Travel Essentials: The Reusable Grocery Bag

My handy dandy reusable grocery bag.
It's been with me on countless trips!

by Jodi-Ann B.

Packing a reusable grocery bag (RGB)* proved invaluable on my trip to Malawi this summer. These durable bags weigh less than your pen and can be folded into a small pouch to fit into your purse. Here are my top 6 reasons why you should pack a RGB on your next trip!

Airport Navigation

1    1. Since RGBs don’t technically count as “a bag”, I use it to carry my laptop through airport security. You can also keep some dry snacks in it for munching on the plane!

Shopping

2    2. Vendors in countries around the world, either motivated by sustainability or strapped finances, charge for plastic bags. Using an RGB instead saves you cash and the environment.

Short Excursions

3     3.  Depending on your length of stay and how much you pack, it may not be feasible to bring an additional bag for the pool or overnight stays. RGBs are extremely expandable and just the perfect fit for a day by the pool or beach or an overnight stay. Note that these bags have no structure. If you’re resting them down, be sure to double tie the top to make sure everything stays in place.

      4.  Hotel gym? Toss your essentials in an RGB for a fashionable and sustainable way to keep all your stuff in one place.

Safety

5    5. There’s nothing particularly fancy about RGBs. If you’re traveling to an area where safety is a concern, replacing a fancy purse with this bag makes one less signal of income status. Please note that if you’re carrying an RGB with a shiny designer watch on your wrist and diamonds dripping out of your ears, RGBs can’t help you.

Laundry

6    6. Depending on your length of stay, RGBs can help you separate your dirty clothes in your luggage. This does, however, limit your ability to use it for any other purpose during this trip.

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So pack a reusable grocery bag for your next trip. They’re inexpensive (I bought one at CVS for $3 last year), sustainable and super cute. You can never go wrong with that!! Comment below if you have any more ideas on how RGBs can be used for traveling.

Bon Voyage!

Me walking to the open air market in Balaka, Malawi

* This is my own term for this bag. I'm not sure of their official name but they're widely available. You can ask the vendor about reusable grocery bags, reusable totes, ecobags, etc.