The next time you are packing for a trip, whether it is for an adventure-backpacking trip to the jungles of Panama or for a weekend in New York , consider our list of can't do without these items:
Expandable clothesline and clothespins These are handy after you have hand-washed your clothes in the river or hotel sink.
Paperback book A book will help pass the time on a long plane trip or a wait in a customs line.
Small hotel-size shampoo bottle Shampoo is actually a mild detergent, handy for washing your hair, of course, but also for washing your clothes.
Travel alarm clock Don't depend on wake-up calls or a hotel clock to keep you from an important meeting time.
Small flashlight You never know when a flashlight will come in handy. Even five-star hotels have been known to lose power at times. Invaluable for snake spotting at night in the woods!
Zippered plastic bags These are so handy for storing a number of things: snacks, dirty clothes, wet clothes, small items that would get lost in your bag, like pens, tape, and your expandable clothesline and clothespins!
Guidebook There are many great guidebooks that range from guides for students on a shoestring budget to guides on shopping for fine antiques in Italy . Take advantage of available research to obtain general background knowledge of your destination.
Backpack Backpacks are versatile, easy to carry, and have enough style variations to appeal to all ages and sexes. They hold a lot of your essential items!
Packing cubes Packing cubes are zippered nylon bags that are great for organizing your packed items. You can squeeze the air out of the packed cubes, conserving space in your bag.
Bubble wrap and tape Keep a few feet of small-sized bubble wrap in your bag for wrapping breakable souvenirs you pick up along the way.