HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: My husband and I travel extensively, and I’d like to share some hints:
For fly-and-drive vacations: After picking up our car, we stop at a grocery/big-box store. We pick up a small foam ice chest, along with drinks and snacks.
Long trips with lots to pack: Leave most toiletries at home, and buy small sizes when you get to your destination. We found that most hotels outside of the United States don’t supply face cloths or bar soap. I pack a few old face cloths and small soap bars.
Take books to read that you can leave behind when you’ve finished them. In Europe, I’ve left them at libraries. They were delighted to get English-language books.
By lightening your outgoing weight, you have room to bring back souvenirs.
— S.B., via email DEAR READER: May I add a few hints from years and years on the road?
Hair shampoo from the hotel can be used to wash out clothes.
Use an ironing board, up against a wall, as a second work area.
Count power cords. These are on the top of the list of items left behind.
DEAR HELOISE: I couldn’t figure out how to keep track of the TV remote in my bedroom. I had a beautiful oven mitt that was too pretty to get dirty and greasy in the kitchen. I tied it onto my bedpost. A good place for the remote. — Gloria Barrett,
Johnstown, Pa.
DEAR HELOISE: Here is what to do with old or worn exfoliating sponges or gloves:
Use them on porcelain surfaces or marble sinks. They really make a difference and will not scratch the surface. When I replaced my tub, I quit using abrasives such as cleanser and now use powdered laundry soap. You can get generic that has a nice scent, and they rinse clean.
— Patty R., Ohio DEAR READER: The exfoliating mitts or cloths are very good to use for cleaning a tub, shower or sink. I use an old one to clean my spa tub right after a relaxing soak.
For my other readers, please take note what Patty said about not using abrasive cleaners (powdered) to clean sinks and tubs. Over time, they can wear off the top layer. Read the directions on the container; you might be surprised what you find. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email