Weird and Helpful Travel Habits You Never Thought Of

Everyone travels a little differently and whether you’re an old pro or a novice, there’s always a new trick or two you can learn. Here’s a few you may find a little odd, but, give them a try and you may find they’re actually pretty effective.

Looking for a place to store those beauty products you only need a dab of, but that don’t come in travel-size portions? Use your contact lens case! The size is perfect and you can be assured you won’t find any unwanted creams or gels leaking into your toiletry bag after a few days on the road.

If you’re one of those people who has to sleep in a completely darkened room, but desperately need to catch a few winks on your flight, bring along a large, dark-colored scarf or wrap. You may get a few odd looks as you snuggle up underneath your makeshift tent, but at least you’ll have a dark and cozy place to snooze.

Before you so trustingly hand over your checked baggage and hope and pray it will end up in your destination after two layovers in two different cities, take a photo of it. Then, have someone else take a photo of you standing next to it. Take a photo of the insides as well. Then, when you possibly lose your luggage, you can show the photo to the airline, making it much easier for them to find and return it.

There are a few particular scents said to help with claustrophobia and motion sickness, like what you may feel after you’re stuck on a plane, train or bus for too many hours. These scents include green apples, lavender and cucumbers. It may seem a bit earthy, but if it works, it works.

When at the airport, or any public place for that matter, head to the bathroom stall closest to the door. Many people, looking for some privacy, go to the back of the restroom or more in the middle. The first stall is usually housing less bacteria and may even be cleaner.

Shove your pockets with some zip-lock bags. Again, you may get some weird looks when you pull a baggy out of nowhere during an opportune moment, but they’ll become invaluable when you need to protect important travel documents during an impromptu thunderstorm, or want to take your half-eaten bagel from breakfast on the go.