Forget just packing a battery pack and an eye mask. A new, surprisingly humble item is being hailed as a secret weapon for savvy travellers: the humble rubber glove.
More Than Just for Washing Up
The suggestion emerged from a discussion on Reddit, where users shared the most 'random' objects they take on holiday. One traveller's revelation that they always pack a pair of rubber gloves sparked widespread agreement. Far from just being useful for cleaning an Airbnb kitchen, fellow commenters highlighted ingenious alternative uses.
One practical application is for checking hotel rooms for bed bugs. The gloves allow travellers to safely inspect the seams of mattresses and upholstered chairs. Another user pointed out that the textured surface of rubber gloves can double as an emergency lint roller to remove dust and hair from clothing.
Expert Advice on a Versatile Packing Hack
Metro sought the opinion of travel expert and content creator Liv Brown, who confirmed that rubber gloves are a frequently overlooked travel hack. The 33-year-old, who has been travelling full-time since 2022, explained their primary benefit is for containing mess.
"They can cover dirty shoes if you need to pack them and have no time for cleaning, or for somewhere to put your wet bikinis," says Liv. "I often find myself needing solutions for leaking toiletries, as that happens a lot with altitude changes, so you can use rubber gloves for that too."
Her list of uses doesn't stop there. Liv suggests they can be transformed into a makeshift ice pack, used for temporary food storage, or even act as a rain cover for electronics by cutting a small hole for a charging cable. The best part? This versatile item is incredibly cheap, with a pair of Marigolds from Sainsbury's costing just £3.10.
Other 'Random' Items That Could Save Your Trip
Liv also shared a list of other simple items that can be lifesavers on the road:
- A thin bed sheet: Useful as a privacy curtain in hostels or as a protective layer over questionable bedding.
- A pillow case: For hygiene, but also to store dirty laundry or shoes. Silk versions can help reduce hair breakage.
- A thin sarong or scarf: Functions as a beach wrap, picnic blanket, bag, or extra layer.
- A thin snood: Can become a sleep mask, headband, or pollution barrier on motorbikes.
- Carabiner clips: Perfect for attaching items like water bottles or hats to your bag, or for hanging wet clothes to dry.
- Zip-top freezer bags: Ideal for wet swimwear, snacks, or as a basic waterproof phone case.
This isn't the first unconventional travel tip to gain traction. Recently, registered osteopath and sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan recommended packing a tennis ball to help alleviate stiffness on long flights. Experts have also suggested that a full-sized feather pillow can be worth the hand luggage space for comfort.
So, before you zip up your suitcase for your next adventure, consider making room for this inexpensive, multi-purpose essential. It might just be the most useful £3 you spend.
