One of the most underrated travel essentials? A small roll of duct tape. Tuck one into every bag or suitcase before you travel – you’ll be surprised at how often it comes in handy. Duct tape is incredibly strong, sticks to nearly anything and can temporarily fix all sorts of travel mishaps. From sealing a leaky toiletries bag to patching up a broken suitcase zip, it’s a lightweight lifesaver when you’re far from a shop or quick replacement. You can even wrap it around a pen or a lip balm tube to save space if you don’t want to pack the whole roll.
Its uses go far beyond luggage repair. Got a shoe sole coming loose mid-trip? Duct tape can hold it together until you find a proper fix. Need to get pet hair or dust off your clothes before a meeting or flight? Use it as a makeshift lint roller by dabbing strips over the fabric. It’s also great for sealing food bags, labelling cables, covering bright LEDs in hotel rooms, or even creating a temporary clothesline in a pinch. Choose a compact roll in any colour that suits you – black for subtlety, bright for visibility or patterned for fun. You won’t notice it’s there until you really need it – and then it just might save your day.
