Here’s another list of things I use in my recent travels. I’m pleased to note that there are now great Filipino-made travel gears and accessories that highlight the local crafts and provides jobs in their communities.

Woven Banig Laptop Cover

I used to have a nondescript laptop sleeve, and would have continued using it if I hadn’t seen this very cute laptop cover from Woven.ph. I’ll be the first to admit that this is not a necessity (especially if your current laptop cover is still in good condition), but I just could not pass up having a banig (woven mat made with local dried leaves) for a laptop cover!

SO PRETTY

Products like this showcases the local crafts, and create jobs and opportunities in rural communities where skills for making banig are not seen as a viable income stream.

The case costs Php 944 (including shipping within Metro Manila), and can be purchased by sending them a private message on Instagram.

Wanderskye Backpack Cover

I’ve been seeing Wanderskye luggage covers for a while, and they became really popular at the height of the laglag bala scare a couple of years back. I have a pair of bright red suitcases, which, even with my terrible eyesight, I can spot from a hundred meters away, so while the designs are really cute, I wasn’t keen on them.

I'm happy to have received this backpack cover from @wanderskye to keep my bag and electronics dry when there are sudden downpours (mainly because I'm one of those people who stubbornly refuse to bring an umbrella when she goes out). Kudos to the company too, for featuring artwork by Filipino artists! #wanderskye #supportlocal

A post shared by Nina Fuentes (@ninawanders) on Jun 17, 2017 at 4:58am PDT

The lovely people of Wanderskye though, graciously sent me a backpack cover, and I find it to be a good addition to any backpacker’s gear. Not just for the amazing designs by Filipino artists, the cover protects your bag from the elements (very important if you are traveling with a laptop that you need to be able to work), and discourages (or at least makes it harder) shady characters from nicking things from your bag (or worse, sneaking questionable items in).

The Wanderskye backpack cover retails for Php 895. Wanderskye has a kiosk in SM North, and their products are also available in Travel Club. Or if you’re like me who don’t like going out, you can also purchase from their online store.

[Disclosure: Wanderskye provided the backpack cover for free]

Wanderskye Luggage Strap with Weighing Scale

So while I was looking through Wanderskye’s website a couple of years ago, it was the luggage strap with weighing scale that really caught my eye. While I’m not quite sold on luggage straps, I was on the market for a digital weighing scale for traveling, since I am notoriously overpacking all the time.

Function meets ease ?? Get your Luggage Strap with Weighing Scale now at www.wanderskye.com or in-store at @whereiswanderskye ??

A post shared by Wanderskye™ Travel Accessories (@wanderskye) on Sep 1, 2017 at 1:18am PDT

I was flip flopping about buying it, until my waiting paid off: they held their anniversary sale, and I was able to get the combination luggage strap and weighing scale at a discount. I quickly bought and used it almost immediately for my trips to Thailand, Japan, and Australia.

The cute strap and the combination TSA lock is just a nice bonus to the digital weighing scale, to be honest. I like how I can make sure that my check in baggage is within the limits, and how I don’t have to think about where to cram the scale in my bag after using it.

The combination luggage strap and weighing scale costs Php 1,995, and I was able to get it on sale for about Php 1,400. Wanderskye is having their anniversary sale until September 30. If you’re thinking of buying any of their items, this is the time to buy!

Hammock Republic Duoyan

When fellow Pinoy blogger James introduced Hammock Republic, his own brand of travel hammocks, I was ambivalent about it. Sure, it looks nice, but given as I am a humongous tub of lard, you can understand how I have qualms about trusting it to be able to carry my weight.

My default go-to place when the power goes out

Last March, on a trip to Balabac, our tour operator gave us two choices: sleep on the tent, or on a hammock. I opted to sleep on the ground and woke up sore all over. The following night, I relented and got on the hammock. Not only was I able to sleep comfortably, it convinced me that I need to buy one.

I’ve been staying here in Bulusan for the last couple of weeks, and the occasional power outages have driven me out of the house and into my hammock for some fresh air. Definitely one of the best buys I’ve had. The fabric is cool to the skin, it’s very sturdy, and the built-in mosquito net is godsend.

The hammock also rolls and fits in a case shaped as a neck pillow, so you can still use it even in transit. Duoyan is a very clever name for it, indeed!

The Douyan is priced at Php 1,400. You can purchase online through the Hammock Republic Facebook page.

