So you have bought your tickets, booked your hotels, packed your clothes and are all set for your much-awaited vacation.
However, there is one small thing that is most probably not on your packing list but could go a long way on your travels.
And that thing is vinegar. Yes, this usual household item offers plenty of uses especially when you are living out of a suitcase… or a backpack.
Here are five reasons to bring vinegar when you are travelling:
1. Bug repellent
Your regular bug repellent should always be on your packing list, especially on a camping trip or visiting a tropical country.
Combine one part white vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle (the one that comes in a toiletry kit will do) and you have an eco-friendly bug spray.
You can spray it around your tent when camping or your picnic area.
2.Emergency deodorant
Nobody wants to travel in a new city with bad body odour, but imagine running out of deodorant when you are travelling.
It should not be a problem if you are visiting cities with drug stores or where supermarkets are easily available, but if you are going camping or on an off-road adventure, a bottle of vinegar makes a good emergency deodorant.
This might not work for you if you have sensitive skin. (You can try to apply a small amount of water-vinegar solution on your hands first to check for any skin reaction.)
Instead of spraying the solution directly to your underarms, dab them with tissues or cotton balls.
3. Insect bite remedy
Did you know that you can nix the itch of mosquito bites using the same 50-50 mix of water and vinegar?
Just apply some of the solution on the irritated area, and the acidity of the vinegar will help to reduce the swollen bug bite and the itchiness.
4. Natural remedy for jellyfish stings
Jellyfish stings can happen when travellers go swimming, snorkeling or diving in seawater.
We have all heard that you’re supposed to pee on jellyfish stings but the best home remedy for jellyfish stings is not urine but vinegar.
Just get out of the water and rinse the sting with undiluted vinegar for 30 seconds.
If there are any visible tentacles left on the skin, pluck them off with tweezers.
5. Ache-relieving foot soaks
Suffering from sore feet during travel is inevitable with all the walking we do as we explore new places.
Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, vinegar can also help reduce muscle pain.
Try combining two parts water with one part vinegar and soak your feet in the solution for 20 minutes.
It is a cheap and effective solution and your feet will thank you.
