The top 10 items that we never leave home without. These, of course, are not all-inclusive and we make some adjustments based on location, style and duration of our travels.
- 550 cord or parachute cord – This is probably the most used item in our bags. Need a cloths line? Have wet shoes you need to tie onto the back of your bag? Need to tie a door shut when the lock is broken? Parachute cord handles it all in an instant.
- Sarong – This is our blanket on a cold train, a beach towel, a bathing suit cover-up, an extra sheet on the bed, modesty cover-up in a temple, scarf, tablecloth, and our towels when they are not provided.
- Handkerchief – This is our napkin, luncheon tablecloth, wipe for our foreheads when it is hot and yes we can even use it to blow our noses.
- Games – We bring dice and 2 decks of cards. For relaxation after a long day or to spend time as we wait for the next flight, bus or train.
- Tervis Cups – These are our coffee cups, water bottles, wine glasses, soup bowls and hold anything else liquid – hot or cold.
- Zip Lock Bags – Both sandwich and gallon sized. it’s great for packing a lunch just like at home, keeping things fresh and bug free.
- Swiss Army Knife – The Swiss know how to make them: A wine opener, scissors, a knife, screwdriver and everything in-between – this is defiantly a must.
- Medication and Allergy list – You never know when something can happen and having a list of what medications you are taking and why can literally be a life saver. And don’t forget to include a list of anything you are allergic to.
- Shopping bag – For the local market, a lunch bag or as an carry-on when you reach your weight limit on a flight. You will always find a use for it.
- Flashlight or headlamps – Not every place has great lighting… some have no electric at all. When reading maps on a dark street, locating a book a night train, for an adventurous cave exploration or sometimes even finding the bathroom, you need a little extra light.