ROAM IS WHERE THE HEART IS

All travelers have gear they love, and I’m certainly no exception. There are some things that just make life on the road go a little more smoothly. Here’s a list of the things that you’ll pretty much always find in my backpack.

• My number one rule is to pack each “category” of clothing in a separate compression bag. Not only will this mean no more of those pull-everything-out-to-find-that-one-shirt situations, but it also will allow you to fit more into your bag.
• You know what isn’t fun? When you come in on a late flight and you’re last to arrive at your hostel room. Your roommates are all already asleep, and you have to somehow figure out where you’ve stashed everything you need before going to bed. Enter the headlamp. Keep it in an outside pocket of your backpack so that it’s easy to find (even in the dark) and strap that baby on. You’ll be able to see (handsfree!) in no time.
• You’d be shocked at how many times I’ve used these little travel scissors I got from Canadian outdoor mecca Mountain Equipment Co-op – whether they’ve been used to cut something free, cut the foil off a bottle of wine or used to create makeshift drinking games, these are definitely a great addition to my pack.
• I’m a sucker for a dance party. I like to have portable speakers like these on-hand to turn any situation (good or bad) into a body-movin’-off-pitch-singing good time.
• Flip flops. Because lord knows what’s been on that floor.
• A great camera (I’m currently using this one). Though it’s next to impossible to bring the experience of being somewhere incredible back to share with friends and family, a good photo can try. A lesson from experience: learn how to use it before getting on the plane.
• Ziploc bags. A whole bunch of them. They have so many uses! Trust me on this one.
• Digital storage is increasingly important, especially if you plan on taking a lot of photos or are travelling for a long time. Bring a decent sized USB key with you and keep it somewhere safe.

This list is ever growing and I’ll continue to update it, but I want to know…what’s the one item you can’t travel without?