The 10 Most Important Items to Pack

In my opinion, there are ten items that are essential, no matter what trip you are going on. You cannot forget! This list is in no particular order. Also, I would like to mention that I am not being paid or encouraged to vouch for or endorse any products. 
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1. Plug adapter​​​​
If you plan on taking any pictures during your trip, you will have to charge your camera. Well if you do not buy the proper adapter, you will be out of luck, unable to charge any electronics. I use a universal adapter. 

I/O Magic I016W01RU2B World Travel Power Adapter

2. Toilet paper 
Those who aren't used to packing minimally might think this is a bit comical. However, this is one of the most used items for those who bring it. Many restrooms aren't "western" which means a) there might not be a toilet (the kind we know, that we sit on), b) there might not be toilet paper, and c) you probably have to pay to go. For most "pay to go" places, you actually have to pay extra for toilet paper. Honestly, beyond the conventional use, toilet paper can be used for spills, tissues, cleaning equipment, or even for first-aid purposes. 

3. Hawaiian Tropic™ Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion 
I fell into this product before my first solo trip to a small island off the coast of Panama. This lotion is perfect if you are going to a tropical location or plan on getting a lot of sun. Of course before going out to the beach, you would put on sunscreen. But unless you are living on a timer and are continuously reapplying it, you are almost always going to get a little bit more sun than you were anticipating. This lotion is perfect after a long day outside. When travelling, I apply it every night after I shower. It's a great product for re-hydrating your skin. And because it has aloe, it also soothes any sunburns you might have acquired. 

4. Combination lock
A combination lock is essential for international travel. A good rule of thumb is to have one lock per bag you carry. In my case, I travel with a 55L backpack, a 15L daypack, and a purse. So therefore, I carry three locks with me. Combination locks are great for overnight (while you sleep), during the day (if you want to leave any bags behind in your hostel/hotel), and during actual travel (during flights/ferries/trains/taxis/buses/combis). To use them the best, lock the zippers together on your bags. Even when you are walking around the city, you can trust your bag on your back securely locked (instead of wearing it on your front).  Obviously, you can also use your combination lock to secure belongings in lockers. 

GoTravel Combination Lock

5. PacSafe products (backpack/daypack/purse)
It is impossible to put into words how invaluable these products are. If I got a dollar every time someone told me they were pick-pocketed, got their bag slashed or stolen, or told me their phone, wallet, passport, camera, or credit cards just "disappeared in thin air," I would seriously be rich. You wouldn't believe how many people actually encounter theft on their trips. PacSafe products keep your valuables unbelievably safe. PacSafe is known for their bags being completely wired and lined with steel and their incredible smart zipper technology. When used properly, these features alone prevent slashings, stabbings, and pick-pocketing. They hand wash pretty easily and dry quickly. These products are definitely investments, at over $100 for a purse. However, when you think about all of the money that these will save you, they are definitely worth every penny. (I own all three of the products below).  

PacSafe Venturesafe™ 55L GII (W) anti-theft travel pack

PacSafe Venturesafe™ 15L GII anti-theft day pack

PacSafe CitySafe™ CS75

6. Land & Sea Shoes
These shoes are amazing! FitKicks have become my go-to everyday shoe. You can literally do almost anything in them. They are quick-drying. You can use them dry or wet. But why are land and sea shoes so important? Well in place of flip-flops, sandals, shower shoes, dancing/clubbing shoes, or an extra pair of walking shoes, these bad boys do it all! They almost feel like you are walking barefoot, but have a think layer of protection on the bottom. They are super comfortable. I think they are most comfortable worn without socks, but you could wear them with socks if you preferred. Having a versatile pair of shoes, like FitKicks, saves up some room in your suitcase/backpack. Instead of needing to pack six pairs of shoes, you only really need two, FitKicks and a pair of sneakers you can hike in. If you are into other sports like rock climbing or scuba diving, you will of course need to pack the shoes for that. (For me, I pack an extra pair of shoes for scuba diving. I always bring my ScubaPro 5mm boots which slide into my open-heel fins.) Generally speaking though, you only need to pack two pairs of shoes, "land & sea" shoes and a comfortable pair of sneakers. 

FitKicks

7. Waterproof camera
A waterproof camera is so important for extended travel. Cell phones (especially smart phones) are major targets for theft. The less you can pull your phone out, the better, and safer! I especially like this model because it is waterproof (up to 10 m/33 ft), shockproof (up to 1.5 m/5 ft), dust-proof, and freeze-proof (up to -10 degrees Celsius/14 degrees Fahrenheit. For those who are into scuba diving, a GoPro with the standard housing is quite nice too (which is waterproof up to 40 m/131 ft). 

Fujifilm FinePix XP70 Digital Camera (Blue)

8. Money belt/security pouch
Money belts are especially handy if you plan on carrying lump sums of cash. Doing so can save you a lot of money from having to constantly pay a percentage of your withdrawals at an ATM (usually 3%) or a percentage on your credit cards (usually 10%). In addition, money belts are most useful when in transition, for example: going from the airport to the hostel, or from the hostel to the next town. There are some people however who wear their money belts 24 hours a day, even sleeping with them. Usually when I travel, I keep my "extra" credit cards and 85% of my cash in my money belt. Because I use a PacSafe purse, I have no problem keeping my passport, a credit card, and some cash in my bag. 
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***TIP FOR MONEY*** To get the best prices when negotiating, have smaller bills in hand. It is much easier to negotiate for a $5 scarf, when "all you have is $5" and you aren't paying with a $50 bill. 

Lewis N. Clark Deluxe Waist Stash

9. Anti-diarrhea/anti-nausea medication
Believe it or not, most people experience gastrointestinal problems when abroad at one point within their stay. You would much rather have medication and never use it, then need it and not have it. 

***TIP FOR FOOD SAFETY***
Unless you have an iron stomach, you should practice some precaution when deciding what to eat. I came up with a little riddle to remind you of this good rule of thumb---
If you are eating on the street (like off a street cart, a Nana selling something out of a bucket, or something brown on a stick), follow this rule. 
                                                     If it's sweet, it's good to eat.
                                                 If it's meat, leave it on the street. 
This rule isn't foolproof, but it works most of the time. So for example, if you were having to choose between an apple empañada or a ham empañada, go for the apple. Meat sitting out at improper temperatures is far more likely to give you trouble than a fruit, vegetable, or little dessert would. 

10. Journal 
Journals are so very helpful and needed when travelling. It's pretty helpful to have something to keep/record any reservations, like flights or hostel/hotel accommodations. Having a journal allows you some special opportunities. You can write down key phrases for your destination country. Especially if you are in an emergency situation, knowing some key phrases could be the difference between saving someone's life. You can also use it to write down people's information, like Facebook or WhatsApp. Because you won't be pulling out your phone very much, a journal is a good alternative. And of course, a journal functions as a way for you to document your experiences and places you have been.