Comments on: Po Chai And Duct Tape: 10 Unlikely Things To Pack

By: EnviroFusion

EnviroFusion — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:24:02 +0000

Po chai, a remedy that was always in our household while I was growing up and still is today.

By: Karina

Karina — Wed, 12 May 2010 05:42:18 +0000

This may sound kinda obvious, but I always bring a small travel-size container of advil where I’ve dumped out half, then added back some tylenol and zyrtec (allergy meds) in their place. I keep that little container in my purse all the time. It’s very handy–it gets you by if there isn’t a shop nearby, and can be a total lifesaver when you’re desperate. I figure if I was in huge migraine-style trouble, I would have enough medication to get me through until I could find a store.

I also always bring a little iPod charger you can plug into the wall. It will take any usb connector, so I can use it for both the Touch and the shuffle. It’s very handy for keeping kids entertained, and you no longer require a laptop for simple charging.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:04:33 +0000

The health warning on Po Chai (as far as I can tell) was on a new capsulated form which was recently introduced. Po Chai has always been in the form of a small plastic bottle which contained pellets. None of the pellets in a bottle have been implicated. Here’s the article for reference: http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/100511/html/100511en05003.htm

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:54:48 +0000

After reading this and researching Po Chai Pills I was about to start them since I have intestinal difficulties. But I came across this article below. They have been pulled from Singapore and Hong Kong as it contains small amounts of a carcinogen. Too bad! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po_Chai_Pills

By: LynnEl

LynnEl — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:07:27 +0000

I always pack a few wooden clothes pins with each person’s name on it. You can pin it to your towel to ID it, close curtains that just won’t close all the way, or actually hang clothes up…

By: Jeanelle

Jeanelle — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:37:14 +0000

These are great tips!! I’ve been looking for a remedy to relieve \vacation stomach\ whenever I go to a new place. When I clicked on the link for Po Chai pills, I saw that they were recently recalled in Singapore and Hong Kong due \to traces of phenolphthalein and sibutramine having been detected in batches of the capsule form of the pills\ which are known to be carcinogenic. I’m still trying to decide if the risk of just trying out these pills once to have stomach relief outweighs the benefits. Where do you find these pills?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:55:53 +0000

I like your idea Andy. But what do you do if the lightbulbs turn out to be non-dimmable compact fluorescent? I’m already carrying lightbulbs, not that I couldn’t run and buy them, but who wants to spend all the time shopping for this stuff. I’m going to look at the dimmers at Home Depot. Thanks.

Jeff

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:48:20 +0000

As of late I have been carrying around a cheap slide dimmer. It can act as a night light for the kids. Or, for holiday without kids, it can make a room feel much more relaxed or romantic. It is also great If I want to sit up reading after the wife goes to sleep.

It is 100% a comfort item, but after a few trips, I would miss it if I left it behind.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:35:56 +0000

Thanks for the additions Lynne and Dylan!

I like to pack a nightlight too. When I forget I unscrew all bulbs in the bathroom except the dimmest one, and partially shut the door. But a night light works a lot better.

I’ll look for the 550/para cord. If only we had a military surplus store. Oh well, next trip to the mainland.

Aloha,
Jeff

By: Dylan

Dylan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:30:49 +0000

Instead of regular nylon rope, i would use 550 cord (aka para cord). It has many more uses and packs well. You can usually find it at a local military surplus store. A 50 foot hank should be under $5 US, but you can find great deals online. You can sometimes find 500 and/or 1000 ft. rolls if you find that you use it a lot. It is also handy to have around the house, in the car, camping, etc.