Hammock Republic Travel Organizers

When I purchased my Duoyan, James includes a set of travel pouches for free. The pouches are actually made with the extra material from making the hammocks, so very little of the production materials go to waste. Pretty smart, eh?

For some reason, on this trip I decided I should travel with my scrapbooking kit

The pouches has a mesh back, so you can see what’s inside even without opening them. They also have loops in them, so you can hang them on a carabiner when you run out of space in your backpack. Of course, if you’re packing toiletries and electronics, make sure that the liquids are packed in watertight containers

These pouches are sold in sets of three for Php 200.

Uniqlo Pocketable Parka

Uniqlo is a great place to shop if you want good quality travel clothes without shelling out too much money. They have the Airism line, which are really great, breathable fabrics that are great for layering, and Heattech for when you’re traveling to really cold places.

My favorite though, is their pocketable parka, which is very light and packs really small. I used to hate waterproof jackets, because it tends to get really hot when you’re wearing it, but this is very thin and breathable, yet it keeps you dry (well, your head and your torso anyway).

The parka comes with a small bag where you can stuff your jacket in, but of course, I lost it immediately. However, even without the pouch, you can stuff the parka into its own left pocket for easy storage.

The Uniqlo Pocketable Parka retails for around Php 1,490, but I was able to get mine on sale for Php 1,100. Depending on the design (if they’re phasing it out), you can even get it for Php 950.

Uniqlo rain parka on the left, Sea to Summit day pack on the right

Sea to Summit Travel Day Pack

This is one of those things that I’ve thought about buying, but eventually give it a pass because it’s not really a necessity. So when I got the chance to have a mini-shopping spree at ROX, this was one of the things I picked up.

I’m so glad I did. While I bring a backpack when I travel with my laptop, it is too cumbersome to bring out that backpack when I’m just going around town. The backpack packs into this really tiny ball, but I can actually fit my 13″ laptop inside, along with my water bottle and my packed lunch.

The backpack material is really light, so there’s no added weight when you have it on your back. Of course, you can’t expect the same support as a “real” backpack, but for day trips, this is perfect.

The Sea to Summit Travel Day Pack is available at Travel Club and ROX. It sells for around Php 1,100-1,300.

Scarf, sarong, or jacket

Scarves are a good way to dress up your casual outfit, and it can also help keep you warm when the weather turns chilly. A light, dark-colored jacket can also do the trick.

A sarong has multiple uses — it can be used as a blanket, a beach wrap, or as a mat.

Socks

Airports and airplanes can get pretty cold, especially during long waits and long flights. If you’re like me whose feet are quick to get cold, socks can help keep you warm. It’s also handy when you have to take off your shoes when entering a temple (though you must bring some detergent to wash your socks afterwards).

Powerbank

Since I love my gadgets and bring at least two when I travel, I make sure to bring a powerbank in my bag. Asus gifted me with their credit-card sized Zenpower, which quickly became indispensable, not just for traveling, but even when just running errands around town. Its capacity of 10050 MAH means that I can charge my Asus Zenfone at least three times before the unit is drained.

Water bottle

Bringing your own water bottle is not only economical, but it’s also eco-friendly. If you find empty bottles too bulky, there are pouches for sale that packs flat when empty.

Umbrella

Weather can turn bad, and an umbrella can help you cope. Just make sure to pack it in your check-in luggage.

Stationery

The advent of smartphones got us dependent on electronic devices to keep our information. While I am one of those who prefer to store data digitally, I also know the importance of keeping a hard copy. I write down my flight details, hotel bookings, and other arrangements and contact in my notebook, so I have something to refer to should my phone die or get stolen.

Aside from a notebook, I also make sure to bring a pen (for filling out immigration and customs forms), permanent marker, and a washi tape (because you never know when you’ll need it).

Cutlery set

Speaking of things you’ll never know you’ll need, I’ve started bringing a cutlery set when I travel. My friend Cla introduced me to the Sistema brand, and she has their cutlery set that has a knife, spoon, fork, and chopsticks. She also have their cup, which can be sealed tight and is microwavable.

Since the Sistema cutlery set seem to be a hot ticket item in the department stores here (Cla said she dropped by SM department store several times, and never saw them on stock), I’ve asked my sister in Australia to look for them for me (there’s better chance, since Sistema is from New Zealand), and also to buy me the soup cup, which I can use for beverages and food.

