My Top 6 Travel Purchases

1. Locking Karabiners
These little things are great for attaching things to the outside of backpacks. I specifically went for ones that 'lock' to ensure that things are more secure and hopefully things won't accidentally undo and fall off. These were pretty cheap and I actually bought them in the sales.

2. Universal sink plug
Another cheap and easy to obtain item. Vital if you want to wash anything in a sink abroad, as they don't always come with a plug. Also useful if you want a bath or to leave something to soak. The universal ones should fit into a plug hole of any size and be pretty leak proof.

3. Travel electric toothbrush
This is something I have never seen before. It operates off a AAA battery. I'm not sure how long a single battery lasts but it claims to be pretty powerful. It is much smaller and cheaper than a standard electric toothbrush and comes with its battery and 2 heads.

4. Cable lock
This is retractable and claims to fit through most styles of lock. I am taking another padlock too, but this will help if the lock s smaller than my other padlock. It is a retractable cable, allowing you to use it to lock your bag or any number of things to something else. It is quite a cute looking lock to. Hopefully it will come in as useful as it promises.

5. Thermos water bottle

I have purchased a 1.1L thermos bottle that comes in an insulated holder, complete with a long strap. It should keep my cold water colder for longer, encouraging me to keep drinking filtered/bottled water that I can fill it up with in the morning and should last me a good little while. It looks a bit big and bulky but a smaller one will obviously mean less cold water in a very hot place.

6. Microfiber towel

I have an extra large microfiber travel towel to use for showers. Having tested it at home, it works very well. It is lighter than regular towels but I found it to almost be more absorbent, whilst being similar in size. Quick drying and light weight is a bonus. Although I might still take a regular towel to be prepared in the event of hitting a beach/pool whilst away, in order to keep sandy towels and showering towels separate.