I travel a lot, for business and for pleasure. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a list of little things, not obvious ones, that improve my travel experience to a disproportionate degree. I’m not talking band-aids and nail scissors, though those things are important, too. I mean the “duh, why didn’t I think of that?!” things. Here are a few of mine - I’d love to hear yours!
at least one bandanna or cloth napkin. You never know when something will spill, or there won’t be any tissues, or you’re suddenly dripping sweat. I travel with 2-3 and wash one out almost every night. Yesterday in Hong Kong I used one as a bib when we stopped for noodle soup and I didn’t want to splash on my nice top.
empty plastic baggies. These have saved me mess and hassle on so many occasions when toiletries have exploded or something gets soaked and there’s no time to dry it out.
a few sets of plastic utensils or disposable chopsticks. We always end up using these, and sometimes need to reload during a trip.
a small pair of binoculars. I was gifted a pair and was astounded how much fun it was to have them along for scenic vistas or hotel room views over a city.
a cable to connect the phone to the car stereo. Yes, I’m sure this one is obvious to many younger people, but it was new for me when my husband first did it. It’s such a delight to have our own music on long drives. I know it’s possible to pair via Bluetooth - this is more reliable.
a little bag of good sea salt, like Maldon.
(edited to include this) a little notebook. So much easier than jotting things down on the back of receipts or scraps and not knowing which pocket they got stuffed in.
That’s a few favorites. We also have kitchen kit we travel with when going to AirBnB’s (why is there NEVER a decent vegetable peeler or a rubber spatula?), and of course we bring stems and corkscrews and booze. But those can go in another thread.
Multi plug unit - so one converter can equal 3 plugs and 2 usb chargers
Zip lock bags - useful in many places. Much like Sarah’s empty plastic bag basically, but with a seal
When I used to travel a ton for work but had to fly economic, I had an inflatable seat air mattress which made the seat much more comfortable. But overkill if u aren’t flying all the time
This is a great idea, but when you forget your binder clip, steal your significant others plastic hair thingy…not sure what it’s called, but same concept as the binder clip.
I always travel with a monopole ahso wine opening. it has no knife TSA and screening never stops me.
Large gallon size zip lock bags are great to have.
I travel intl for business a lot. The best thing has been a multi-plug adapter - 2 outlets and 2 USB - with a set of changeable prongs so I never have to worry about what country takes what plug. Also helps coworkers who forget adapters. Also have taken a few of the amenity kit bags and they are useful for storing cords/toiletries/etc.
Also APEC card and Global Entry make all the difference when traveling to and from Asia when clearing customs in and out of all participating countries. My wait has never been more than 5-10 min. Just need for Europe to get on board with something.