Over the years, my traveling style has changed. I’m no longer jetting off for the weekend, but traveling for longer — both in duration and in actual travel time.
These days I am found mostly in Bulusan, Sorsogon, where I run Just Wandering Tours, where I take guests around to discover and explore Bulusan and the towns of Sorsogon. Most of my travels now involved a 12-hour bus ride, and in my most recent trip out of the country involved an 8-hour long haul flight. Long journeys are hardly ever fun, especially if you’re in economy seats, so I’ve created a personal comfort kit to help make the ride comfortable.
Since provincial buses in the Philippines can get really cold, I’ve taken to bringing these big scarves that can double as a solo blanket. These are the same scarves I use when I travel to colder climes, so they are great in keeping me warm and cozy. I also make sure to pack my Uniqlo reversible parka, which is not only very light, but is packable and is water resistant. It’s a very versatile jacket to have, and it has pockets and a hood.
I also make sure to bring my own water bottle. I have two kinds of water bottles, a regular one, while another is a thermos that can keep hot or cold beverages. For long bus rides, I usually fill this up with hot water before I leave the house, but for flights, since you’re not allowed to bring in liquids past the final security check (for certain flights), I make sure to pack it empty, and have them fill it up with hot or warm water on the plane.
Speaking of water, plane rides can be very dehydrating, and drinking lots of water during a 12-hour ride in a bus that keeps arctic temperatures can be really inconvenient, so I make sure to bring electrolyte tablets or powder. This is basically the powder form of drinks like Pocari Sweat, so you can stay hydrated without having to pee too often. I got these from Aldi in Australia, but you can get Pocari Sweat powders from Manila Seikyo in Little Tokyo or look for it in the international aisle in your favorite supermarket.
As mentioned, cold air and airplanes can be drying, so aside from hydrating on the inside, I also make sure to have some hand cream or lotion to keep my skin hydrated. If you’re traveling to somewhere cold, you can’t go wrong with that Nivea cream. It’s very thick, almost too thick for use in hot and humid Philippines, so that small tin can go a long way.
I have problems sleeping while traveling, so I do what I can to ensure a good night’s rest. Not pictured is my favorite travel pillow, which I love because I can snap it to hook on my bags, and I can lay it out flat as a pillow if the pillow wherever I may be staying isn’t a good fit. My original pillow is from Muji, but you can get almost the same thing from Miniso at a fraction of the price. To aid with the sleeping, I also picked up a sleep balm from BeautyMNL.
Still on the subject of sleeping, I’ve recently taken to using eye masks, which I foolishly ignored before. Pictured here are the two masks I bring with me in all my recent travels (and sometimes use at home too). The blackout mask from Wanderskye (a gift from them, thank you) is a revelation. I never used eye masks before, and I was surprised how it made such a difference in my 12-hour bus ride. I used to never get comfortable while in transit, and this helped me greatly in getting more than 1 hour of sleep while on the bus. The shape of the eye mask is perfect in really blocking out the light, though you might need a more prominent nasal bridge to really block out all the light.
The other is a steam eye mask, which I usually hoard when I shop at Don Quijote in Japan. Basically, these are warming eye masks that activate as soon as you take it out of the packet, and remains warm for about 20 minutes. This is perfect for those cold bus rides, or if you have a terrible headache or eye strain.
I’m not a big fan of noise cancelling headphones or earphones, because I prefer to at least be alert to what is happening around me (not really conducive to sleeping). I do like having music in my ear when I’m traveling, so I always make sure to have my earphones with me. If you’re consuming media on your phone or tablet, check if you can download music, podcasts, or videos on your streaming app. This is possible on Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix, which can help you greatly in saving data usage, and comes in really handy if you’re in a place (or passing by a place) that has no mobile data or wifi.
I’m one of those people who just cannot equalize. You know when you have that pressure in your ear during take off and landing, and people tell you to pinch your nose and blow out a breath to get rid of it? No matter how much I do it, my ears just won’t clear. I’ve tried all the recommended techniques, I’ve used decongestants and nasal sprays, but nothing worked as well as Earplanes. They’re basically silicon earplugs with a hollow middle. I don’t quite know how they work, but they worked wonders for me. I’m not sure where you can buy this brand in Manila (I bought a 5-pack from Amazon), but I did see something similar in Japan Home (not Daiso), but in orange, and it’s slightly bigger. I haven’t tried that one, because I have a small ear lobe, so the Earplanes are the perfect fit for me.
The box says this is only for single use, but I’ve extended the life of my Earplanes by making sure to clean my ears before flying, cleaning them with water and soaking them in alcohol in their container.
I keep the smaller items in my handbag, while the bulkier items go into my foldable ecobag, which I can keep with me near my seat so I can easily reach them while we’re traveling.
Living in Bulusan and touring guests around means that I am constantly near some form of water. This is my new and updated beach kit.
When I was younger, I would revel in getting a tan because that means that I am traveling — if I get too pale, it means I’m just stuck at home. These days, however, I go out of the house more often, and I am starting to appreciate the value of rashguards. I like how it protects my skin without having to worry about reapplying sunscreen every so often, and it does ensure that no sunscreen residue goes into the water and contaminates corals or fishies. I’ve also taken to wearing hats and caps when walking around in the sunshine because it’s really just getting too hot in the tropics.
Another item I’m a convert of our aqua socks or shoes. I used to just use my hiking sandals, but these are a lot more comfortable, and I don’t have to worry too much about getting yanked off my feet when I’m having a soak in the river.
Speaking of soaking, I make sure that I always have waterproof bags and cases to keep my things and devices dry.
