Mastodawn

Enola Knezevic Aug 13, 2023

Speaking of anti-theft, the things I have stopped using include: money belts, personal alarms, and baggage tracking devices. I still use combination locks.

Because I always need to carry my passport Kånken travel wallet is my everyday wallet. It fits more than I need (since I've decluttered my loyalty cards). The wallet itself doesn't fit into their hip pack or most pockets. It fits into the inner pockets of my jackets. #travel #travelgear

https://www.fjallraven.com/eu/en-gb/bags-gear/kanken/kanken-accessories/kanken-travel-wallet

Kånken Travel Wallet

Spacious travel wallet in durable G-1000 fabric. Perfect for a passport, boarding pass, bank notes etc. Produced without PFCs, made for a lifetime of use.

Enola Knezevic Aug 13, 2023

I mostly use Google Wallet (or whatever it's called right now) for loyalty cards (because I love to sell my data for a tiny discount, honestly, when they just started I was hoping for targeted marketing, but no, I still get generic catalogues with a bunch of animal products). For those that can't be added there, I use Stocard app: https://stocardapp.com/ #travel #travelgear #apps

Stocard - Your mobile wallet

Add all your loyalty cards, collect rewards, get personalized offers and pay with your phone!

Stocard

Enola Knezevic Aug 17, 2023

To continue with the anti-theft theme, the idea is to appear as if you don't have any money (dress code permitting). So bring (and wear) clothing that's about to fall apart, mended already several times, but soon to be be beyond repair. Then just get rid of it along the way to ease the load (try to find a textile recycling program). #travel #lifehack

Enola Knezevic Sep 26, 2023

When selecting your train seat, consider the number of terminating Bahnhofs before the most scenic part of the journey 😊

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

Bought a new cosmetics or food product for travel just because it's lightweight or in a small container? Test it at home first. The powdered oat milk I mentioned in a previous post just doesn't work in drinks (it's OK for mashed potatoes). #travel

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

Cosmetics is heavy. Most of it is water. Bring only as much as you need in small containers. Airport security theatre and tickets which don't include checked baggage are already forcing us to do it, so there are plenty of types of travel containers to choose from. Silicone ones are squishable, but many not leakproof so at least the first time you use them, have them in a ziploc bag so that your nail polish remover doesn't ruin your clothes. #travel #travelgear

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

I have tried noname silicone containers from ebay, from Flying Tiger Copenhagen, from Tchibo, and from DM. The ones from Tchibo and DM haven't leaked yet, the others I ended up discarding during my travels. I had to stop using them for hand sanitiser because it would destroy them. I haven't tried GoToob yet, but that's the only brand travel youtubers swear by (not sponsored™). https://www.humangear.com/shop/p/gotoob #travel #travelgear

The original patented soft travel bottle - the standard in silicone travel and dispensing containers — humangear

humangear's GoToob+ is made from soft, rugged silicone and comes in 4 sizes. It's air travel approved (TSA); and all sizes are food-safe (FDA). The GoToob also offers a bunch of new features that no other soft travel bottle in the world has -- a new, larger opening for easy cleaning and filling, a c

humangear

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

Plastic travel bottles would be OK for a while, but would break or become leaky with time, especially if I used them for hand sanitiser. It happened to me with Ikea Förfina, which were otherwise amazing because they were made of soft plastic, as well as with no-name sets from DM. Sometimes the best containers are from mini brand products. If you need a bottle with a pump, get one with a cap, not one where the pump is blocked just by turning it for 90°. #travel #travelgear

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

I have tried these aluminium bottles, and my mouthwash dissolved the seal under the cap. https://flyingtiger.com/products/travel-set-3045032 I have no idea why because in cosmetics only acetone and DEET (mosquito repellent) are supposed to destroy certain types of plastic. In any case, for harsh products, try to use original containers. The tiny containers aren't screw top so they're only good for supplements and jewellery. #travel #travelgear

Travel set

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

These are better, they are screw top and heavy creams don't leak. Also good for face powder. They weigh less than plastic containers of the same size. #travel #travelgear https://flyingtiger.com/products/travel-containers-3045035

Travel containers

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

These ziploc organizer bags are great for cotton pads, Q tips, travel cutlery, and similar. I go through my cutlery ones fast though, because I overfill them with salt, pepper, sugar, soya sauce packets. I might switch to a different type of travel case for that. #travel #travelgear https://flyingtiger.com/products/organizer-bags-3032069

Organizer bags

Enola Knezevic Nov 11, 2023

I'd tried many travel toothbrushes, but because most dentists swear by Curaprox, I have been using them for the past few years. I have bought 3 of these sets so far (those toothpastes come in many interesting flavours) before I realised that the top half of the toothbrush can be bought separately (as well as the interdental brushes). I'll have to ask a pharmacy to order it for me, they don't carry it regularly. #travel #travelgear https://curaprox.co.uk/shop/dental-care/travel-set-red

Travel set. Red

Clean on-the-goVibrant and compact oral care set for maintaining a healthy smile during trips.

