Five Surprisingly Useful Items to Add to Your Packing List

You’re gearing up for your next adventure. The suitcase is open, and you’re mentally checking off everything you need:

Sandals? Check. Windbreaker? Got it. Sunscreen? Of course.

Duct tape? Wait—what?

Yep, you read that right. A mini roll of duct tape takes up hardly any space and can be a lifesaver in all kinds of situations. Patch a tear in your shoes or luggage, baby-proof a hotel room in seconds. Create a temporary hem. Need a makeshift bandage? Covered. The uses are endless.

Here are four more low-key items that deserve a permanent spot on your packing list:

1. External USB Battery Charger. Few things are more frustrating (or stressful) than being lost in a new place with a dead phone. An external charger saves you from frantically hunting for outlets in airports or train stations—and ensures you always have access to maps, emails, tickets, and emergency contacts. Total peace of mind in your pocket.

2. Safety Pins Don’t underestimate the humble safety pin. From wardrobe malfunctions to organizing jewelry, they come in handy more often than you'd think. Use them to reduce static cling, keep small items bundled together, or even secure a lost mitten to your kid’s jacket. Lightweight, tiny, and endlessly helpful.

3. Absorbent Fabric Strips (like Chamois) A few strips of absorbent, quick-drying cloth in various sizes can go a long way. Pack them in a zip-lock with a spare bag for used clothes. Use smaller squares to clean glasses, medium ones for quick cleanups, and larger pieces as travel towels, bandanas, or even an emergency belt. Bonus: they dry fast and pack flat.

4. My Contact Info (aka Your Travel Lifeline) As your travel advisor, my job doesn’t stop once you’re in the air. Sometimes things come up, and I’m just a message away to help you sort out any hiccups. Before your trip, save my number and email under “Favorites” in your phone, along with key trip contacts (hotels, car rentals, reservations). When you need help, you won’t be scrambling to find it.

Want to take the guesswork out of planning and travel with more confidence?

Contact DPP Travel to handle the details. From expert guidance to personalized support before, during, and after your trip, we make it easier to focus on what matters most: the experience.