What to pack before a trip

The trip to packing is anticipation with reservation. You need to anticipate almost all occurrences on your upcoming trip and then decide what is really important to be prepared for. Everyone ends up overpacking. And we’ve all read the advice about packing everything and then taking out half, but who really follows it? What we need to know is what will keep us upright on our trip. What are the essentials?

There are the common sense things – it might be too sunny, so I’ll bring sunscreen or I’ll be there seven nights so I’ll back the same number of underwear. Hopefully, you can cover the mundane on your own. But there are always those other things that you might not think of but will keep you sane on your trip. Here are a few things that save me while I’m on the road.

Wet ones – can’t tell you how many unspeakable things these have wiped from my hands when there were no sinks or soap for miles. Pack plenty, they’re small. Put them in every pocket of every jacket you have. The minute you leave them at the hotel you’ll need them.

Anti-bacterial gel – ditto. A lot of the challenge of traveling is staying healthy. While I don’t expect or want you to run around spraying down every surface/person/area with Lysol, a little germ-killing action can keep you in good health.

Imodium – After your first bout of food poisoning or stomach flu while you’re traveling, imodium will be one of the first things you pack before you go away. You want to be able to see as much and do as much as possible while you’re lucky enough to be away. This will help. And at some point or another, you will need it.

Pocket tissues – aside from wiping your nose, they are a great substitute when toilet paper is nowhere to be found.

Collapsible bags – you need two different kinds of these. One to carry around during the day so when you inevitably buy seven too many things you can put all of your goodies in the bag. The other is a collapsible duffle bag, which will allow you to take all your goodies home without having to buy another bag off the street.

Journal – even if you don’t like writing, bring a small journal. Write down all of your favorite wines and meals, because even though you’re sure you’ll never forget, you will. The same goes for moments in time, museums, beaches, people you meet. Even one phrase will jog your memory years down the road.

Skin-so-soft – this is my doubly duty travel buddy. It acts as a lotion and a bug repellent. And it smells nice.

Things I always bring that I’ve never needed

First aid kit – it seems like a smart idea, and I actually still think it is, but I’ve never needed the gauze and ammonia. I’m not complaining, it’s a good thing.

Rain ponchos – I’ve had these for years. They never actually make it out of my suitcase, so I end up getting rained on. Thus far, I have survived getting wet every time it’s happened.

The shoe shining cloth I took from that fancy hotel – never used it. Never, ever used it but can’t stop myself from taking it every time.