More Important Packing Tips

Just when you think you know it all...never leave home without...

Brought to you by the Gutsy Traveler, Marybeth Bond, who's packed for travel to over 100 countries.

It seems like every time I visit a new country I discover something I forgot or “should have packed.” For example:

Duct Tape. May seem silly but comes to the rescue if a strap on a sandal snaps, a purse handle or backpack strap breaks, or luggage gets ripped.

A large safety pin or a clothespin to fully close the hotel drapes. To help you sleep for an extra hour after early morning sunshine illuminates your room.

A bathing suit. You never know when there will be a Jacuzzi or roof-top pool you wish you could have used.

A rubber door stopper. Regardless of the hotel ranking, many doors do not have security locks. Many hotel rooms have doors to adjoining rooms and they are not always locked or secure. Play it safe and kick that door stopper under the door.

Moleskin (cut in small squares) and Band-Aids. Pack a few in your wallet. Walking on a hot day with sweaty feet can cause hot spots or blisters even when you’re wearing your most comfortable shoes.

Umbrella, raincoat, sunscreen. Check the weather for your destination and pack layers, umbrella, sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen.

HARD TO REPLACE ESSENTIALS

Zip lock bags to keep wet bathing suits separate from clean clothes, to keep shampoo or liquids that may leak separate from clothing, and clean and dirty underwear organized. Reading glasses

Individually wrapped nail polish remover pads

Band Aids, moleskin

Dental floss

Q-tips

Silicon ear plugs

Over the counter sleep aids

One dollar bills for tipping

Hand Sanitizer

International toll-free 800 numbers for your credit cards in case of theft