Everyone has an item or two that stays in their suitcases after every trip. Here are a few suggested by some of the hippest senior travelers I know.
Compression Packing Bags
Reusable clear plastic storage bags are like ZipLok bags for your clothes and let you get more into your luggage. You just roll the air out of the package. I used these to take a lot of gear for a week-long bicycle trip in France a while back. Size: Medium: 20" X 14" and Large: 23.5" X 16.75" -- About $15 for the pair. From traveloasis.com
Travel Wallet
Handy pouch hangs from your neck or slides onto your belt for ultimate security. Nylon wallet is holds your ID and boarding passes and doubles as a secure, safe money compartment when you are traveling. About $15 at Lands End.
Bucky Eye Shades
Hate the flimsy eye masks given out by airlines? Bucky makes one that is substantial yet comfortable. A Bucky of mine is now due for replacement after 10 years -- imagine! -- of use at home and on the road. About $25 from Amazon and other places.
Blow-up Seat Liner
My friend Sue says this nearly-full--body pillow "makes steerage class seats almost comfy, keeps your head from lolling around, and your back comfortable...you can actually sleep." It folds down to the size of a bulky travel umbrella or a 20 oz. water bottle. About $30 from www.1stclasssleeper.com.
Platypus Water Bottles
Lightweight and collapsible, these flatten when empty, so yhou can take one in your carry-on and then fill it after you get through security screening at the airport. Thanks, Adventure Travel feature writer Evelyn Kanter, for this tip. One liter size is perfect and can be frozen overnight in a minifridge. Weighs 8 ounces before filling. About $8 from mountainsports.com and others.
Mini-Binoculars
Whether you are planning to attend the opera or look at wildlife, these compact 6.5-ounce mini-binoculars are terrific -- waterproof and fogproof. They come with a soft carrying case. About $54.95 from nationalgeographic.com
Waterproof Fanny Pack
The Cascade Design Seal Pak is made of urethane-coated nylon with welded seams and a roll-down closure to keep water out, ensuring valuables stay dry and protected. An outside mesh pocket holds items such as keys, sunglasses or sunscreen. Comes with a stretch belt, weighs five ounces and measures 8 inches by 7 inches. About $22 from walkabouttravel gear.com.
Travel Duct Tape
Thank you, Magellan's, for travel-size rolls of duct tape! Repair everything from luggage to fallen hems, says the company tears. Two 8-ft rolls per order. (2" wide; 2 oz) . About $6 from Magellans.
Tiny Bookmark and Reading Light
I always carry some personal light source. Here's a bookmark that doubles as a tiny personal reading lamp. It's made of lightweight, flexible rubber that bends to direct a beam of super-bright LED light just where you need it. It clips easily to a book or shirt pocket, so you canread anywhere without disturbing others. Includes two CR2032 batteries that will last for up to 20 hours. Weighs; 1 oz) Under $10 from Magellans
Waterproof, Packable, Breathable Women's Raincoat
This one folds neatly into its pouch. Made of soft microfiber that resists wrinkles. The company claims it is truly 100% waterproof as well as breathable. Double collar and generous cut, and available in petite as well as regular sizes. $149 from Travelsmith.
