Whether you’re limited to a carry-on or carrying everything with you, it’s a huge help if everything you pack has more than one use — if it’s not vital, it’s got to earn its spot in your bag. One item that pulls its weight (and then some): an oversized scarf. Sure, it’s an accessory, but there’s way more you can use it for. Here are just 10 of the things you can do with a super-sized scarf.
Travel blanket
Whether it’s a pashmina or a pareo, use your scarf as a blanket to get cozy and comfortable on a plane, train or bus. Not so sure about the looks of that mattress? Now your scarf is a blanket you lie on top of instead of beneath.
Protection
Dust or smog got you wheezing? Wrap it around your neck multiple times, then pull one layer up to cover your mouth and nose. More sun than you anticipated? You can wear it as a head covering.
Support pillow
No matter how hard companies try to make them convenient, those u-shaped travel pillows simply take up too much space. Fold your scarf in half and roll it up to create your own ‘horseshoe’ pillow, or ball it up and stick it behind your neck to support your head.
Cover up
Need to transition to more modest dress (for example, if you’re heading into a church or temple)? A large scarf can cover your head or shoulders, or both. If wearing shorts is the problem, it can be used as a wrap to cover your legs.
Picnic blanket
Grabbing street eats always sounds fun, at least until you’re standing there holding a bunch of food with nowhere to sit. Find somewhere to park yourself, spread out your scarf, set down your grub and you’ve got an instant picnic.
Bag
Did you get a little overzealous at the local market? Put your finds in the middle of your scarf, twist up the ends, and tie them together to improvise a bag.
First aid
Accidents will happen … and a scarf can help you deal with them. You can use it to quickly make a sling or tourniquet. If you’ve got ice, you can use it to make a cold pack, and if you don’t, soak it in cold water and ball it up for the next best thing.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations
May 8, 2025World’s Best Beaches 2025 Revealed
The list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches of 2025 was recently released, highlighting the best coastlines and beaches around the world as judged by more than 1,000 of the world’s leading travel professionals and influencers, as well as a panel of judges.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Destinations / Oceania
May 7, 2025Fiji Launches New Sustainability Initiative
Tourism Fiji recently launched a nationwide, 333-island initiative to inspire travelers to make a meaningful, positive impact on Fiji during their visits.
Hotel
May 7, 20257 WorldHotels Properties Prioritizing Wellness
WorldHotels boasts a collection of hotels and resorts around the world with diverse wellness offerings. Add these properties to your list for your next wellness getaway.
Hotel
May 7, 2025Anthropologie Partners with Philly Hotel to Debut Fully Shoppable Anthropologie Suite
Prolong that feeling of stepping into an Anthropologie store (you know, the iconic candles, home décor and stylish clothes) and sleep in an actual Anthropologie-themed suite. Hotel Anna & Bel in Philadelphia collaborated with Anthropologie Home to create The Anna Suite by Anthropologie Home, a two-bedroom retreat not only full of Anthropologie’s Spring 2025 items, but also fully shoppable.
Dining/Entertainment
May 6, 2025What to Expect from This Year’s Food & Wine Classic in Charleston
Mark your calendar now for the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. The second annual event takes place Nov. 14–16 and is the perfect excuse for traveling foodies to make their way to the South Carolina city.
ShareThis