destination: anywhere

Carryon Items

Some handy items that I used a lot on my trip:

Corn bottle: This plastic bottle has a built-in filter, so you can fill it with ordinary tap water and still have filtered water. It saved me from having to buy several bottles of water every day.

Flip-flops: Essential when using communal showers.

Air-compression packing bags: I bought mine at the Rick Steves Travel Store, but you could use any air compression bags. You place your clothes in it, then roll out the extra air to make more room for packing supplies.

Extra camera batteries: I use a Canon Digital Elph SD600, and found a package of two extra lithium ion batteries with a charger that can be used in North American or European voltage. I used up all three during the two weeks.

Overland Equipment “Donner” bag: This is the ultimate travel hangbag. It has two side pockets to hold water bottles, and the front folds down to reveal lots of pockets for camera, pens, etc., and a zipper pouch. I carried a red one, and have used it also on my day trips into Washington, DC. I never felt like it was vulnerable to pickpockets.

TSA-approved combination lock: When you’re sharing sleeping quarters with strangers, you need to be careful with your stuff. Also good for locking up your stuff at the gym.

Kensington international adapter: It has plug-ins for all the different countries in one compact package. It came recommended by Berit at Trusty Pony.

Streetwise maps: These are laminated and fold easily. I had them for London, Paris and Amsterdam. I used the hell out of the London and Amsterdam ones; the Paris map was confusing and cut off part of the city. If you buy a Paris Visite pass for the Metro before you go, they send you a map that’s very good and easy to read.