Duct Tape Traveling

We have a saying here in the South: if it is supposed to move, and doesn't, use WD-40.  If it moves and shouldn't, use duct tape.

Well, I have more than duct tape and spray oil in my tool box, but I've found that duct tape is really handy to have when there is a problem traveling.  For example, eight years ago, I was driving and hit a deer at 55 mph.  It shattered the plastic front end of my SUV and bent up the hood, but I had duct tape to hold it all together for the drive home.  (I won.  Deer lost.  The frame of my vehicle looks like a battering ram just behind the grill, as it turns out.  Thank you, Toyota, you saved our lives, even though the air bag never deployed.)

Duct tape can be used for so much, traveling: holding stubborn curtains closed, doors open, taping notes, making replacement handles on beleaguered luggage, quieting noisy roommates, making a desk caddy, closing luggage with broken zippers, makeshift bandages, holding up hems, and I've heard about use as a strapless bra in a pinch.  My experience is that good duct tape rips my skin off, and cheap duct tape sticks to nothing, so I'm not likely to stick it to my breasts. I've heard it works.  Just... No thank you.    

There are many more ridiculous uses for it, but let's just say that you should pack some, just in case.  Having it is great insurance that you won't actually need it. Lol. Well, except when deer are involved... And I'm pretty sure I could turn my roll of tape into a workable mace, if I'm feeling threatened.  ;)

Duct tape typically comes on a hard cardboard roll, which is heavy and takes a lot of packing space. I've seen suggestions to wrap it around a pen, water bottle, or even to buy premium-priced travel rolls, but you really don't have to buy anything special, and you can use the tape you already have.  I just wrap it around a 3 x 5 index card, folded in half.  It stays flat and I have a pretty good idea just how much is left on my roll, with the exception of the tiny portion stuck on the paper itself. I fold the end of the tape over onto itself and I don't have to find the end when I need it.  Pocket-sized and pretty close to free, because I already keep it at home and work.  

Zip Bag Airplane Phone Mount

This is a brilliant idea I found in a "life hacks" article.  No matter what phone model you have (or if you have an iPad Mini), this should work fine.  I've bought stands for my iPhone that are useless when a case is on the phone, and a little turbulence may just send your device flying.  If for some reason, you can't put your tray down, such as a reclined seat in front of you, this works anyway.

                                 

I've also used inflated zip bags as emergency pillows before. (Hello, lumbar support?) They take up almost no space in your luggage, and can easily be repurposed for laundry needs.