Essentials for Every Trip

Essential #1: Wet wipes. A small packet of diaper wipes or a few single-use napkins (the kind that come with chicken wing dinners) can be a lifesaver while traveling. Perfect for a quick clean-up when a restroom isn't available.

Essential #2: First Aid kit. Travel-sized first aid kits are available at many drug stores and well worth the small investment. You never know when a band-aid or antiseptic wipe will come in handy.

Essential #3: Comfortable shoes and socks. Standing in line for security, exploring a foreign city on foot-uncomfortable shoes will lead to a miserable trip. Broken-in walking shoes (not brand-new!) and padded hiking socks will help you enjoy your travels and avoid sore feet at the end of the day.

Essential #4: Sewing kit. I always seem to lose buttons while traveling. A travel-sized sewing kit with a needle, a few colors of thread, a small pair of scissors and some neutral buttons can solve a myriad of problems while on the road.

Essential #5: Medications. If you take medication daily, make certain you have more than you think you will need. A canceled flight or delay may mean you miss a dose if you don't pack extra.

Essential #6: Wrinkle-free clothing. After a red-eye flight, it helps to look less rumpled than you feel. Orvis, Towncraft, and Eddie Bauer all make wrinkle-resistant clothing that look freshly pressed right out of the suitcase and cost as little as $16.99.

Happy travels