Unless you are a road warrior — an individual who travels frequently and is often gone from home for long periods — you may not have all the nuances down pat for traveling. Sure, if you take to the air, you know that what you may bring is fairly limited unless you want to pay the exorbitant check baggage fees. No thanks!

For all other trips, what you bring is usually only limited by what you can fit in the trunk of your car or on the roof rack. But, there are more than a dozen items that you really should bring, but will either not consider or simply forget.

1. Sleeping aid. Some people travel and go to sleep anywhere and stay asleep. Many people, however, have much difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. This is when you will wish you had your favorite sleep aid with you. These include Ambien, ZZZQuil and melatonin tablets, useful products to aid in a good night’s sleep.

2. Water bottle containers. Bring your own water if you are going someplace where the drinking water is questionable. If the water is drinkable, then leave the containers at home and bring reusable containers with you. You’ll save a mint on buying water wherever you go and feel refreshed always.

3. Bring a hat (and lotion). How easy it is to forget a hat. After all, you seldom wear one. If you’re going someplace sunny, you’ll regret not having one. You should also bring with you sunscreen to protect the rest of your body.

4. Wear comfortable shoes. Most likely you’ll be on your feet a lot when you’re on vacation. No lounging around for you! That means that your footwear should be very comfortable. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking on hard surfaces, insert gel packs to ease the pressure.

5. Pack wrinkle-free clothes. You don’t iron, so why bring anything that needs to ironed? That means if you’re going on a cruise, your “fancy wear” should be wrinkle proof or at least something you can hang up to get the wrinkles out.

6. Batteries and chargers. Today’s techno travelers rely on smartphones, computers and other devices to get around. Unless you plan to leave these at home you’ll want to recharge them while you’re on the go. Bring the right rechargers and backup batteries to keep you connected.

7. Brings snacks. If you’re packing food, you’ll want to bring snacks. Even if you plan to eat most or all your meals out, snacks will tide you over until your next meal. Besides, you don’t want to run to the local convenience store and pay $3.50 for your 50 cent snack bars.

8. First aid kit. You never know when you’re going to have an emergency. Even small injuries could require a trip to the ER, but you can avoid these by packing a first aid kit. Make sure it includes bandages, gauzes, aspirin, a thermometer, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, instant cold packs, hand sanitizer, eyewash, and cotton balls.

9. Power strip. Never assume that you will have enough power outlets wherever you go. Nor should you assume that you’re protected from a power surge. A power strip can help you here, especially one rated with sufficient joules.

10. Duct tape. The go-to emergency item is duct tape what has a myriad of uses. Patch shoes, bags, or cover over electrical outlets if you have small children.

11. Personal sanitizers. There is no other way to say this, but personal sanitizers such as toilet wipes can come in handy. You already may be bringing moist towelettes, but toilet wipes are especially welcome when you’re away from home.

12. Tote bag. You stuffed everything into big suitcases which is good. Except when you’re walking around and could use a carrying case for your smaller items. In this case a tote bag will do, your personal carrying pack that you can fill with water, snacks, your first aid kit and sunscreen.

More Travel Items

Don’t forget to bring enough cash and credit cards. You may also want to contact your credit card company if your buying habits change — you don’t want your account to suddenly be frozen if they detect mysterious activity.

See Also — Vacation: How to Travel on a Shoestring