My latest addition to my travel kit is the Lagu beach blanket, which ensures that when you leave the beach, the sand stays at the beach, and not in your blanket. I’ve long been a sceptic, but was a convert when I saw clean the blanket after a quick shake to get rid of the sand. They had a buy 1 take 1 promo last August, and I made sure to grab a couple.
Keeping yourself entertained while traveling is very easy with today’s modern gadgets and mobile internet, but at the beach, where the sun is bearing down on you, there’s no better way than to revert back to books. Pictured here is My Fate According to the Butterfly, my friend Gail‘s debut novel for middle-grade children. It’s a fun read, and a good way to introduce your kids to the quirks and culture of Manila (if they didn’t grow up in the Philippines).
Lastly, playing a game is always a good ice breaker if you are meeting new friends while traveling. On previous trips, I’ve taken Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens with me, and it’s a great way to have fun, bond, and get to know each other. My addition is a deck of Tara Baraha. While it’s a regular deck of cards, each one is different, and tells of different aspects of the Philippines! It’s beautifully and thoughtfully made, and I can’t wait to show it off to my guests!
]]>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?
]]>iBattz Mojo Removable Power Card Wallet
This small device has enough power to fully charge my HTC Chacha or my iPod touch. Considering that using 3G and wi-fi can drain your gadgets faster, this is great to have around if you’re headed somewhere without electricity.
Charging Chacha
It’s also quite handy to have even if you’re not traveling. This is a staple in my bag, even if I’m just going to hang out with friends in the city.
iBattz is distributed in the Philippines by Digits Trading.
Baguum
I’ve written before how I use these huge ziplock bags for compressing my clothes so that they fit inside my backpack. They’re really handy, and Baguum made it easier by having this small device that sucks out the air from the bag, for better compression.
Oh my winter clothes. When will I wear you again?
That was my biggest gripe with the regular zip-top bags, since we don’t have a vacuum cleaner at home. It does the job well, and thanks to it, I was able to fit my clothes inside my luggage after going overboard shopping in Singapore last July. My only gripe with it is that it was kinda hard to screw the device and the opening in the bag. Otherwise, it’s really handy to have. Oh, and it’s not just for traveling. It’s also great for storing winter clothes when you get back to hot, humid Manila.
Flight001 Space Pak Underwear
If you’re iffy about using plastic, here’s an alternative: packing cubes. Keeps your luggage organized, and contained in a (relatively) small size.
Loooove the yellow
What sets Flight001’s packing cubes from the other brands in the market is the separate space for dirty laundry on the other side. Haven’t been able to use this yet, but I’m hoping to get to use it soon! *crosses fingers*
Flight001 Seat Pak
There are times when you’re on a plane and you have the misfortune to be seated next to a person who just can’t seem to sit still: standing up to get something from the overhead bin, twisting in their seat to reach for something in their bag under the seat in front. That’s me.
That’s a notebook that says “Bitch Passport” in the cover. I received two from two different friends on two different occasions. I GET THE HINT.
That’s why I couldn’t resist and broke my vow to not shop when I saw this at the newly opened Flight001 store at BHS Central. It’s basically multi-pocket organizer that you can hang in front of you inside the plane. Keep your passport, tickets, pens, IDs, keys, gadgets, toiletries, all in one pouch. Just don’t forget to bring it with you when you disembark.
Note: Save for the Flight 001 Seat Pak, all items were given to me for review or as a token.
]]>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.
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!
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I can never travel to Singapore and NOT bring a huge suitcase. I always bring lots of things for my brother and his family, and I always end up shopping more than I should. This trip was no exception.
Barely meeting my 15-kilo check-in baggage limit
In my suitcase: two bottles of chili crab sauce for Gail (not seen), 2 kilos of Aik Cheong coffee from Malacca (they’re gooood), 2 packs of instant Laksa (it was Khursten‘s idea!), a bunch of clothes me and my brother bought on sale, a handbag for my mother (a gift from my sister-in-law), a bunch of Ikea stuff (including a pillow and a knife sharpener), a couple of DVDs that has been there since June, and 3 Pullip dolls. I wasn’t even able to bring ANY of my own clothes home.
Inside Viktor: clothes, battery charger, SD card reader, sunblock, googles, toiletries, underwater case, medicine kit, hat, Envirosax bags.
I’ve been looking forward to this trip for weeks. The weather’s looking great, and I’m excited to try out my new underwater camera case.
In my messenger bag: book, kikay kit, wallet, Pinkies and bobble head (new travel gnome!), MP3 player, MRT cards.
Where am I going? All I’m saying it’s one of the places in my poll 
How about you, where are YOU going this weekend?
I’m not taking Viktor today, but instead I’m breaking in the Columbia backpack I picked out last Wednesday. I’m looking forward to testing out the other Columbia items as well, like the hiking boots, the Omni-Dry shirt, the Titanium pants. Well, here’s to hoping I actually make it up the mountain XD
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Though my Pinky case is big and bulky, my external hard drive a bit heavy, I still feel they will be safer with me, than in my check-in luggage. To help me pass the time waiting for my flight, I have Bill Bryson to keep me company, as well as my MP3 player, camera, pens, notebook and planner. ]]>
Though my Pinky case is big and bulky, my external hard drive a bit heavy, I still feel they will be safer with me, than in my check-in luggage. To help me pass the time waiting for my flight, I have Bill Bryson to keep me company, as well as my MP3 player, camera, pens, notebook and planner.
Of course, you can’t leave without the necessary documents: my passport, e-ticket and embarkation card. Don’t leave without sufficient cash, and if you have it, credit cards (one Visa, one Mastercard).
And with that I bid you adieu. Until we meet again, Manila!
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