It was perfect. I use them all the time when we go to the province, and it’s great for picnics at the beach or lunch by the river.

What about you, what are your must-haves when you travel?

Here’s another round of new stuff that I like to have with me when I travel, as well as other things that I have been asked to try while traveling.

Baggu

If you’ve been reading this blog for a long time, you’d know that I’m a huge fan of reusable bags. I’ve been using them way before plastic bags were banned in the Philippines.

Fluorescent orange, oh my!

That’s why I’m all too happy to be the recipient of two Baggu reusable bags. They’re made of tough materials, yet very light and compact. They’re huge – perfect for a day of shopping or for bringing the laundry to the laundromat. It comes in a wide array of colors to match any outfit.

Bobble

This one of those things that I have been given to try, and being a recent convert to bringing my own water bottle whenever I go out, this was a very welcome token.

Using water bottles not only help save the environment, and it helps you save money too.

Bobble’s selling point is that they have this carbon filter that “removes chlorine and organic contaminants in the water.” It’s also BPA-free, and since it’s reusable, that’s one less plastic bottle in the landfill.

While I like reusable water bottles, I’m not entirely sold on Bobble. It’s mostly because of my personal preferences: I do not like sipping water from a spout like that. But that’s just me. Try it out, specially if you’re particular about the way your water taste.

Flipster

Admit it, when you have a holiday coming up, you sometimes get an urge to shop for clothes, accessories, or gear that you want to use on that trip. It’s all well and good, but one of the biggest no-no is saving using the new items for the trip itself, meaning you have no chance to test beforehand if they are as comfortable when worn longer than the 1 minute you had it on in the fitting room.

Completely forgot to take a photo in the wild.

That goes double for shoes. If you’re on a trip that would require you to walk and be on your feet several hours a day, you need to have really comfortable footwear, otherwise you’d have a miserable time. That’s why it’s good to have a back up footwear that you can turn to when your feet starts complaining.

In comes Flipsters, these cute foldable flip-flops and shoes that is so compact, it can fit in your handbag. They’re lightweight as well, so it won’t tip the scales when you pack it. While the rubber sole is very thin, it doesn’t feel as if you’re walking barefoot on gravel. It does offer some protection from the pavement, but bear in mind that these are only for short walks, not for traipsing around town the entire day.

Healthy Back Bag

Carrying a heavy bag can be very bad for the body, whether it’s a shoulder bag, a back pack, or even a rolling luggage. Lately, I’ve been partial to bags with long straps so that I can sling it across my shoulders, making it more comfortable to walk around with.

Apparently, plenty of other people have the same idea, and someone came up with the Healthy Back Bag. It has a unique shape that distributes the weight on your back and is very close to your body. It’s quite comfortable to walk around with that on my back, and there are plenty of pockets both inside and out. The one I got is purple and looks very casual, but apparently, it comes in a very wide variety of designs and color.

USB Charger

In the age of cellphones, tablets, and other gadgets, you’ll often find your bag filled with cords, cables, and plugs for all your devices. You’ll probably need at least two or three, and chances are, your hostel would only have one electrical socket.

A must-have for the gadget-hoarding traveler

That’s why I rejoiced at finding this USB wall charger in Melbourne that lets me charge at least two devices at the same time, and leaves an extra socket for any additional gadget. I left this one for my sister to use, but I’m on the lookout for something similar that is a better fit for the plugs of my chargers. I haven’t been able to check the local shops yet, but both Korjo and Belkin have something worth considering.

Headphones/earphones

Earphones are very high on my list of must-brings. Listening to music is something that helps keep my sanity when I’m traveling, or even just when I’m commuting around Metro Manila. I used to prefer earphones, as they take up less space, but I’ve been having recurring problems with my ears, so I figured it’s high time that I switch to headphones.

Free, because they’re already discontinued. Pfft.

Now, I’m not one of those who wants fancy headphones – my only requirement is that it lets me listen to music. I bought a Philips one for Php 1,499, but after hours of use, it started hurting around my ears. Less than a month after getting it, I got these Urbanears Tanto free with my purchase from Beyond the Box.

