The Unexpected Clothing Item Samantha Brown Has Several Genius Uses For While Traveling

With checked baggage fees constantly climbing and a rise in reports of mishandled or lost baggage, packing light has become an increasingly popular option for travelers looking to save and keep their belongings safe. Because whether you're backpacking through Europe or hopping between cities for business, there's no denying that packing light can ultimately make your journey a whole lot more comfortable and, let's face it, uncomplicated. After all, packing light gives you more freedom and flexibility during your travels — which means you can shift your focus to the actual experience, rather than how you're going to get that massive suitcase up six flights of stairs with no elevator.

Enter: Samantha Brown. Seasoned travel expert and TV host, Brown is known for her wealth of travel experience and knowledge — which includes sharing practical tips and globetrotting wisdom. From advice on how to pack everything you need for a long vacation into a carry-on to recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations and spilling the beans on some of her favorite space-saving packing hacks, Brown has become a go-to resource for savvy travelers.

Among her many travel hacks, the travel expert is a fierce advocate for an unexpected item that can ultimately serve multiple purposes while taking up minimal space: the humble bandana. From makeshift napkins to sun protection, this versatile accessory proves its worth time and time again on Brown's adventures.

Like many savvy travelers, Samantha Brown is quick to recognize the versatility of a simple bandana. "So many people mentioned always having a handkerchief or bandana on hand because they can be used for so much," Brown notes on her website. Per her suggestions, the unassuming piece of fabric can serve multiple purposes during your travels — from practical solutions to more creative problem solving. For example, according to Brown, you can "tie [it] around your neck to protect your shirt during meals" or "use [it] to keep your hair out of your face" when the wind picks up.

However, the bandana's uses extend beyond personal grooming. Along with this, Brown also suggests using one as a clever cooling technique: "Wet and place [one] on the back of your neck when outdoors to both stay cool and protect your skin from the sun." Lastly, in more serious situations, a bandana can even serve as an emergency breathing aid. As Brown advises, "Find yourself in a smoky situation? Cover your mouth with a handkerchief to help with breathing."

While Samantha Brown considers a bandana a versatile travel companion, the expert has a few other clothing items she also finds essential. One of these is a baby swaddling cloth. In her own words, Brown explains: "When I became a mom, I quickly realized that these super soft cloths work for everything I'd want a towel for and even more." In terms of functionality, these multi-purpose cloths can easily double as a towel, clean up spills, wipe down screens, help you cool off, or even work as a blanket or pillow cover if you're in a bind.

As for another clothing item that doesn't necessarily scream "travel essentials" but still serves multiple purposes, Brown admits she never goes anywhere without a scarf — so much so that she even calls it the "Swiss Army knife of the travel space" thanks to its versatility (per her website). Beyond being a fashion accessory that can quickly upgrade any look, Brown also notes that a neck scarf can "keep you warm, block you from the mid-day sun, can cover your head or shoulders when you visit a place of worship, plus you can use them as a beach cover-up." Lastly, she even suggests using it as a buffer between you and unclean surfaces — especially all those sneakily dirty spots you shouldn't touch on an airplane.