Top 10 Travel Items

The things we never leave home without….

So I have only been a traveling club volleyball for a couple years now, BUT I still may be able to offer some travel tips with a little bit of a spin.  You see, our family camps a lot and you may not believe it, but some camping gear works very well for a hectic tournament weekend when luggage capacity is limited and you want to cram as much as you can into your carry on so you don’t have to risk a lost bag.  In this article I have put together some items that I find really helpful when I am on the road at a tournament.

#1.  The Grayl 16.9oz Ultrapress Purifier. I’m not a fan of drinking hotel water and sometimes there is not a market close to the hotel in order to buy a case of water at every tournament.  The Grayl saves that day by always being there for you.  It will take time to ‘save’ money with a Grayl but the peace of mind I have when I take it more than makes up for it.  Water always tastes the same and always tastes good.  I have the smaller version, but Grayl also makes a larger 24oz purifier if you need more volume for about $10 more.  I find I have to fill up the small version a couple times in order to fill up by daughter’s water bottle.  It works great and I definitely recommend it.

#2.  Essentials bag. – Maxpedition (insert correct size).  I don’t use this particular essentials bag when I go camping, but I have it any other time.  I have used it on every business trip I have gone on, and I have used something in it at every volleyball tournament.  This bag is a great size and fits well into a backpack.  Soon, I will write an article about what I carry in mine so be on the lookout!

#3. Battery Charger and plug.   I know.  Captain Obvious.  Always have a charger.  The smallest  one that will get you thru the weekend.  Anchor chargers always a solid choice.

#4. Cutting Board – A small cutting board you can slip into your luggage is great for the hotel room.  …Unless you are ok with using the hotel room’s table tops….to cut your food on….

You can also find very thin cutting boards, I just prefer the feel of wooden cutting boards.

#5. TSA approved utensils.  Mostly for the TSA compliant butter knife.  PB&J makes a loss better at any age.   

#5a.  Sometimes I just take a Toaks folding Titanium spoon.   Actually, this is usually all you need in the room.

#6.  Toothpaste Tube – Small, convenient, and you can buy new bristles whenever you need.  Just don’t forget to refill the toothpaste before your trip.

#7. Travel Wine Key.  A MUST!  Let’s face it, volleyball is treacherous, thankless grind for parents.  Wine helps.

#8.  Notebook and pen.  – Just something I also have, whether I am at work, on a business trip, or camping.  It has come in handy while at a volleyball tournament more than once.  

#9. Ginger Candy –  I learned this from a stewardess years ago.  She kept a handful with her on flights for anyone that experienced a little too much turbulence.  I tried it, it works, it always goes on any flight.

#10.  Dr. Bronners Soap.   Another ‘camping’ item.  The thing is…it cleans anything.  Hands, hair, or clothes.  You just need a few drops so a small travel bottle lasts a long time.

I hope this was helpful, and have a great season! – Mike