Common things you should take when you travel

Some things come with me on every trip. I always use more than one of these items and they don’t take much space, so they just live in my suitcase ready for the next trip

A few zip-lock bags in different sizes – great for that partially eaten muffin, or packs of stickers you buy, keeping liquids from leaking in your backpack, etc.

A few sheet protectors so I can carry maps of subways or the city around without wearing them out towards the end of the trip. Also very helpful in the rain and to hold any brochures/tickets/photos you want to take home and keep together.  After my Angkor Wat entry ticket got soaked in Cambodia, I now also have one that’s small for ids and things like that so I can keep those safely in the rain as well

A collection of small items in a bag.  For example: safety pins, paper clips, binder clips, twist ties, rubber bands,  a tiny stapler, post-it notes, tiny highlighters (this set you can click on is adorable and tiny), a sewing kit, and a few other items that seem can be used pretty creatively when you are in a situation without the object you really need. Click here for more info.

A mailing tube in case I buy an artwork I can roll up and get it home safely. You can also use it to store many of the items in this list to keep them together if you want.  In addition to paper artwork, this has been used to bring home a tiny glass animal I made in Thailand and other fragile items. This way I don’t have to carry all my fragile stuff on me, as it is safe in a sturdy mailing tube in my suitcase (even if I check it in).

A packet of antibacterial wet wipes. Use these to clean your area each time you are on a plane, as well as the remote and door handles wherever you are staying. Also, have hand sanitizer with you.

A couple of plastic spoons, forks, knives, napkins and individual hand washing wet wipes are also very useful.