CURAPROX-Shop United Kingdom

Enola Knezevic Nov 12, 2023

I bring my own shower gel, I never know if I'm gonna get soap or shower gel with methylisothiazolinone or methylchloroisothiazolinone, which my skin doesn't tolerate, in my accommodation. I like this solid cherry blossom scented shower "gel": it weighs less for the same number of showers (I use 25 ml of water based shower gel per shower), it doesn't dry our or irritate skin like soaps (sodium salts of fatty acids) do, it can be hanged to dry, and it's vegan (of course). https://www.foamie.com/collections/feste-duschpflege/products/kirschblute-fur-intensive-feuchtigkeit

Kirschblüte und Reismilch für intensive Feuchtigkeit

Enola Knezevic Nov 12, 2023

I also like this solid shampoo with BHA for scalp peeling, but I shampoo 3 times in total and also use 2 special shampoos, so I have to bring small bottles of those. Because I carry everything on my back, I measure water-based shampoo to the millilitre, but I add a little bit extra in case I'm delayed in my returning home (which did happen for the first time last month). #travel #travelgear
https://www.foamie.com/collections/feste-shampoos/products/bha-zur-kopfhautpflege

BHA für Kopfhautpflege

Enola Knezevic Nov 12, 2023

This solid facial wash works well, it doesn't dry out or irritate skin, but is too impractical for travel, it can't be hanged to dry, facial wash needs to be used in the morning just before the checkout (whilst I can shower and wash my hair the evening before), and then there's not enough time for it to dry. So I use it at home, and have a mini water-based facial wash for my travels. #travel #travelgear https://www.foamie.com/collections/feste-gesichtsreinigung/products/feste-gesichtsreinigung-fur-normale-bis-mischhaut

Aktivkohle für normale bis Mischhaut

Enola Knezevic Nov 12, 2023

I haven't found any vegan solid conditioner that works well for me. Because I condition twice, the first time only the hair ends before first shampooing, I use solid conditioner for that, and for after washing my hair I bring individually packed hair treatments, the Langhaarmädchen one, or any of Jean&Len hair treatments. If there's a DM where I'm travelling, I bring less of all the water-based products in general and buy more along the way. #travel #travelgear
https://www.dm.de/langhaarmaedchen-haarkur-intense-repair-p4066447240665.html

dm-drogerie markt - dauerhaft günstig online kaufen

Enola Knezevic Nov 25, 2023

I do make mistakes while travelling. Last month my wallet was stolen on the train from Basel to Milan, because I had to put my backpack above the opposite seat (no luggage rack above mine), didn't use a luggage lock on that compartment, was working and didn't have it in my peripheral vision at all times. Now I'm taking the same route in the opposite direction to try and set a trap for the thief 😡 #travel

Enola Knezevic Nov 25, 2023

People with EU/EEA SIM cards, turn off data roaming in Switzerland (unless your provider has a special deal or something). #travel

Enola Knezevic Nov 25, 2023

Border control within Schengen area is racial profiling. White people don't need to show their passports or take off their masks, whilst black people have their documents scrutinized and their luggage inspected 😡 #travel

Enola Knezevic Nov 25, 2023

Bring fruit. Wash it (peel it, cut it) beforehand. You might be rushing from one train with no restaurant to another and unable to buy anything to drink for 12 hours. Vegetables also quench thirst (if unsalted). #travel

Enola Knezevic Nov 27, 2023

At some point you're gonna need to clean your backpack, and you should follow the manufacturer's instructions. For example, never machine wash a Kånken backpack. For cleaning inside the backpack, without removing your stuff, and while it is being in use, I recommend this sticky ball: https://sauberkugel.de/ #travel #travelgear

Sauberkugel: Die innovative Lösung für saubere Taschen Made in Germany

❤️ Willkommen bei Sauberkugel! Unsere 100% in Deutschland hergestellte Taschenreinigungslösung ist speziell für Handtaschen, Rucksäcke und Schulranzen konzipiert. Mit der Sauberkugel halten wir Ihre Taschen sauber und befreien sie mühelos von lästigen Kekskrümeln, Staub und Flusen – ganz ohne mühevolles Ausleeren.

