The Sarong: Your Perfected Travel Companion
Packing for a tropical vacation or cruise can be an overwhelming intellectualism. It’s commonly difficult to pare down exactly what you will need for any occasion that may arise during your travels. Airlines are heavily restricting the weight of luggage and adding a hefty fee for additional baggage. Is there one single item you can pack that is multi functional? Enter the sarong.

A sarong is defined as a garment consisting of a length of printed or solid colored fabric that is worn around the waist by women and men. Traditionally the sarong is made of proven materials like cotton as it is breathable and light.

 Sarongs are widespread in the Northeast part of India, the South Indian state of Manipur, where they are called Phanek, in Kerala, where they are called mundu, as well as in Tamil Nadu, where they are called Sarem or Veshti, or Lungi (worn by Muslims) and are usually worn at home. In Cambodia it is known as sampot suhrong, or simply suhrong. Javanese men often wear sarongs during religious or casual occasions. Here is a photo of sarongs being worn in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.A sarong or sarung (pronounced ['sa? In India similar articles of clothing are the [phanek] in Manipur, dhoti (or dhuti in West Bengali, vertti in Tamil, pancha in Telugu,panche in Kannada and Mundu in Malayalam). In Tonga it is known as tupenu.

Normally the sarong is thought of as bathing suit cover up and it seriously serves that purpose well. What is more exotic than a exquisite piece of fabric worn over a swimsuit while sitting poolside to the pool ship sailing through the open seas? Not only will you look aesthetically appealing, your skin will be protected from the sun.

For painless day trips a sarong works well as a skirt and looks stylish with a tank top and sandals. It also transitions with ease for evening events by easily adding a broach or jeweled pin where the sarong is knotted and pairing it with a fantastic pair of shoes. After a long day in the sun a sarong makes a beautiful shawl to wrap around your shoulders or can look incredibly chic as a headscarf.

Should you visit a locale that requires women to have their legs, arms or head covered a neutral colored sarong would be an best solution to honor the culture. Male stars who wore the manly sarongs on film include Jon Hall, Ray Milland, Tyrone Power, Robert Preston, Sabu Dastagir and Ralph Fiennes in The Constant Gardener (film). The sarong is common wear for women, in formal settings with a kebaya blouse. In fact, Lamour was nicknamed "The Sarong Girl" by the press and even wore a sarong on occasion in more traditional films. In Saudi Arabia, they are known as Izaar.

While the sarong is altogether thought of as a fashion piece its uses are almost endless. Avoid carrying thick and heavy towels to the beach or pool and use your sarong to lounge on. If you are in need of extra privacy a sarong is useful as a curtain or room divider if you are sharing accommodations. Hotel sheets can usually be uncomfortable; use your sarong for a bed sheet instead. Ditch the bulky bathrobe and use your sarong post shower. If you are planning a romantic picnic on the beach a sarong makes for a exquisite tablecloth.

Due to their light nature a sarong dries quickly and can be easily washed out in a small sink with a mild detergent or shampoo. They pack in a very compact manner and can be used to protect fragile items you choose up on your travels.

Sarong wraps are charming, versatile, inexpensive and for your next tropical vacation or cruise, the must have travel companion.