The Urbanears headphones and earphones have caught my eyes years ago, but I’ve found their prices too high. However, now that I’ve tried it, I’m more inclined to buy from them when the time comes to replace these. Unlike the other headphones, the Tanto is very comfortable. It looks too tiny for my gargantuan head, but it fits and it fits really well. I used these headphones instead of the stock headphones Cathay Pacific handed out (the one I got was broken), and used it for at least 8 hours straight. It felt so comfortable, I hardly noticed it was there. Don’t ask me about the sound quality, because I’m not very particular about that. It doesn’t have its own volume control, but it does have a mic and an answer button, so if you’re listening to music from your phone, you can easily answer it without taking off the headphones.

Disclosure: In case it wasn’t obvious, Bobble, Flipster, Baggu, and Healthy Backpack were all given to me for review and/or possible inclusion in the blog.

After traveling for years, I already have my staple travel gear. I’ve blogged them numerous times before, but here’s a short list of the basics for first time travelers.

Good, sturdy luggage
Not all travelers are backpackers, and though I travel mainly with a backpack, there are times when I have to bring out the big bags.

Muji Hard Carry Case Luggage – Made of durable and lightweight polycarbonate, this travel case provides supreme comfort with its 360-degree turning wheels and an adjustable carry bag to fit any height.

What you see here are the three common sizes of luggage. The smallest one can carry up to 10kg, but of course, if you abuse it, can go up to 15kg or more. These are cabin trolley bags, which you can hand-carry on the plane and can fit in the overhead storage bin of most airplanes.  The one in the middle is the 20kg, which is a good size if you’re traveling with airlines that give you a 20kg baggage allowance. If you’re moving away permanently, the 30kg is ideal, as it can obviously fit more.

If you’re checking in your luggage, bear in mind that it will be subjected to very rough handling. That’s why it’s important that they can withstand being tossed around.

Bag locks
The protection this offer goes two ways: it prevents people from opening your bag and taking something, and it also prevents them from putting something in. Watch enough episodes of Lock Up Abroad, and you’ll get what I mean.

Muji TSA Locks – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States set the global standards to ensure safe travels and luggage requirements. These locks have passed TSA tests and criteria to protect and secure your check-in luggage.

If you are traveling to the United States, it’s important that you get a TSA-approved lock. Luggage passing through airport security are subject to random inspections. If your lock isn’t TSA-approved, they will cut it, since they won’t be able to open the lock with the TSA master key.

Toiletry kit
If you’ve been to Baguio, you’ll notice that all the bag of chips are puffed up because of the pressure due to the altitude. Imagine the pressure at 30,000 feet.  In more than a couple of occasions, I’ve had tubes squirting gels, pastes, and liquids in my kit. It’s a good thing I keep all my toiletries together, because it would have been a gooey mess.

Muji EVA Pouch – Made of strong and sturdy plastic material, this pouch can give extra protection to small, delicate belongings such as accessories and cosmetics.

Keep your toiletries in a sturdy plastic to prevent it from soiling your clothes (or that cool souvenir you picked up along the way). If you’re hand-carrying your toiletries, make sure that you follow the 3-1-1 rule.

Reusable eco bags
We’ve lived through more than enough floods in the Philippines to realize that most of the rubbish that cause them are plastic bags. While cities and municipalities around Metro Manila are slowly banning the use of plastic bags, in other countries, you are asked to pay for each plastic bag that you use. That means if you don’t have your own bag, you either carry your purchases or pay extra for a bag.

Muji Nylon Shopping Bag – Travel with care for the environment. Avoid bringing or asking for plastic and paper bags. Reuse this washable nylon bag and fold it away when not in use. 

That’s why reusable bags are a great alternative: they last longer, and they’re compact enough that you can keep a couple in your bag. If they get dirty, just wash them and they’re ready to be used again.

Travel Pillow
Yes, I am such a pansy. I became the person I used to scoff at: the tourist who wanders around toting this bulky neck pillow.

Muji Well-Fitting Beaded Neck Cushion – Known as Muji to Go’s Best Selling item, this travel pillow provides support to your neck and back when going on long flights or road trips.

Traveling in itself takes you out of your comfort zone. While others thrive in that, there are some of us who doesn’t mind having a little reminder of home. Or at the very least, something to make sleeping at the airport a little more comfortable.

While I am paid to write this piece, only the photos and captions are from Muji. These are my personal opinions. Muji has branches at Bonifacio High Street, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center, Greenbelt 3 and SM Mall of Asia. 

