1. Travel Journal – I so badly want to be the kind of person who scribbles down little notes as I go so I can remember all the little things I will forget. But usually I write a bit on the first flight of the trip and then it lies abandoned.

2. Extra Clothing – Every trip I take, I am determined to pack lighter than before. Each time I get out the bare minimum of changes of clothes, but then I can’t resist adding one extra “just in case”. I often come home from a trip with a few pieces that were never worn.
3. A Book – “I’ll have lots of time to sit and be bored while we travel,” I think as I grab a book or two I’ve been wanting to read. Turns out I always forget about the people watching to be had, conversations that pop up, last minute research/bookings to do, and other things that fill the time while my book only makes itself known by the extra weight in my backpack. However, when I don’t take a book, I wish I had one.
4. Baby Wipes – It seems America is the most generous of countries as far as handing out napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper. We have been quite a few situations where all of these are hard to come by. Wipes to the rescue!

5. Umbrella – I love my little umbrella and am always hoping it rains so I get to use it. However, it doesn’t seem to rain very often which sadly makes this one of the lesser used items on the list. However, on the rare occasions when I do get to use it, it has been a joy!

6. Poo-Pourri – Because no one needs to know what they don’t need to know.
7. Herbal Tea – (in individually wrapped tea bags) – I don’t drink much coffee or black tea, but one of my favorite comforts is a lukewarm cup of herbal tea. On planes, in airports, or in our accommodations, hot water is typically readily available. Pop a tea bag in, and enjoy a lovely caffeine free hot drink!

8. Water Bottle – I prefer a no-straw water bottle since I won’t be washing it frequently. I love glass water bottles, but I’ve broken too many (even in silicone sleeves) to justify buying those anymore. I also like when they have a handle and they fit in my backpack pocket. My current water bottle fits all the criteria. I also love these for clipping my water bottle onto my backpack straps so it hangs at my side.
9. Lip Balm (in every pocket) – I am not good at remembering which pocket I put my lip balm in, so I have one in every jacket and coat pocket, as well as in each wallet, backpack, and bag that I take. It sounds excessive but I’ve never regretted it.
10. Battery Pack – Using maps, taking pictures, and being in cold weather all deplete your phone’s battery quickly. My phone is pretty old to begin with, so my battery pack is the one item I would take even if I left the other nine at home!

I hope this list inspires you to leave one more item at home next time you travel, as well as take one more essential one. Happy traveling!

x

Ella