fluff-, lint-, and animal-hair-free.
Just carefully remove the long baggage-tracking sticker from your
suitcase handle, wrap it around your hand with the sticky side facing
out, and blot at any area of clothing that needs cleaning.
Conditioner as Shaving Cream
This nonprofit please-touch museum is actually the world's largest pinball-machine collection.
In 10,000 square feet of space, find an assortment of more than 200
pinball machines and arcade games from a half century of gaming history.
And every game is playable—including an original Ms. Pac-Man from 1981
and Super Mario Bros. from 1985, plus the wooden 1947 Heavy Hitter.
Admission is free, although the games are coin-op (25 or 50 cents per
play). Just arm yourself with the knowledge that all excess revenue goes
to charity. Who knew doing good could feel like such good old-fashioned
fun?
This article was originally published by SmarterTravel.com under the title Eight Hacks Using Travel Freebies
Follow Christine Sarkis on Google+ or email her at editor@smartertravel.com.
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