Whatever you call it, pashmina, scarf, or my favorite, blankie, traveling with some kind of a wrap is extremely useful. On long flights it serves as a blanket. Once at your destination it can do any number of jobs. My own sister in law has used hers as a bug repellent in Botswana, a towel at the Schezechyi Baths in Budapest. I have used mine as a blankie on a chilly flight and used a pareo in French Polynesia as a table cloth and as a bathing suit cover up. (not at the same time!)
Patrick Tairua in Bora Bora rocks his pink pareo while taking tourists out on boat trips to the reef. You might recognize Patrick from his appearance on Amazing Race.
Nearly every culture uses large cloths for a variety of purposes, and as a traveling tribe, travelers can bring along a pareo, large scarf or wrap that can serve a multitude of purposes from the moment you leave home.
- as a blanket on the plane or in the worst cases, in the airport if you get stuck overnight
- as a wrap on cool nights
- to prevent sun or bug exposure in warm climates
- as a modesty cover in parts of the world or religious institutions where that is required
- as picnic blanket
- as a towel in areas where one is not supplied (baths or impromptu beach visits)
- as a bag/sack to carry laundry or groceries when doing errands while traveling
My sister and brother in law use their scarfs to keep them warm on the Rover and to keep the tiny flying midges off during a wild boat ride through the channels of the Okavango Delta in Botswana
Our pareo turned table cloth in Moorea for an impromptu beachside picnic during a bike ride.
Sometimes we don't bring a cloth, but prefer to buy one in our location. Many counties have their own unique designs and they make excellent souvenirs! Whether its colorful silks from the far east, a South African graphic print, a cotton pareo from South Polynesia or batik from St Kitts, all of these fabrics become colorful, practical reminders of each trip!
Have I missed some uses? I'd love to hear about your experiences with travel wraps!