- Back pack
- Day packs
- Camera and accessories; extra battery, memory card, battery charger
- Water bottle
- Notebook or journal
- Pens…plural
- Notebook or tablet computer and charger
- Reading material
- Maps
- Translation dictionary or app on your phone
- Rubber bands
- Resealable bags
- Duct tape
- Cell phone and charger
- Extra glasses or contact lens
- Foldable, reusable bags
- Compression bags
- Laundry bag
- Extra memory card
Most of these things, I pack. Again, in small quantities. Some are must-have items. You’ll figure out which ones are yours. Keep in mind, they may differ depending upon the trip you’re taking. That’s the beauty of this list.
Compression bags are perfect for consolidating less-needed items, or even dirty laundry. Don’t have compression bags? Use large re-sealable bags. After you put your things in the bag, close it part way, and squish out as much air as you can. Then, finish sealing it.
If you use a resealable bag for each charger and label the bag, you’ll know exactly what goes with what device. If all your devices take the same charger, it’s still handy to have it in its own bag. In your hotel room, put the empty bag by your glasses, phone, or something else you know you won’t forget. That will remind you of the charger sitting in an outlet across the room or behind the desk lamp.
Trying to figure out how to pack your shoes? You may need to take a nice pair and don’t want them scuffed up in your suitcase. Or, you may need to bring home some sandy ones after a day at the beach. Use a disposable shower cap. The elastic edge helps hold the shoes in and the plastic keeps them away from other clothes. In fact, I keep one from a hotel in my suitcase.
Wondering why you need to pack some of these things?