I’ve always loved and lauded Muji’s travel items, so I’m delighted to find out that they’re expanding their range of travel items. Among their new products, my wish list/to-buy includes:

Shrink Wrap Shirt. A shirt that’s meant to be worn wrinkled. I like that. No need to worry about creases in your clothes from packing haphazardly hours before your flight. Even better, it folds into a compact bundle that you can squeeze into your bag.

Mobile Speakers. I have this cute Lego-looking speakers, but it only works for my iPod, not on my phone. The cord has its own compartment within the design so there’s no awkward dangling cord. It has built in amplifiers, so this is would be louder than the puny volume I get from my old speakers.

Deodorant Bags. No need to use plastic bags or take your eco bag out of commission just for storing your dirty clothes. This bag is designed not just from segregating your clothes, but also makes sure that your clean clothes stay smelling fresh.

Suitcase Belt with TSA Lock. I love my Delsey luggage, but it’s a lot harder to spot it in the carousel unlike my other red suitcase. This should help in seeing it from afar. I used to wonder when I see luggage with these belts, considering that the straps can be easily be opened, removed, and put back. That’s great about the Muji Suitcase Belt is that it comes with a combination lock, and a TSA lock, so if your luggage is tagged for an inspection, there’s no need to cut the strap off. And it comes in purple.

Muji’s new travel campaign, “From Japan to the world,” aims to meet the needs for all types of travelers. Whether you travel for business, for pleasure, or for just the hell of it, there’s something that would fit your style. Other travel items in their new line includes:

In the Philippines, MUJI is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Bonifacio High Street, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center, Greenbelt 3 and SM Mall of Asia. Open for a limited period only in Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Makati and 158-Designers’ Blvd at The Podium.

Leyende Holiday Travel set

It’s organic, eco-friendly and best of all, it’s less than 100ml!

If your friend has been bitten by the travel bug, she’s probably got a pile of tickets bought during one of the seat sales. Some budget airlines charge for check-in luggage, so if they’re traveling on a shoestring budget, they would only be toting carry-ons. There’s a 100ml limitation on liquids you can bring on the plane, so this set is a great gift for the kikay traveler. The Leyende Holiday Travel set comes with either a shampoo and conditioner combo, shampoo and shower gel combo, or shower gel and massage oil combo. All sets come with a lip balm (cleverly labeled “Kiss kiss balm balm”) in a handcrafted box made of recycled materials.

Speaking of handcrafted, Leyende products are all handmade, uses organic and eco-certified ingredients and yes, Philippine made. I’ve used the shampoo, conditioner and the shower gel and I love it. It doesn’t dry out the scalp, hair and skin and smells pretty good too.

The holiday travel set retails at Php 350. Leyende is sold in select stores in Metro Manila and around the Philippines. List of their distributors and resellers available in the Leyende website.

Cuddle Up travel pillow

It’s furry!

I love my Muji Neck Cushion, but Go Travel’s Cuddle Up travel pillow is a close runner up. The clear advantage this pillow has over my cushion is that it’s inflatable — less hassle to tote around when you’re traveling. So how does this differ over other inflatable travel pillows? While the general shape is the same, there are indents in the middle, so it doesn’t puff up like the others. It’s more comfortable on your neck — provided you positioned it properly (or however is best for your body). And it has a fur cover. Feathery soft fur. Cuddle Up retails for Php 990 at The Travel Club and R.O.X.

Ounce Smart Tubes

Squeeze it!

I have a collection of Muji P.E.T. tubes that I use for my toiletries, but my biggest frustration is that if I lose them (I’ve already lost 2), I’d have to ask friends and families from overseas to buy them for me as it’s not available in the local Muji stores. Here’s a good alternative: the Travelon Ounce Smart Tubes. Each tube can contain up to 90ml of liquid (just under the 100ml limit) and thanks to its lid design, there’s very little chance of it spilling or squirting too much. It’s also very squeezable so you can get all of those cream or gel out.

Travelon products are available locally in The Travel Club and R.O.X. stores.

Shoulder Wallet

I’m not that paranoid

For the paranoid traveler, gift them with a hidden travel wallet. A variation of the money-belt, the shoulder wallet is a pouch that can carry your extra money and documents under your clothes. This gives assurance that your cash and passport remain in a secured place. As paranoid as I am, I never really warmed up to money belts. After five years of traveling, I’ve managed to keep my wallets and passport even without using them once. If you think this can bring peace of mind to the first time traveler and get him out the door and into the world, the Go Travel Shoulder Wallet is available in Travel Club and R.O.X.