SAUBERKUGEL

Enola Knezevic Nov 28, 2023

After tens of cheap umbrellas broken by wind, I finally bought a Senz "unbreakable" umbrella. I have the Micro one, which can withstand wind up to 70km/h, because that one is the lightest and each gram counts while backpacking, but they make them up to 100km/h. Just for the record, none of my posts are sponsored! Hey, some of you whose products bought with my hard earned cash I recommend here could sponsor me! #travel #travelgear https://www.senz.com/foldable-umbrellas/

Foldable umbrellas | senz° micro, mini or mini automatic storm umbrella

A senz° foldable storm umbrella is always at hand to protect you. Whether you carry it around in your car, in your coat or wherever you go, you have the best storm mini-umbrella that exists.

Enola Knezevic Dec 10, 2023

Don't travel by ferry to Larvik, in order to get to Oslo, as a foot passenger (unless you're being picked up by a car), especially not in winter. It's a 3km walk to the train. There's no pavement, you compete with cars to leave the port. You try to walk beside the road, but under the slush there's ice. You finally manage to leave the port, but now there's knee deep snow. You fall, tear your trousers, scrape both knees, both your backpacks get wet. It takes 1.5h to the train station. #travel

Enola Knezevic Dec 12, 2023

I sometimes don't even bother with stuffing my extra layers into that tiny pillowcase I carry with me, I just fold my hoodie into a pillow, like this (not sure I would trust the other hack from the video though): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt3Wk3x0hhs
#travel #travelgear

How to Fold Your Hoodie Into a Pillow or a Laptop Bag

YouTube

Enola Knezevic Dec 14, 2023

Most of solo travel YouTubers (especially women / female presenting persons) are so concentrated on safety. Before my first solo travel I did a self defence course and bought some cheap luggage trackers & a personal alarm. Never needed any of those (could have used a good luggage tracker when my wallet was stolen). Ended up walking alone at night in parks in Bulgaria, and leaving my 3 phones and backpack on the restaurant table while in the bathroom. But you do what makes you feel safe. #travel

Enola Knezevic Dec 14, 2023

I tend to visit countries which are considered safe for women. The worst things happened to me when I wasn't travelling but simply going about my business in Croatia where I lived. And, of course, home is still the most dangerous place for women, but that's another topic (if the danger comes from your family member, you're much safer travelling solo than with them, until you return home, of course). #travel

Enola Knezevic Dec 14, 2023

In Belgrade, where I was with a group but separated from them to do more sightseeing, a guy I asked for directions (who was until that point talking to a woman, so I considered him safe) started following me around to "show me the way". So in that case try to stay in heavy pedestrian areas or get there, insist on taking a bus instead of walking, and stay in the front by the driver, get into a busy shop which has security (if at an event go to the security directly) or a police station. #travel

Enola Knezevic Dec 14, 2023

People would say "that's Balkans", but Bulgaria is also Balkans, and I felt extremely safe there. Interestingly, when I get cat-called in Germany, it's in Serbo-Croatian language. Go figure.

But, I wouldn't pay to travel to more than 50% countries. If a country has capital punishment, no reproductive rights, if women don't have human rights there, I do not want to support the economy of that country. So that criterion alone keeps me safe.

Enola Knezevic Dec 15, 2023

I have tried a collapsible water bottle, this type: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275727029250 Usually those that hold shape when expanded take up more space when collapsed. Those that pack flat might be better for flying because they take up almost no space when empty. But if I'm going to attach the bottle to my backpack with a carabiner, I might as well use a non-collapsible water bottle. #travel #travelgear

(5x-PACK) COLLAPSIBLE Water Bottle 750ml, LEAK PROOF VALVE, BPA-Free (4-Colors) | eBay

Open and lock with one hand, easy for drinking while holding 750ml (26 oz) liquid. Sport Water bottle with extra-large capacity of 750ML (26 oz), while still small enough to grip in one hand. Can be easily cleaned and washed due to wide opening.

eBay

Enola Knezevic Dec 15, 2023

So I use my Dopper bottle: https://shop.dopper.com/bottles/original/dopper-original-pure-white

And, although I do have a carabiner carrier for it (https://shop.dopper.com/dopper-carrier) I never use it because it is so slim that it fits into my Kånken backpack side pocket. #travel #travelgear

Dopper Original - Pure White

Raise awareness about plastic pollution (and raise a little hell) with the Dopper Original Pure White. Painstakingly sustainable, the Original is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. Strong, lightweight and ideally sized for any backpack or bike bottle holder. Want to surprise someone? Write a personal message below. Mobile users: tap the icon next to 'add to basket'.

