The secrets of the hotel tester: These travel essentials are indispensable!

The secrets of the hotel tester: These travel essentials are indispensable!

The former grand hotelier and current Capital columnist Carsten K. Rath is known for leading a life on the road. With around 350 travel days a year, he has gained groundbreaking experiences and insights into the world of travel accessories. His typical travel destinations are diverse and range from Germany to the Maldives to Japan and China. His everyday life is characterized by constant changes of scenery, and to overcome this challenge, he has developed a series of 17 special travel essentials that enable him to live more comfortably and healthily on the go. What is particularly important to Rath is that even in the most luxurious hotels there is sometimes a need for a piece of home.

An interesting detail of his travels is the use of business cards with the word “trust” written on them. This shows not only his business experiences, but also the relevance of interpersonal trust in today's globalized world.

Practical travel essentials

To further improve his travel experience, Rath relies on a number of gadgets that other travelers also appreciate. These include helpful products such as the **Shower Bar**, a solid block of soap for hair and body. This sustainable soap block is not only more environmentally friendly than conventional products, but also does not contain any silicones or microplastics. With a shower chunk, travelers can enjoy up to 40 showers without having to carry a heavy 1-liter bag in their carry-on luggage.

Another useful gadget is Pacsafe's **Travel Safe**, which is reinforced with wire and can be easily attached to fixed objects in the hotel. This offers valuable protection for valuables and is an excellent alternative when hotel safes are often too small.

The list of practical travel essentials is supplemented by **travel pillows**, **silicone bottles** and **packing bags**. The compact travel pillow ensures a restful sleep, the refillable silicone bottles are durable and dishwasher safe, while panniers allow for efficient luggage organization that reduces suitcase chaos.

Travel with comfort and safety

There are also versatile products such as the **Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker**, which is windproof, quick-drying and breathable. This jacket packs down small and is particularly useful in changeable weather. For travelers who often have to deal with insect bites, the **Sting Healer**, an electronic device that uses heat to neutralize itching and pain, is ideal.

The **Universal Adapter** is another essential tool for travelers that makes it easier to use electronic devices in different countries. Often equipped with USB ports, it allows for quick charging. In addition, many travelers, including readers of, share 22places, would be happy to share their tips for useful gadgets such as noise-cancelling headphones and ultra-light backpacks.

With his diverse travel equipment and advice, Carsten K. Rath has not only shaped his own travel style, but also inspires other travelers to make their everyday lives more pleasant and safer while traveling. His approach to maintaining the feeling of home even on the move shows that traveling is not only a physical challenge, but also an emotional one.