Top 10 Travel Items
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During last year’s October half term (28 Oct - 3 Nov 2024), 594,095 passengers departing from the UK experienced flight disruptions, including 48,959 cancellations (22.2% of all travellers).
Airports, hotels, and train stations never have enough sockets - especially for families with multiple devices. A lightweight extension cable turns one hard-to-reach plug into multiple charging points, saving arguments over whose iPad dies first. A Mini Whiteboard & Pen Brilliant for entertaining kids without screens - think hangman, naughts and crosses, or doodle challenges. A Compact Travel Clothesline and a Few Pegs A lightweight, elastic travel clothesline or a couple of strong suction hooks can transform how you use a hotel room. You can dry swimwear after a spontaneous dip, air out clothes after a spill, or create extra hanging space in tiny bathrooms. It takes up next to no space and solves a surprisingly common travel headache. A Small Roll of Gaffer Tape This sounds sketchy, but it’s a frequent traveller’s secret weapon. It can patch up broken suitcase zips, fix a pram handle, childproof a hotel room, or temporarily repair toys and gadgets mid-journey. A Compact Travel Cutlery Set Reusable cutlery (Having a spork on hand is a game changer) comes in handy far more often than you’d think - from impromptu picnics to hotel room dinners when everyone’s too tired to head out. It’s eco-friendly, saves money on takeaway extras, and is brilliant for families travelling with picky eaters who love a pot noodle.  Mini Travel Laundry KitA ziplock bag with a travel-sized detergent means you can pack half the amount of clothes you would otherwise. You can rinse kids’ clothes, bibs, or t-shirts in a hotel sink, meaning you get double the wear out of everything. A Foldable Travel Tray or Lap Desk Great for trains, planes, or waiting areas without tables. Kids can draw, eat, or play on a flat surface, and adults can use it for laptops or paperwork if travel plans change mid-journey. A Compact Travel Medical Kit Not just plasters and painkillers - think tweezers for splinters, rehydration sachets (great for the morning after one too many glasses of wine!), motion sickness tablets, antiseptic wipes, and any family-specific meds. Having a well-thought-out mini kit saves late-night pharmacy runs in unfamiliar places and gives real peace of mind, especially when travelling with kids. A Digital Folder with Key Travel Documents Create a single digital folder with passport photos, insurance, booking confirmations, and compensation forms saved as PDFs - or generate a QR code that links to it. If your phone dies, someone else can scan the code (kept on a luggage tag or card) to access backups in seconds. And finally - The AirHelp.com APP Flight delays and cancellations are a major stress, (and more likely to happen at peak travel times), and they can also cost you money. I also travel with my AirHelp.com app, families can claim compensation they may not even realise they’re entitled to for cancellations or delays. It’s a smart way to claw back unexpected costs and keep the budget balanced. We have often been able to claim back our full flight costs! Make are you file your claim as soon as you return (I have often started claims whilst delayed at the airport), it only takes a few minutes online, and it instantly makes me feel less stressed abviut any delays or cancellations. Luxury Links: www.thetravelmum.com
Jen Carr, Posted 15/10/2025
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When you come to a fork in the road - take it. Yogi Berra
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