Enola Knezevic Dec 15, 2023

On the other hand, flat pack cosmetics containers are great, because toiletries go into your luggage (guess you could hang them on the outside, but who does that), they don't leak, and once you have emptied them, you have the room for souvenirs 😀 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296066189158 #travel #travelgear

Flap Lotion Bag Flat Travel Pouch Vertical Makeup Container Toiletry | eBay

6 Sets/12pcs Sand Table Accessories Craft Toys Rake Bamboo Tool. Our products can be your unmissable choice. Multifunctional Shovel Scoop Shovel Plant Soil Spade Shovel Cup. 6 String Acoustic Guitar Nut Guitar Bass Bridge Guitar Saddle Guitar Parts.

eBay

Enola Knezevic Dec 21, 2023

Have a photo of your passport in the cloud so that they let you into your paid hotel room if your passport gets stolen. Have 2 spare passport format photos in a separate bag (mine are in my first aid kit) so that you don't have to hike up-the-hill down-the-hill searching for a photo studio that charges €25 for 4 shitty photos. #travel #LearnedTheHardWay

Enola Knezevic Dec 23, 2023

Bring a nail file. Handling luggage breaks fingernails. No nail file? Use your jeans as a nail file. #travel #travelhack

Enola Knezevic Jan 28, 2024

Sometimes you need to use your own light as a bedside lamp. I'm all for multitaskers so until yesterday I used my head lamp, but yesterday I bought this clip-on light. It's a bit harsh, so the trick is to put your water bottle on it. https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1063824511 #travel #travelhack #travelgear

Enola Knezevic Feb 6, 2024

Use a hotel trouser hanger to close the curtains. #travel #travelhack

Enola Knezevic Feb 26, 2024

Many travel vloggers are talking about the period products they bring on their trips. There are pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear, but nobody mentions the best one in my experience - IUD! Hormonal IUD such as Mirena stops period for years, eliminates cramps and pain, prevents pregnancy and endometrial cancer. I do bring a few tampons on every trip. The same ones. For years. Never use them.
#travel #travelhack #period #contraception #birthcontrol

Enola Knezevic Mar 15, 2024

I mentioned I learn from my own mistakes. So you get to learn from them as well:
1. stay current with your vaccines, that way you won't be walking around a foreign city futilely searching for tetanus immunoglobulin in pharmacies
2. when you travel light, do not reduce your first aid kit, thinking that plasters are enough and you won't need any sterile compresses or a gauze roll
3. don't bring only one pair of trousers - bring joggers instead of pyjama bottoms

#travel #travelgear #travelhack

Enola Knezevic Mar 29, 2024

Many minimalist travellers swear by toothpaste tablets. Sure, they are waterless and don't need to go into the liquids bag, they lighten the load, but I just don't like them, I need 2 per brushing, they taste minty, but they don't foam, they're OK for emergencies, but I did end up buying a mini toothpaste at my destination. These are the ones I have: https://www.dm.de/dontodent-zahnputztabletten-p4066447502381.html

#travel #travelgear

dm-drogerie markt - dauerhaft günstig online kaufen

Enola Knezevic Mar 30, 2024

Revolut used to be great. It offers a debit card, virtual cards, easy money transfer, a bit of cashback... I would exchange currencies during weekdays when the exchange rates were better and pay in local currencies. Cash withdrawal used to be free up to 200 or so EUR a month on pretty much any ATM. Well, the last 4 times the banks that own the ATMs charged me 10 or even more percent: Raiffeisen and Erste Bank in Austria, and 2 in North Macedonia. https://www.revolut.com/

#travel #travelhacks

Revolut | All-in-one Finance App for your Money | Revolut United Kingdom

Join 40+ million customers globally using Revolut to send money to 160+ countries, hold up-to 36 currencies in app, spend in 150+ currencies, and manage their money.

