5 THINGSTO ALWAYS PACK

Toilet PaperThis is one of the most important things anyone can bring on a trip, but not necessarily for the reason you’d think. Toilet paper is a travel must because it’s really more of an all-purpose tool. Yes, it comes in handy in the bathroom (especially in developing countries or restrooms that are not well-stocked) – but it will also be your savior when you have a runny nose, need to wipe down a messy table, want to create some impromptu earplugs, need to cover a wound on-the-go, or simply need a napkin during your outdoorsy picnic.

Power StripIt’s 2015. You shouldn’t have to choose between charging your laptop, phone, tablet, Kindle, camera battery, or electric toothbrush. It’s always a good idea to bring along a power strip in case you need a few more outlets. You’ll thank yourself when your hotel room has a power surge, but all your devices will be unaffected. Bonus: everyone at the airport with a drained phone battery will want to be your best friend.

Windbreak/RaincoatIf efficiency is the goal of packing, you can’t leave out the windbreaker. Not only will it keep you warm, it will protect you from rain, and it can be rolled up into a pillow for long plane, bus, or train rides. It’s a 3-in-1 jacket that you’ll find yourself using all the time.

Flip-FlopsEven if you’re travelling to the Arctic circle, it’s always a good idea to tuck a pair of sandals into your luggage (they don’t even take up that much room!). It’s a pain to have to put on socks and shoes to do things like run down to the hotel lobby or grab some ice from down the hall. Plus, they’re good to have in public spaces like showers or pools, where it’s easy to catch a funky foot fungus just by being barefoot.

Reusable &Plastic BagsReusable bags are a must for travel; they’re perfect for a daytime outing tote or little shopping bag for local farmer’s markets. Plastic bags, however, are great for the dirtier aspects of travel – namely, trash. They’re also a wonderful receptacle for transporting soaked clothes or bathing suits without getting everything else wet.