Stupid Travel Tricks

Ooh, I second the Pawpaw cream that stuff is good for everything - lip balm, bruises, blisters, whatever...

Also, on the (only ever so slightly done to death) Talcum powder front, far and away better than baby powder, prickly heat, anything else I've tried, was this stuff you can buy from pharmacies in Thailand.
It comes in a little pale yellow plastic tub and is the absolute bomb-shiznat for keeping you cool and fresh feeling. If you're in that part of the world, I cannot recommend getting hold of some enough. Sadly, all the labels are in thai so I have no idea what it's called.

Could you post a pic of the Thai powder?

Rocknrod wrote:Super glue works on cuts as well...

There are a lot of medical misnomers out there, and this is one of those. Superglue is not hygienic, and I would be vary wary of closing a lac with it. Yea, it would work in a pinch, but it is on the same level as sewing yourself up with a pocket sewing kit that you took from the hotel room. There is medical "superglue" called Dermabond made by Ethicon (the skin closure company) that is made for this and a far more hygienic option. Also, there's a bit of technique involved in closing a wound with a adhesive. You just down't squirt and pinch. I'd be happy to discuss with anyone that is interested.

Also my other favorite is stuffing tampons in bullet holes, which is big misnomer with security contractors. These guys are running around with automatic weapons and pockets full of tampons. Don't put anything inside a wound.

-eric

I'm so happy I have some that weren't already said!
1) In researching getting a new rucksack (see: columbia-endura-50-carry-on-t48220.html ) It seems some people have issues with all those pesky long pieces hanging everywhere when using compression straps or any kind of straps on your backpack. When you get your straps to the desired length, roll up the extra and put a quick loop of duct tape on it. No more dangly straps!

2) Baby Wipes. I cannot stress this enough! Baby wipes are key for so many things. Obviously the big benefit is for bathroom things. If the place you are in doesn't use toilet paper, or has a chronic lack of TP in public restrooms, these will save your day (either flush them, or fold them up discreetly to throw away depending on the toilet type, but be sure to know the type as some toilets in South America lack the force to flush stuff and even regular used TP is thrown in the trash). Another great benefit is they are instant hobo-showers for when you need to clean the essentials but lack the facilities to shower. Lastly, they can be used to maintain your equipment in sandy/dusty environments, or clean your muddy boots when heading straight from the trail to the city.

3) Most importantly, don't concentrate only on Travel/Hiking companies when buying gear. There is a lot of military gear that is as good as, or superior to, civilian equipment, often for fractions of the price!

And to re-iterate some earlier good advice:

1) If you like traveling cheap and don't like buying expensive "travel clothing", the pantyhose first layer trick really does work for hiking. Many many miles I have walked in uncomfortable boots with lots of equipment on, the pantyhose/sock combo has never let me down.
2) Shorts and Tshirts are NOT the best option when the outside temperature is vastly higher than your body temperature, you want lightwight clothing that covers as much skin as possible, as to preserve the cooler tempuerature in your body, preferably with a moisture wicking base layer.