18 Nifty Ways To Use A Scarf When Traveling

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It’s all about the scarf today!

When traveling, three main concerns dominate your experience.

First, you want to have everything you need, and not feel like you’re roughing it, (too much, at least.)

Secondly, you don’t want to be weighed down by a 100 pounds of stuff that you may or may not need.

Thirdly, you’ll want to look and feel great, because, duh.

The humble scarf makes a perfect companion for your travels. It requires minimal space in your carry on, and not to mention it multitasks like a #girlboss.

I’ll never travel without one, (or two,) and after reading about this, neither will you! Today I’m showing you 18 of my favorite ways to use scarves when I’m on the go.

Let the games begin.

As a scarf, obviously

We all know what scarves are for, right? Pack a scarf to keep your neck warm, and for adding flair to basic outfits. Carry multiple scarves to make multiple outfits out of your basic clothes.

So many possibilities, and we haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet.

Lightweight blanket

It’s no secret that airplanes really embrace the cold. Fun fact- It’s actually even colder if you’re seated near an exit, as the seals aren’t completely airtight, and the air outside is well below 0 degrees.

Use your scarf as a cover for your legs, arms, or any other chilly body part. Hey, anything helps.

A convenient pillow

Whether it’s a quick nap at the airport, or a snooze in the park, folding up your scarf makes for a convenient and comfy pillow.

Forgot your neck pillow? Roll up your scarf and place it on top of your shoulder, making sure it sits flush against your neck. This way, you’ll prevent it from falling off your shoulder, and you’ll have some additional neck support.

Cozy shoulder wrap

When you want to look great for a night on the town, you probably won’t want to wear your daytime “adventuring” jacket.

Instead, wrap a larger scarf around your shoulders, and tie a little bow in the front. Arrange the loose ends into a pretty drape, and you’ll be stylish and warm.

One of my favorites —  Anboor Super Soft Cashmere Blanket Scarf >> Purchase on Amazon

Wrap it as a belt

Change up the look of your dress by tying a fun colored (or pattered) scarf around your waist.

If you have a skinny scarf handy, try pulling it through your belt loops and securing with a bow. Cute and functional.

Swimsuit cover up

Swimsuit cover-ups are one-trick ponies. They’re often see-through, so you can’t wear them anywhere but the beach or pool. Well, unless you’re Kendall Jenner, but this girl ‘aint that confident.

Save space and leave those cover ups home.

Tie your scarf around your hips for a bit of cover, or wrap a larger scarf around your chest for a strapless dress style.

A fun little skirt

While we’re on the subject of clothing, throw on a scarf over your bikini bottoms or workout shorts for a cute vacation style upgrade.

A breezy shirt

Plenty of tutorials exist on Pinterest showing you how to turn your scarf into a cute, breezy halter top, tube top, and more.

Bonus! Come and see my personal collection of scarf-related inspiration on my Fashion Scarves Pinterest board! 

On-the-go picnic blanket

Picnic blanket, beach throw, you name it, the scarf can do it. Protect your clothes from the ground by using your scarf as a mini seat. It’s not a job for your favorite scarf, though I’m sure you have at least one that will be honored to keep you clean and cool.

One of my favorites — Plaid Blanket Scarf Women >> Purchase on Amazon

Tie it into a mini-bag

If you ever find yourself in need of an extra hand, try tying a scarf into a mini hobo bag. Simply gather up the corners, tie a few knots, and you’ll be carrying your farmer’s market goodies in no time.

A decorative table cloth

Perhaps that picnic table isn’t the cleanest, or that folding card table isn’t the most romantic. Toss a scarf over the surface to provide a clean and pretty surface for a relaxing meal.

Emergency curtain

Sometimes the sun is annoying. She doesn’t stop for anybody.

Whether you need to cover a window at an AirBnB, or shield yourself from the sun while riding in a car, your trusty scarf friend has your back.

Shade your eyes

On that note, perhaps all you want is some shut-eye in the dark. If no eye mask is available, tying a scarf around your head works just as well. Perfect for airplanes, trains, or bright hotel rooms.

Cover your head

The photo above is somewhat a joke, but part of me is being completely serious. When you’re packed in a flying tube with hundreds of other people, and the person next to you is all of 2 inches away, all you want is a bit of privacy.

Toss a scarf over your head. Yes, you may look slightly ridiculous, but you’ll have your own little bubble.

One of my favorites — Freedi Winter Women Long Scarf >> Purchase on Amazon

A makeshift lanyard

Simply loop whatever items you need to carry onto the scarf, then tie the ends together, and hang it around your neck. Adjust the length as needed.

Great for keys, cameras, and more.

A towel

Hopefully it doesn’t come to this, but if you ever find yourself wet, and you need to dry off, you’ll be quite glad you’ve got a piece of absorbent fabric that is not the outfit you’re currently wearing.

Decorate your boring luggage

Luggage winds up lost regardless of the tender, loving care given by the airlines. (Can you smell the sarcasm there?)

If you’ve got a black suitcase, (especially if you’ve got a black suitcase,) consider adding something identifiable to the outside, just in case it needs to be plucked out from a mountain of black luggage.

If that’s not reason enough, then considering doing it simply to add some flair to that boring bag of yours.

One of my favorites — Peach Couture Silk Feel Throwback Neck Scarf >> Purchase on Amazon

Identify your belongings

If you’ve ever been to Disneyland, you’ll know where I’m going with this. That sea of strollers is completely overwhelming. How will you ever find yours?

Have no fear, the scarf is here! Tie a scarf on your stroller handlebar, or anything else you may need to leave and come back to. You’ll spot in an instant, plus, stroller snatchers will be less likely to pilfer one that is obviously spoken for.

It’ll save your sanity, which will help you feel beautiful. You’ll also look beautiful, because you’ll have a smile on your face rather than a frantic scowl. It works out.

That’s all for today!

Try out these ideas on your next trip, and let me know how it goes. Did you pack less stuff? For additional inspiration, head over to Pinterest and check out my board dedicated to helping scarf overs everywhere make the most of their scarves. Visit the board right here!

Like this post? Check out this one for more travel beauty tips >> Argan oil benefits + clever uses for when you’re on the go

If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below. And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!

Till next time. ♥︎

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FTC- Not sponsored. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.