Here are some travel essentials (and not-so-essentials) you might want to take with you on your next trip:
Quick drying, super absorbent microfiber towel
Do away with the bulky towels that weigh a ton when wet! Microfiber towels, though not as fluffy as regular bath towels, are much lighter, absorb just as much liquid and dry fast. Perfect if you're traveling with just a carry-on backpack.
Sea to Summit is available at Travel Club and R.O.X. stores, while Aquazorb is available in Landmark department store.
Universal adapter
Didn't have time to research what kind of plug a particular country uses? You don't have to worry if you have a universal adaptor. Coming in different shapes and size, this handy tool ensures you get to enjoy using your favorite gadgets when you're on the go. Just don't forget to pack it.
Universal adapters are available at Travel Club, R.O.X., Ace Hardware and SM Workshop.
Bag locks
Keep your bag safe and secure from prying hands when in transit. Though thieves will always find a way to get their target, it's one way of preventing theft.
Bag locks are available at Travel Club, R.O.X., Ace Hardware and SM Workshop.
Reusable bags
Ecobags are all the rage now, and it's not just for helping the environment: they're also perfect for carrying your shopping finds that you weren't able to fit in your already buldging luggage.
Reusable bags are available at various stores and kiosks.
Travel-only and travel-sized toiletries
If you travel often (or will be), it's best to have a separate set of toiletries so you don't end up having to buy a new toothbrush every time you arrive at your destination. That way, you just throw your toiletry kit in your bag when you have to jet off (provided you ensure that everything is fully stocked after every trip).
With today's carry-on restrictions, your liquids must not exceed the paltry 100mL limit for liquids. This means bringing a smaller quantity of your usual toiletries. You can ease this by switching to bar soaps, shampoo bars, stick deodorants, and using travel-size bottles and re-filling it with your usual brand (instead of using sachets, which is not good for the environment in the long run).
Reusable travel bottles and containers are available at Travel Club, R.O.X., Beabi, Watson’s and Muji. Shampoo bars are available at Lush.
Dry bag
If you're a beach bum, it'd be a great idea to invest on a dry bag. This keeps your stuff (specially your gadgets!) away from the water . You can start off with small zip-top bags or if you want the complete protection, go for a dry sack/bag.
Rubber ducky dry bags are available at Stoked stores. Sea to Summit dry sacks are available at Travel Club and R.O.X.
Underwater camera or water-proof camera case
Of course, if you're going to the beach, it's great to be able to take pictures while in the water. There are now waterproof cameras that you can take up to a depth of 30 meters. If your budget doesn't allow for a new camera, you can buy a Dicapac, an underwater case, for a fraction of the cost.
Dicapac is available at JT Photoworld.
Travel pillow
There are several travel pillows available, the inflatable neck pillows among the most popular. While sleeping in buses or airplanes is never a comfortable ordeal, having a pillow makes it a little more bearable.
Travel pillows are available at department stores, Travel Club, R.O.X. and Muji.