Thanks to Leyende, Go Travel and Travelon for providing the products!

Headware

Sha and Winston sort-of modeling the Headware for me

It’s one of those stretchy, tubes of fabric that you wear mostly on your head, but if you’re built like Olive Oyl, you can probably wear it as a tube top or a mini skirt. The wonderful people at Headware sent me a couple to try out, and I’ve taken a liking to it. It keeps sweat from dripping to my eyes and camera when I’m taking pictures and it keeps my hair from flying around the place when it’s very windy (or when I’m on a boat). There are different ways to wear it, but if you’re creative enough, you can use it as a makeshift burka for your doll.

Somebody was bored

Headware is available in R.O.X. outlets (and a whole bunch of other stores listed here) and retails for Php 240 – Php 390. You can get a chance to win a 3-pack Headware by liking the Headware Facebook page (complete mechanics here). You can also try your chances at a contest I’ll be having at the end of the week. Watch out for it!

Water resistant jacket

columbia Cliffhanger Jacket

As cute as those cotton jackets are, they only fight against the cold. They’re more of a nuisance when you get caught in the rain because they absorb water. That’s what I loved about my Columbia Waypoint Softshell jacket. It keeps me warm and it keeps me dry. So when I (stupidly) lost it last March, I made sure to find a replacement before the upcoming trip. Pictured above is the Cliffhanger Softshell jacket, which is actually bulkier than my old one but it totally wins because it’s purple. I’m shallow like that.

Comfortable shoes

For something called Free, it’s quite expensive.

Like my jacket, my trusty running shoes (which I don’t use for running — cue the angry villagers!) was due for a replacement. I’ve had the grey and purple Nike Free since 2008 and I find it really comfortable and a great fit for my feet. I’ve looked at other shoes to replace it, but in the end, I decided to go with the tried and tested. After all, if you’re going to be walking a lot, it just makes sense to walk around with comfortable shoes.

Friends Rotch, Kaoko, Cla and Chris had been waxing poetic about Muji after trips to Singapore, so naturally, I was intrigued and determined to know for myself what the fuss was all about when I finally found myself back in the tiny island state. It was easy to see the appeal of the store: Japanese food items and beverages, stationery, home and kitchen items, clothes and accessories, all with clean and simple designs. What appealed to me most about Muji’s products is that there is no logo of the brand anywhere.

My companion in travel and at home, the Muji neck cushion

I was initially drawn to their instant pasta sauces, but earlier this year, I started getting interested in Muji’s travel items. When Cla and I were in Hong Kong last January, I picked up the Neck Cushion that I love to bits. It comes in this soft cover that just begs to be petted. Strange looks aside, it was perfect for those long bus rides we had during Lakbay Norte. After the tour, a couple of other trip joiners were already making plans to drop by Muji to buy their own travel pillow.

Muji P.E.T. bottles and tubes

I also picked up a couple of P.E.T. tubes which I filled with shampoo, conditioner, sunblock and facial wash. Thanks to these tubes, I don’t have to worry about exceeding the carry-on limit for liquids. They also made it possible for everything to fit in the quart-size zip top bag.

In my shopping list: the Muji hanging toiletries case

As I prepare for my next trip, I scope out Muji to Go items every time I set foot in their store in Bonifacio High Street or Powerplant Mall. In my list are the garment cases (to keep my clothes organized) and the hanging travel wash bag (because my current toiletry bag is nearing its retirement). Aside from the simple designs of these products, what excites me most about them is that they come in purple!

This September, Muji will be giving away a pair of round trip tickets to Japan on Delta Air Lines. For every minimum, single-receipt purchase worth P10,000 with at least P500 worth of purchase of any featured MUJI to GO travel item, the customer is entitled to one raffle ticket.

Contest fine print:

• Promo runs from September 1 to 30, 2011, with the official raffle draw to be held in MUJI Bonifacio High Street on the first week of October, under the supervision of a representative from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
• Promo does not include visa processing, insurance, travel taxes, pocket money, hotel accommodations and the like. Interested participants should be at least 21 years old with a valid passport for at least 6 months prior to departure.

Sunblock

Nice product placement, yes?

