Rita Bozi

Sarongs double as headscarves in a sandstorm

There is nothing like the satisfaction that my husband and I feel when we find ourselves in the middle of the jungle, or on a rocky beach, or stuck on a crowded bus surrounded by cockroaches and vomiting locals, and we pull some obscure object out of our backpack that makes our trip more comfortable. We are what you’d call alternative travellers. We find ways to make our two-star vacations into five-star experiences. Doing so is surprisingly simple and inexpensive. Herewith are 10 lightweight items that every traveller, alternative or conventional, should keep stowed in their knapsack or suitcase.

HAMMOCK

Hammock: Nothing spells relaxation like the gentle swing of a hammock in the cool breeze of a mango grove after a hard day's tanning. We use brightly coloured travel hammocks made from nylon-silk parachute material manufactured in Indonesia. The hammock neatly folds up into a small stuff sack conveniently sewn into its side, which makes for a convenient book or sunglass holder when it’s set up. We recommend king size: big enough for two, fabulous for one. It also makes a complete mosquito net if one needs to sleep overnight under the stars when all the budget hotels are booked.

www.ticketothemoon.com, $70 US.

Clothesline and clothes pegs

Taking five minutes to wash out your stinky shirt at the end of each day means that you can not only travel with fewer clothes, you can avoid the local laundry service that may wash your red shirt with your white undies. A sturdy clothesline and a universal sink stopper is a must.

Campers Village, $9.98.

Hiking sandals

Whether you are manoeuvring through the crowded alleys of Marrakech or trekking amongst the hill tribe peoples of Thailand’s Golden Triangle, an all-purpose pair of Keen Newports is all the footwear you need. The adjustable sandals have lots of room when your feet swell in the heat, and the capped rubber toe protects you from stubbing your foot on jagged rocks. For some, however, the shoes’ water-resistant lining may exacerbate foot odour.

Mountain Equipment Co-op, $95.

Neck pillow

We can’t bear those interminable overseas red-eye flights without a padded sleeping mask, the ubiquitous orange earplugs and the ultimate in airline satisfaction, the neck pillow. And we don't mean the leaky blow-up variety. Go for the faux-buckwheat-filled fleece-covered deluxe model from Cloudz. It doesn't pack well, but nothing beats tossing an over-stuffed unyielding hotel pillow to the floor and curling up with your own.

Kananaskis Hall at the Calgary International Airport, Price: $20.00.

Sarong

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy wisely told us to pack a towel for intergalactic travel, but we'll go one better and recommend a sarong. The multi-purpose garment serves as a great skirt, towel, beach blanket, yoga mat, clean sheet, headscarf in a dust storm, decorative accessory in a dull room, or even curtains. It is widely available both at home and abroad.

6) Neoprene beach shoes: These lightweight slippers are fantastic whether you are walking a rocky beach, getting into a kayak, taking a boat ride, walking on hot sand from one glorious beach to another or running carefree in the ocean surf.

Swimco, $28.00.

Rosehip Conditioner

After a long, hot day riding a motorcycle over red dirt roads, there is nothing more refreshing than a cold shower and clean hair. Kosmea conditioner with organic rosehip oil is the only conditioner I’ve found that comes in an easy-to-pack, lightweight tube rather than a bottle, and lasts for a little over a month. Its scent is heavenly: one small feminine comfort while roughing it (gentlemen, do consider indulging).

Community Natural Foods. $21.99.

Thin cloth bag

Saving on plastic, this can serve as an environmentally conscious shopping bag, laundry bag and beach bag.

Land and Sea, Envirosax, $9.95.

MEC underwear

It never would have occurred to me to buy my underwear at a travel store. Light and airy for humid climates, they wash easily and dry within an hour. For women, Rita swears by Lululemon thongs. So does Ken.

Mountain Equipment Co-op, $17.