PENNINGTON, N.J., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel supply stores have made a fortune selling things you can get for free, according to IndependentTraveler.com® (http://www.independenttraveler.com), the travel site devoted to providing tips and practical advice for travelers.

"It's easy to get seduced by fancy travel products, but you can recreate many of them at home out of things you would normally throw in the trash, from egg cartons to old pillowcases," says Sarah Schlichter, editor of IndependentTraveler.com. "And, it's not just good for your budget; it's also a great way to go green and recycle items that would normally be discarded."

So, cut costs by keeping hold of these items, found in IndependentTraveler.com's list of the Top 10 Travel Essentials You Can Find in the Trash.

Trash: Old Pillowcase

Travel Essential: Travel Laundry Bag or Shoe Bag

Don't throw away old pillowcases -- travel supply stores sell similar sacks and pouches for $10 or more. Use your old pillowcase as dirty laundry bags or shoe bags. (Secure the top with rubber bands if you want some closure.)

Trash: Old Wallet

Travel Essential: Dummy Travel Wallet

Hang on to your worn-out wallet, and use it as a decoy when you're traveling. Keep most of your money and credit cards in a second "real" wallet or money belt, and then put some small bills in the dummy wallet. If you run into thieves in a foreign land, throw the criminals your dummy wallet, and make a quick getaway.

Trash: Bubble Wrap

Travel Essential: Protective Wine Bottle Sleeve

To protect packed bottles from breakage, travel supply companies sell protective sleeves that retail for around $10, but you can easily make your own. Put a bottle of wine on that sheet of bubble wrap that has been hanging around in your closet. Fold over the bubble wrap so it covers the wine. Cut the wrap to fit the wine, and staple the side and bottom, leaving an opening at the top.

Trash: Sheet/Bedding Packaging

Travel Essential: Case Organizer

Most comforters, sheets and pillow cases are sold in sturdy, rectangular, clear, plastic casings. These casings, which are quite durable and usually have a zipper, closely resemble "packing cubes" -- zippered containers, which cost around $20 for a set and help travelers organize luggage.

Trash: Egg Carton Tray

Travel Essential: Jewelry Box/Disguise

A half-dozen egg carton tray makes a good travel jewelry box that doesn't appear enticing to thieves and protects your jewelry during your travels. The plastic container in which wet wipes are sold also makes a handy jewelry box, without the separate compartments.

Trash: Nylons

Travel Essential: Mesh Bag, Luggage Spotter, Laundry Line...

You can use old nylons to bind up a broken suitcase, to tie around your luggage for easy identification at baggage claim, to use as a laundry line in your bathroom or to use for washing delicate items (instead of a mesh bag).

Trash: Yogurt Container

Travel Essential: Tie Protector

Save $7, and make your own tie protector. Roll up a tie, and pop it in the empty pot to prevent it from getting creased in your case. Just make sure you wash the container thoroughly.

About IndependentTraveler.com

IndependentTraveler.com debuted on America Online in 1990 and quickly established its credentials as an authoritative Internet resource for objective travel information, advice, deals and trip reports written by travelers. IndependentTraveler.com was acquired by TripAdvisor®, LLC, the world's largest travel community and an operating company of Expedia, Inc., in May 2007.

Independent Traveler and the Independent Traveler logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

© 2010 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Media Contact:
    Carrie Gonzalez,
    609 730-9155 ext 231
    carriegnz@independenttraveler.com

SOURCE IndependentTraveler.com