While I don’t mind getting a tan, I do not like the discomfort sunburnt skin comes with, so I religiously slap on some sunblock whenever I know I’m going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Luckily, the good people of Beach Hut Philippines sent over a couple of their new products for me to try out: Beach Hut Max SPF100++ and Beach Hut Face SPF65. Both bottles have an icon that says “prevents skin darkening” at the back, which I’m sure would appease most Filipinos who are afraid of getting dark. However, I must have used the sunblock wrong because the first thing out of my friend’s mouth when she saw me after the trip to Bicols was “wow, you’re so dark.” But yes, sunblock. It’s good for your skin.

Dry bag

Quack

If I know I’ll be anywhere near the water or going to ride a boat, I make sure to bring my Rubber Ducky dry bag. Or at least plenty of zip top bags for my gadgets. Rubber Ducky is available in Stoked stores. You can also try Sea to Summit, who offers lightweight dry sacks that takes up very little space. Sea to Summit products are available in R.O.X. and Travel Club branches.

Dicapac

Of course, if I’m island hopping or snorkeling, having an underwater camera is a must. While there are a number of cameras that are water proof, I’m stuck with my current point and shoot and an underwater pouch. The Dicapac has served me well, though now I must admit that I’m considering getting one of those underwater cameras because it’s hard to change settings when the camera’s inside the pouch. Still, it does what it’s supposed to do and I’m pretty happy with it. Dicapac is available at JT Photoworld.

Sarong

Oh how I miss days like this.

It’s almost a travel cliché, but you have to admit, sarongs are the most versatile item you can have in your backpack. It can serve as a towel, a skirt, a dress, a blanket, a bag or anything you can do with a piece of cloth.

Gorillapod

I miss this too

While everybody else take their travel photography like it’s very SRS BZNZ, I prefer to take it easy and take crappy shots. Still, it’s great to have a tripod with you for those long exposure shots. Lazy bums like me who can’t be arsed to tote a tripod around revel in the Gorillapod. It’s a tripod minus the bulk and is an instant conversation started. Joby Gorillapod is available in most photography stores in Manila. Watch out for the fake Gorillapod though!

Flipflops

I want to go to the beach

Growing up in the Philippines means wearing your tsinelas when you’re at home and when you go out to play with the neighbor kids. It’s just so darn comfortable to wear and it keeps the sole of your feet from touching the grimy bathroom tiles of the hotel’s communal shower.

Travel pillow

I actually use the pillow at home too. Perfect for propping my iPod arm up while lying down in bed.

I used to scoff when I saw these pillows years ago. Why would I bring something so bulky to a trip? The inflatable pillow is enough for me, thank you very much. Of course, that’s before I decided to buy one and realized why traveling with one makes the world a much better place (well, not really). Inflatable pillows cannot hold a candle to an actual pillow. Neither can the lumpy, hard and flat (take your pick) hostel pillow. It also prevents your head from lolling about too much when you’re sleeping in the cramped minivan. My travel pillow is Muji. It’s now available at the local Muji stores for Php 1,425.

How about you? What’s in your backpack?

Quick drying, super absorbent microfibre towel

Sea to Summit and Aquazorb microfibre towels

When I was just starting to travel, I passed on buying a microfibre towel because of its price. To compromise, I bought a small towel and a sarong. I figured the towel would be absorbent enough, yet it wouldn’t take up as much space, won’t weigh as much as a regular bath-sized towel and dry (relatively) faster. I finally gave in and bought a Sea to Summit Drylite towel in 2009 and quickly saw the difference: it dries so much faster, absorbs much more and it’s a whole lot lighter. It was pretty expensive though: Php 599 for a small towel.

Luckily, I found out that there’s now a local company who makes great travel towels: Aquazorb. Fluffier than Sea to Summit, it absorbs as much liquid, it’s light and dries fast. Even better, a large towel only cost me Php 499.75!

Sea to Summit products are available at Travel Club and R.O.X. while Aquazorb towels are available at Landmark Department store.

Power adaptor

A family of power adaptor

If you’re like me who can’t travel without a gadget, you definitely need one of these! When researching about your destination, be sure to check what kind of plugs they use. If you’re only traveling to one country or countries that use the same plugs, it’s okay to just buy the single adaptors. However, if you’re traveling to several countries, it’s better to bring a universal power adaptor.

I was content with using the single adaptors, but when I was given an universal power adaptor as a gift, I realized just how convenient it was. No need to worry about forgetting to research the power plugs because it’s fitted with all possible plug designs.

Single adaptor plugs and universal power adaptors are available in most hardware/electrical shops (Ace Hardware, SM Workshop).

