Why Duct Tape should be the first thing in your suitcase

I know. It's an odd travel tip

But if it's not a staple in your suitcase, it should be!
Researching my first cruise was the first I'd heard of packing duct tape. That year, I was turning 30 and had traveled my whole life without it. But the internet experts said I needed it, and the more colorful, the better. So I went to the store and purchased some duct tape. Blue. With penguins on it. I proceeded to wrap our luggage handles with it, just like the internet experts said. Guess how many other people had blue penguin duct tape on their luggage handles. None. Identifying our luggage was a breeze.

Then there was the time the vent cover flew off of our camper while driving down the road.

Some kind folks in the camping community came to help, and the first thing they asked my husband for was duct tape. I proudly produced a hot pink roll. After our trip, we drove back with an election sign attached with hot pink duct tape. It rained that weekend, and guess how much water got in our camper. None.

Over the years,

​we've learned it's also good for keeping blackout curtains closed, marking water bottles so we won't get them confused, a temporary hem or tack, putting on the cruise cabin or hotel room door on that long hallway so it's easy to find, sealing things that leak, and repairing things that are loose or broken.

Looking back, I wish we had always traveled with duct tape.

​I can think of a few trips where it would have come in handy. That's why when my clients ask me the inevitable question-- “What do I pack?”-- I'm always sure to mention duct tape.