From the Beach to the Train: Why a Travel Towel Is the Most Versatile Thing in Your Backpack

When you’re travelling with limited space — especially in Europe or Southeast Asia — every item you pack has to pull its weight. If something only serves one purpose, it better be essential. Otherwise? It doesn’t make the cut.

That’s exactly why I swear by a travel towel. Not just for drying off after a swim, but for about a million other situations I didn’t even think of when I first started backpacking. It’s one of those things that, once you’ve travelled with it, you can’t believe you ever went without.

And no, I’m not talking about those bulky hotel-style towels that take up half your suitcase and stay damp for three days. I’m talking about a quick dry towel made for people like us — travellers who need light, fast-drying, compact gear that actually works.

It’s Your Beach Blanket, Shower Towel, and Picnic Rug — All in One

Obvious first use: the beach. I always pack my sand free beach towel for swim days in Positano, island hopping in Croatia, or catching rays in Barcelona. But here’s the thing: most beaches in Europe aren’t soft and sandy. We’re talking pebbles, rocky ledges, and dry patches of dirt under olive trees. So your towel has to do more than dry you off — it’s your seat, your sun shield, your beach mat.

And then the next day? I’ll roll it up, clip it to my backpack, and use it as a picnic rug in the park or something to sit on during a long train ride when I don’t want to stick to the plastic seat.

I've even used my towel as a light blanket on buses when the air-con is set to Arctic or as a pillow on overnight ferries. One time I folded it up and stuffed it inside a dodgy hostel pillowcase just to make the bed feel a bit more like home.

It Dries Fast (Like, Really Fast)

Let’s talk about the drying situation. When you’re constantly on the move, staying in places where the only place to hang your stuff is the foot of your bed or a railing on the balcony, your towel needs to dry quickly. Not overnight-if-you’re-lucky quick. I mean within a few hours.

That’s why I designed the Nomadique quick dry towel — and it delivers. I can use it in the morning, hang it over my pack or from a bunk bed, and by the time I’m packing up to check out, it’s bone dry and ready to roll.

No gross damp smell. No mouldy backpack. Just easy, breezy, always-fresh towel energy.

The Hidden Pocket Makes It Even More Useful

My favourite feature? The pocket.

I never travel without my beach towel with pocket now, because that tiny zipped section has saved me so many times. I’ll tuck in my hostel key, a bit of cash, or even my AirPods when I’m heading out for a swim or a shower. It’s peace of mind without having to carry a full bag.

I’ve also used the pocket to stash receipts, train tickets, even a lip balm that kept rolling out of my toiletry bag. It just makes sense — your towel’s already coming with you, why not make it work a little harder?

A Few Unexpected Ways I’ve Used It

Okay, this is where it gets real. Over the years, my towel has been:

• A sarong when I forgot to bring pants for a temple visit
  
  

• A privacy curtain in a dorm bed (looped it up using the corner ties)
  
  

• A camera lens cleaner (yep, it’s that soft)
  
  

• A yoga mat substitute in a park in Nice
  
  

• A tablecloth at a train station when I was sick of eating lunch on my lap
  
  

• A way to dry laundry faster by rolling clothes inside and pressing out water
  
  

It’s honestly kind of hilarious how useful it’s been — and how many people have said “Wait… I should’ve packed one of those.”

TL;DR: It’s Worth the Space. Every Time.

If you're deciding between that extra pair of jeans or something that will help you dry off, keep your gear safe, and double as a picnic blanket? Always pick the travel towel.

It’s light, compact, easy to clean, fast-drying, and genuinely one of the most useful things you’ll ever put in your pack. Especially if it’s a sand free beach towel with pocket, because once you’ve got that combo, you’re golden.

And if you're still hunting for the perfect one — yep, you guessed it. I’ve already made it 😉