Pack a handful of Clif Bars, Luna Bars, or PowerBars in your day pack and forget about them. Then when you're on a bus that ends up taking longer than you thought, or you're stuck in the middle of nowhere in your rental car, you'll have some sustenance. If you have kids, energy bars can save you from a tantrum in the middle of a long plane, bus, or car ride.
While not necessarily ideal for shampooing, Dr. Bronner's versatile soaps have a number of uses that can really come in handy on the road. Use it for handwashing, showers, laundry, dishwashing, and even brushing your teeth. With that many uses, it could be the only toiletry you carry -- depending on how much room you have. On top of its many uses, the soap is also certified organic and fair trade, and it's biodegradable, so it's safe to use in fragile ecosystems.
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps
P.O. Box 28
Escondido, CA 92033
760-743-2211
drbronner.com
If you're going to be traveling in a foreign country, research the type of electricity the country uses. Voltagevalet.com has information on each country's electricity, via a searchable database. If you're going to be traveling with any electronic devices like laptops, hair dryers, or shavers, be sure to get an adapter. You could get an adapter specifically for that country's electricity, or you could get a universal power adapter like the ones offered by Thinkgeek.com or Geeks.com. Getting this great travel item ahead of time will save you time and money, especially if you're going to be working while you travel.
You may have researched the place you're going online, or spoken to a travel agent, but it's great to have some inside information about the place you're staying in. To get you going on the best places to see, eat, and stay, a guide book can come in really handy. A number of different companies put out guide books on most countries and popular travel spots around the world. The budget-conscious will enjoy Let's Go!, those looking for an all-in-one guide book/travel deal site will like Frommer's, and those looking for a little history will enjoy the detailed descriptions from the biggest guide book company of them all -- Lonely Planet, (see Resources) owned by the BBC.
While most people travel to enjoy a different world, there are times when it's good to escape that different world. When a plane ride involves a crying baby, or the diesel engine of a bus is humming too loudly, a pair of headphones and your favorite tunes can come in really handy. Before you go, load your iPod or other music device up with plenty of new music, as well as some of the old favorites. It could turn a hectic ride into a peaceful one.