Bag locks

Go Travel, Pacsafe, Victorinox and Master Lock

These are on my bag rather than in it, but it ranks high in my travel must-haves. Bag locks not only prevent people from taking stuff out of your bag, they also prevent them from putting things into your bag. Remember, it’s never wise to bring bags you did not packed yourself.

As you can see, I prefer combination locks over regular padlocks. Though I have an aversion to padlock keys (specially small keys that are prone to getting lost or worse, broken while you’re turning the key to unlock the damned padlock), I liked the Pacsafe Prosafe 750. Instead of a key, it uses a keycard, which you can store inside your wallet. It is TSA compliant, which means it can be opened by the Transportation Security Administration of the US Department of Homeland Security using their master key.

Master Lock is available in SM Workshop and similar hardware shops. Go Travel Combination Lock with cable, Victorinox Cable Lock and Pacsafe Prosafe 750 lock is available in Travel Club and R.O.X.

Bag tags

Bon Voyage!

Cute and colorful bag tags not only tells the world just whose bag it is, it also help you spot it in the baggage carousel. You can buy pre-made bag tags pretty much everywhere, but if you want something that really stands out, you can have personalized cards made with your own picture or design at any Bag Tag kiosks.

The Bon Voyage tag was a gift from Cla, while the MNL tag is from Team Manila.

Re-usable bags

I love ecobags!

I first encountered reusable shopping bags in Australia. While the bags from the supermarket didn’t impress me much, I was instantly taken with the Envirosax, which I spotted while in Sydney. Since then, I always make sure to bring one in every trip, whether to another country or just to the neighborhood mall. They work great as an extra bag (beach bag anyone?) and of course, for shopping. That’s one (or three) less plastic bag! The Earth will love you for that.

Envirosax are now available locally (Fully Booked, R.O.X., Travel Club, Brat Pack, among others), but the local prices are absurd. Since going green is now the trend, local companies have started making and selling similar products at a fraction of the price. They’re available in most malls (check Watson’s, Saizen or kiosks selling various knick knacks) around the Philippines.

Travel-only and travel-sized toiletries

Toiletries for home use, toiletries for travel

If you’re staying at hostels, you basically just get a bed and a room. It’s not like staying at a hotel where almost everything is provided. That’s why when you go on a backpacking trip, it’s recommended that you bring your own toiletries. However, with the airline restrictions on liquids and low cost carrier’s incentives/discounts for not having checked-in luggage means you’re limited with the amount of toiletries you can pack.

Sachets are the answer, you’d say. They’re the right size, and you just throw the packets as soon as you finish using them. Unfortunately, that’s not too good for the environment. You can also buy travel-size (100ml or less) bottles, but if you’re like me who use a lot of products, 4 100ml-sized bottles will not fit inside a quart-sized zip lock bag. A great compromise are re-usable travel sized bottles. With these containers, you can continue using your regular brand and just refill them when you get back from a trip. You can also opt to go with sticks and bars instead of liquids and gels: shampoo bars instead of regular shampoo, bar soap instead of shower gel, deo sticks instead of roll-on anti-perspirants.

Follow the 311 rule when traveling with just a carry-on luggage

If you’re a frequent traveler (or will start traveling often), I highly recommend keeping a separate set of toiletries. That way, you don’t leave your toothbrush or deodorant behind.

Quart-sized resealable bags are available in supermarkets. Reusable travel bottles and containers are available in Travel Club, R.O.X., Beabi, Watson’s and Muji. Shampoo bars are available in Lush.

Compression bags

Clothes for a one-week trip

My friend Rochelle introduced me to these compression bags. It’s basically a huge Ziploc — you put your clothes inside and either suck out the air from within using a vacuum or squeeze it out by rolling the bag or sitting on it. The difference is huge and it can really free up some space in your bag. Word of warning though, it just compresses the space, not the weight.

After

This bag helped me fit one-week’s worth of clothes in a small backpack and gave me enough space for the souvenirs I bought along the way.

Compression bags are available in Saizen for Php 85, while sturdier Sea to Summit compression bags are available at Travel Club and R.O.X.

I’m raffling off a basket of travel essentials! Get your own microfibre travel towel, universal power adaptor, bag tags, reusable ecobag, travel-sized liquid containers, quart-sized zip-top bag and compression bag by joining the Just Wandering travel essentials giveaway!