Franz ElizScarves are one of my favourite travel accessories. A scarf is so versatile I can use it for various purposes, from keeping me warm to keeping dirty clothes. Scarves come in many sizes, such as small and medium, but I personally prefer larger ones as they can be very convenient, especially while travelling.
Using it as a blanket, pillow sheet or laundry bag, or wearing it around the neck for warmth or as a belt, beach skirt, or halter top are some creative ways to make use of a scarf. You can also use a scarf as a curtain for your bunk bed or an eye cover when you have trouble sleeping in hostels.
A scarf is a must-have item whether for travelling or your everyday activities. I always keep one in my bag. Keep reading as I discuss further creative ways to use or wear a scarf while travelling.
1. Hug It Like a Blanket
If you have a big scarf, you can use it as a blanket whether in bed, on the bus, or while camping. I don’t always carry a heavy-weighted scarf as I’m not always travelling during the cold season. However, I like to pack a large silk scarf as it’s lightweight but warm.
Note that silk scarves aren’t made equal; some are of better quality than others. They don’t need to be expensive or the smoothest. Ideally, they should be gentle on the skin. I find Vietnam, Thailand, and India make some of the loveliest scarves.
2. Wrap the Scarf Around Your Body
Depending on where you go, some places can get quite cold, hot, or dusty. By wrapping a scarf around your face – provided that it’s big enough – you can protect your face or head from dust, or keep your body warm or cool.
There are various ways to wear a scarf around the head. I usually wrap my scarf around my head the classic way. As mentioned earlier, I like to have a silk scarf with me as it also serves this purpose.
3. Place Your Scarf on Your Pillow or Bed
Maybe you’re staying in a budget hotel or hostel and are worried about the cleanliness. Then you might want to cover your pillow with a scarf or sleep on your scarf for extra protection.
You might think: if I use my scarf as a pillow or mattress cover, wouldn’t it get dirty then? Yes, if the pillow or bedsheet is dirty. But the likeliness of you getting a dirty pillow or sheet at a paid accommodation is low, so there’s usually no need to worry. You can always wash the scarf later if you want.
This tip will also come in handy if you’re using a book as a temporary pillow. The scarf will add extra cushion to your book pillow.
4. Use It As a Laundry Bag
Suppose you don’t have a laundry bag or a separate compartment for your dirty and clean clothes. You can always use a big scarf to keep your laundry. This tip makes sense if you have more than one scarf.
Fill your laundry in the scarf and take the edges of the scarf to tie up the scarf. Voila. You have a laundry bag. Note: This might not be the best option if you have wet dirty clothes.
5. Make It Part of Your Style
Scarves are so versatile that they can be worn any time of the day. You can wear your scarf as a belt, a head scarf, or a ribbon. Some people even wear their scarves as tube tops, skirts, and dresses.
The classic way to wear your scarf is around your neck and such never goes out of style. Really, you cannot go wrong with a scarf. Don’t have space in the bag for your scarf? Wear it – why add more weight to your bag, right?
6. Turn Your Scarf Into a Bunk Bed Curtain
Staying in a hostel? You can add a bit of privacy to your stay by hanging a scarf to your bunk bed if you’re on the bottom deck of the bed. The scarf might not offer full coverage, but it’s better than having an exposed sight of your bed when you sleep or changing clothes.
Fortunately, many hostels today offer bunk beds with curtains, but if yours don’t, your scarf will come in handy.
7. Place It on Your Eyes as an Eye Cover
Yes, you can turn your scarf into an eye cover, especially when you need to rest on planes or buses.
This tip will also come in handy in hostels. If you’ve stayed in hostels before, you’d know how annoying it can be when roommates have the lights on when you’re trying to sleep. If you can’t turn your scarf into a bunk bed curtain, turn it into an eye cover instead. No problemo.
8. Carry Valuables or Groceries Using a Scarf
Remember how people back in the day used to carry stuff? They’d use a strong fabric to store and transport their items. You can do the same, too, with your scarf. There are many ways to turn your scarf into a bag, like turning it into a small tote bag. Here’s how to do it:
- Fold your scarf in half.
- Tie a knot in every corner – 4 corners in total. Now you have two knots.
- Make another knot on each knot. Doing so will secure the final knots.
Voila. You have a bag now. Be sure not to tie it too tight. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to access your things. Another popular way is to turn the scarf into a Furoshiki bag, which you can use to carry your lunchbox or groceries.
9. Make Your Scarf a Picnic or Beach Cloth
No sitting mat for a picnic or the beach? You can always use a scarf instead. Any scarf will do, but I tend to avoid scarves that catch sand easily, like a wool scarf. I find smooth and lightweight scarves are better in this scenario.
10. Use It as a Fever Cloth and Temporary Wound Dressing
Getting sick on the road is inevitable sometimes. Nobody likes to catch a fever while travelling, but it happens. A scarf can act as a fever cloth if other options aren’t available. Alternatively, you can rely on a small handkerchief or T-shirt to do the job. Note: A scarf can also act as a handkerchief.
A scarf will also come in handy when you injure yourself. You can use your scarf as a temporary wound dressing. This might not be ideal if it’s your favourite scarf. Blood stains are difficult to remove. So, if you ever need to use your favourite scarf as a temporary wound dressing, chances are some of the blood stains might stick. Don’t waste time washing the scarf; old blood stains are the toughest to remove.
Other Creative Ways To Make Use of a Scarf
By now you already know how versatile scarves are. The above are some of the best ways to make use of your scarf while travelling. Your scarf can also act as a:
- sarong
- self-defence weapon (I’ll leave that to your imagination.)
- pot holder
- neck pillow (This is a reasonable alternative to your regular travel neck pillow.)
- napkin, cordage
- water filter
- signal flag
- Trail marks (You can cut one into small pieces to make trails in the woods.)
- Torch (If it’s made of cotton, you can burn it to make a torch.)
Summary
A scarf should be on your packing list. It’s so versatile you can use it in all kinds of situations, be it for fashion or something as serious as survival. One scarf is usually enough, but having two won’t hurt, preferably one light and a heavy one. Scarves are available in natural and synthetic fibres. Make sure to pick the right fabric to suit your travel needs.
