10 Unusual Items People Bring on Their Travels

10 Unusual Items People Bring on Their Travels


September 29, 2023 | Miles Brucker

10 Unusual Items People Bring on Their Travels


10 Weird Things People Bring on Vacation

Weird man and beach split image

Advertisement

The quest for travel comfort and preparedness has led many adventurers to pack items that might seem odd to the average traveler. From portable door locks to inflatable footrests, travelers have found peculiar solutions to common travel nuisances.

Here are 10 unusual, yet at times ingenious, items that find their way into travelers' luggage, exploring the reasoning behind each quirky choice.

Portable Door Lock

Customer servicePixabay

Advertisement

Some travelers, prioritizing their security in unfamiliar accommodations, choose to pack a portable door lock. This handy device can add an extra layer of security to hotel rooms or rented spaces, particularly in locations known for break-ins.

Inflatable Footrest

Dumbest Ways People Have Injured ThemselvesShutterstock

Advertisement

Long-haul flights can be strenuous, prompting some travelers to pack inflatable footrests. These devices help maintain blood circulation and reduce leg swelling, making for a more comfortable journey, especially in economy seats.

Duct Tape

Viral Trends And Challenges factsPxHere

Advertisement

Known for its versatility, duct tape is a popular item among the adventurous. Whether it’s for emergency repairs on clothing, bags, or even shoes, this robust adhesive can be a lifesaver in many travel-related predicaments.

Sink Stopper

faucet-sink-water-budget

Advertisement

For those who prefer handwashing their clothes while traveling, a universal sink stopper is essential. It enables travelers to easily convert any sink into a miniature washing basin, a practical solution for extended trips.

Doorstop Alarm

Wild But True StoriesShutterstock

Advertisement

A combination of safety and utility, a doorstop alarm not only blocks the door from opening but also emits a loud alarm if someone tries to enter, offering peace of mind to solo travelers or those staying in less secure accommodations.

Travel Hammock

young-woman-sitting-in-hammock-3777748

Advertisement

For the spontaneous and the outdoorsy, a lightweight, packable hammock can provide a comfortable place to relax, whether in a secluded woodland or a sunny beach, turning any stop into a potential rest spot.

Humidifier Stick

Cranky Customers FactsUnsplash

Advertisement

Travelers prone to respiratory issues in dry hotel rooms often pack portable humidifier sticks, transforming any standard water bottle into a personal humidifier, aiding better sleep and comfort in varying climates.

Collapsible Water Bottle

Attention-Seekers factsPixabay

Advertisement

Space is precious, and collapsible water bottles are a quirky yet practical solution for staying hydrated without the bulk, expanding and contracting as needed, ensuring travelers are always ready for a sip.

Solar-Powered Charger

Amazing Amazon ProductsAmazon

Advertisement

Tech-savvy eco-travelers sometimes opt for a solar-powered charger, harnessing the sun's energy to power their gadgets, a particularly useful item for camping trips or destinations with limited access to electricity.

Bed Sheet Sleeping Bag

A woman in a hotel roomPattarisara, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Hygiene-conscious travelers often bring bed sheet sleeping bags, a lightweight alternative to regular sleeping bags, providing a clean layer between themselves and hotel bedding or for overnight journeys on trains or buses.

Final Thoughts

Woman with suitcaseOleksandr Pidvalnyi , Pexels

Advertisement

People's travel packing can reveal a fascinating array of preferences, priorities, and ingenious solutions to common travel inconveniences. Whether it’s ensuring safety, maximizing comfort, maintaining hygiene, or preparing for the unexpected, travelers go to great lengths, packing items that may seem unusual but serve a purpose in their journey.

So, next time you stumble upon a peculiar item in a fellow traveler's bag, remember, it might just be their secret to a more enjoyable trip!


READ MORE

Image of a turkish american man with a map of south carolina

A man named Yusef ben Ali fled the Ottoman Empire and fought in the American Revolution. The Turks of South Carolina have lived there ever since.

History is full of secrets and surprises. As time wears on and stories become facts the truth becomes muddled. For years, people doubted the origins of the mysterious “Turks” of South Carolina. However, the truth is far more interesting than the story could ever tell.
February 13, 2026 Jillian Kent
Man standing near a granite wall

Tourists visiting Montana's Sage Wall can not believe its massive, geometric granite blocks could have occurred naturally.

Something strange rises from a Montana mountainside. Granite blocks stack in patterns that look unnervingly deliberate. The formation predates human existence, yet visitors can't shake the feeling they're staring at ancient architecture.
February 13, 2026 Miles Brucker
Resort pool negligence

The pool turned green halfway through our stay. We complained and the man at the desk said, "You can still swim, it's fine." Can we demand a refund?

The resort brochure had promised crystal-clear water, a peaceful deck lined with loungers, and the kind of pool that becomes the center of every vacation memory. For the first few days, that promise held true. Then one morning, the water shifted to a murky green, with faint streaks of algae clinging to the sides. Staff continued to allow guests to swim, offering vague reassurances that chemicals would be added later. Situations like this can fall into a gray area between poor service and potential health code violations. Understanding where inconvenience ends and legal responsibility begins is the first step toward protecting both health and money.
February 13, 2026 Marlon Wright
Yellowstone - Fb

Research of the Yellowstone caldera is limited and extraction is outright banned, but some scientists suggest there's up to $680B in resources within.

Beneath Yellowstone National Park’s geysers and trails, scientists are studying an ancient volcanic system tied to immense underground energy. It raises questions about the various ways we can harness the energy in future discoveries.
February 13, 2026 Marlon Wright
Greek Archaeologists

Greek writers told us where to find the Sanctuary of Artemis. It took 200 years, but modern methods finally found the site, and it is spectacular.

Beneath quiet farmland and modern homes, a buried sanctuary waited thousands of years, preserving clues to forgotten ceremonies, distant trade, and sacred traditions that reshaped what scholars thought they knew about early Greek worship history.
February 13, 2026 Peter Kinney
Synagogue at Capernaum

Researchers in Israel are confident they found a synagogue where Jesus performed miracles, complete with graffiti that refers to Christ himself.

Along Israel's northern shore, white limestone columns rise from ancient ruins. Beneath this visible fourth-century synagogue lies a black basalt foundation from the first century. Archaeologists believe it witnessed Jesus performing miracles nearly 2,000 years ago.
February 13, 2026 Marlon Wright