Of all the surprising items to pack when you travel, a drinking straw has to sound the weirdest! But pack one or two to spare you from damaged jewelry, knotted chains, and frustration.
Slip one end of your necklaces and bracelets into a length of plastic drinking straw, then fasten the catch. They will not scratch or tangle. You only need a piece of straw about one-third the length of your necklace or bracelet, so one straw may suffice for several pieces. For fine chains, you can often slip two into one section of a straw, and the two necklaces still will not tangle and knot up. Pendants on your chains, of course, remain outside the straw, so no problem there.
I've found the best straws at (of all places) MacDonald's and Wendy's. Since they serve thick shakes and Frosties, their straws have a larger diameter than those from, say, KFC. Perfectly adequate to hold a nice thick rope-style chain necklace. And they are plastic straws, so these can last for ages. You can easily cut a convenient length with manicure scissors or whatever is handy.
When you take off your jewelry, slip chain end into a short piece of straw, fasten the catch, and put away in your jewelry roll. Keeps your precious possessions safe. Without adding any weight or bulk to your baggage. (Mine's usually overstuffed to begin with!)
Pick up a spare straw next time you treat yourself to a shake or soda, and stash that straw in your luggage, ready for your next episode of pack-and-takeoff.
May your road rise up to meet you!
Ann
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