9 Surprising Things Travel Writers Take on EVERY Trip

Obviously we have a list of important things that you'd expect us to take, maps, cameras, passports, laptops,  etc. But here's our well-honed list of little things that you might not think of that go with us whether we are are road tripping or flying to another continent:

1. Pencil & paper. Technology fails.

2. Food. Sometimes you just want a taste of home. We take snacks on airplanes and frozen steaks in our suitcases. Yes, really.

3. Zip lock bags. We take all sizes; they can be used for everything from food to leaky toiletries to vacuum packing undies when your suitcase is too full of souvenir t-shirts.

4. Clothes pins. Handiest little things ever invented. We use them on bags of chips, to keep paperwork firmly clipped together, and to actually hang wet clothes.

5. Extra car key. The ONE and only time we left home without one was in our daughter's car and guess what? Paying to get a Jeep Grand Cherokee unlocked in Dallas at 10 PM costs over $100.

6. Canvas tote bag. Perfect for shopping, grocery trips, as an airline carry-on bag, & as a picnic bag. We keep one packed with comfort items in our closet all the time.

7. 20 Ounce Styrofoam Cups with Lids. We take along one per person. Beats the heck out of those little plastic cups on airplanes and in hotels (And don't even get me started on hotels with real glasses. You don't drink from those do you?) We used to take stainless travel mugs, but learned that with a little care you can wash and re-use foam cups for up to two weeks, then just leave them behind.

8. Windbreakers. Ours have a lightweight lining inside that makes them perfect for any surprise weather event. They can even be rolled up to make good neck pillows in a pinch.

9. Sanitizing Wipies. Do we need an explanation?