Revolut

Enola Knezevic Mar 30, 2024

Also, Revolut takes commission if more than 200 or so EUR a month are exchanged, and all the payments in another currency are counted, not only explicit conversions in the app. It doesn't have accounts in all the possible currencies, for example North Macedonian denar, so I couldn't exchange the needed amount before payment / withdrawal. Still, I use it every day, it is the only card I have in Google Pay (the virtual one) and I use single use cards for suspicious web shops.
#travel #travelhack

Before mobile / data roaming in the EU/EEA became affordable, and then free, I would buy a local SIM card in pretty much any new country I visited, then it would expire after 6 months, the number would be given to somebody else, and I would have to buy yet another SIM card in the same country. Now e-SIMs are available (check if your phone supports them). I have used Airalo, but now Revolut offers them as well. https://www.airalo.com/
#travel #travelgear #travelhacks

Buy eSIMs for international travel - Airalo

Find travel eSIMs for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices in over 200 destinations. Purchase data for countries, regions, or global connection.

Airalo

Enola Knezevic Apr 1, 2024

It seems Revolut currency exchange is free up to 1000 EUR/month.

If you need Revolut customer service, open the chat and type "live agent". The chatbot is useless.

Another reason to add only virtual cards to your Google Pay: If your physical card gets stolen, you want to block it, but you still to be able to pay for stuff.

Also, don't keep all your cash in one place.

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Apr 20, 2024

It seems most backpackers have a plastic bag for dirty laundry. Not the best idea if you don't do the laundry every day. If you use a plastic bag (even if you use a cloth bag) let your dirty clothes dry for a few hours or best overnight before packing them. Put some silica gel and a wardrobe freshener (or dry lavender or cedar chips) sachet into the laundry bag.
#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Aug 2, 2024

Better safe than sorry

#travel #travelhack #travelgear

Enola Knezevic Aug 6, 2024

The hotel only has one washer/dryer combo, so the guy who didn't want to miss the spot worked in the laundry room which is, like, 3 square metres. He was there 30 min before my laundry was finished (I went to have a drink in the lobby), and had a meeting discussing sales while I was packing up my laundry 😂 (Yes I do set a timer, but what the machine says is never correct.) Guess that's a #travelhack

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Aug 9, 2024

Jacket. The most useless thing I bring on my summer trips, no matter where I'm travelling. It would be useful to carry stuff in the pockets but I can't have it on if it's over 20C. Or over 15C and sunny.

Next summer I should leave it at home. I can simply layer technical shirts if it gets too cold.

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Aug 10, 2024

Bought too much stuff (too voluminous or heavy)? Send yourself a parcel.

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Aug 10, 2024

No fitted sheets? Tie all the corners under the mattress/overmattress. Tie them before your first sleep, especially if you want to not be disturbed by the room service.

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Aug 22, 2024

Things I do to lighten my load:
- peel off cosmetic packaging stickers
- transfer toiletries and food into lighter containers (ziploc bags)
- leave unused cosmetics / food for future guests
- send warm clothes home
- eat all the chocolates, sweets, cultured cashew cheeses I bought at the vegan festivals because it's easier to carry them on my hips than in my backpack 🙃

And then I go and buy books, a cast iron teapot, and a brass candlestick 🤪

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Aug 23, 2024

When leaving on a trip don't forget to put a meal for your future self in the freezer. Right now I'm going home and so looking forward to that vegan potato goulash past Enola left me 🤤
#travel #travelhacks #vegan

Enola Knezevic Dec 15, 2024

Train tickets between Norway and Sweden are much cheaper if you buy them from the Norwegian operator https://www.vy.no/ Just be careful not to accidentally buy a bus ticket (unless you want to take a bus).

#travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Dec 23, 2024

Before booking accommodation make sure you actually have a connection to that city on that day. Especially if it's a holiday.

#travel #travelhacks #LearnedTheHardWay

Enola Knezevic Dec 25, 2024

Do not forget to expand the hip belt and the chest strap a bit if the last time you used your backpack you weren't wearing a winter jacket, a chunky scarf, and layers underneath. #travel #travelhacks

Enola Knezevic Dec 31, 2024

Do put 20 tablets of pseudoephedrine in your first aid kit, because in some countries it is prescription only, and those 5 are only enough for 36 hours 😩

#travel #travelhacks #LearnedTheHardWay