Twelve Unbelievably Useful Things To Pack

This is an old list compiled from my travels across Europe in 2003. I was reminded of it in New York because I forgot to pack both a compass and an umbrella, and sorely regretted the lack of both. I have also updated the list with two new entries, both of which are relatively recent necessities.

1) Travel Towel
Because chances are, you will stay somewhere that has no towels. Weighs nothing, and dries in no time flat.

2) Clothesline
After a few uncomfortable days with no clean socks, you've just managed to wash a load of sweet, fresh laundry. Now what?

3) Compass
It is conjectured that birds navigate by small magnetic particles housed inside their brains. Matt Salganik has no such particles, and it would behoove you to carry one of these when traveling with him.

4) Eyeshade
After a late night, harsh morning light can put a damper upon your intentions of sleeping until the crack of noon.

5) Ear Plugs
These not only provide good snore protection, but also shield you from the living room traffic when you're sleeping on the couch.

6) Student Id Card or Reasonable Fake
Student discounts are omnipresent in Europe (and New York). If you're like me, and got carded going into 8 Mile, consider faking one.

7) Flip Flops
Perfect for lounging around the hostel and protecting your feet from the organic laboratory known as the shower floor.

8) Small Umbrella
Because it's northern Europe (or New York), not southern California, and it will, in fact, rain. Often.

9) Garbage Bag
Whether it's shielding you from rain, holding your laundry, or choking small infants, the uses are endless.

10) Ziplock Bags
Anal retentive people will need to sort and protect various items as they go, and these do the job nicely.

11) Food for the Plane
Your layover is thirty minutes, but the flight was delayed by twenty. You haven't eaten in four hours. They don't serve food in coach anymore. The next leg of your flight is three hours long. Welcome to hell.

12) Ultralight Crushable Daypack
Stuff one, in your suitcase, and then instantly double your cargo capacity when you discover you've bought way too many books at the Strand. Doubles as a laundry bag and a manpurse. Bonus: pesky attendants won't confiscate this from you on a crowded flight and check it, because you can stow it under a seat.