An Alarm Clock

Having an alarm clock, preferably one that runs on batteries, so you’re not dependent on sometimes faulty electricity, will save you again and again when you’re on the road.  It’ll be there to get you up in the morning so you can start your day, but it will also be there for you when you decide to take a nap on the train so you don’t miss your stop.

Look for something small, portable and, of course, easy to use.  It also helps if you can bring along an extra set of batteries just in case.

A Deck of Cards

Packing your favourite deck of playing cards will come in handy time and time again.  When there is nothing much to do, play a game of cards.  Tired of going out and spending all your money?  Invite a few travelling friends to play a game or two and have a few drinks.  When you’re waiting for a bus, train or airplane, a game of solitaire might help pass the time.  A deck of cards will also help you make friends when travelling alone.  Besides, as one savvy traveller points out, “they can be a great way to work around a language barrier.”

Condoms And Birth Control

Even if you don’t plan on having sex on vacation, it’s best to be prepared.  Trying to find contraception while you’re travelling from country to country can be tough and potentially unreliable.  So plan ahead.

Ladies, visit your doctor and get enough pills to last you your entire vacation.  If you’re on the road for an indeterminate amount of time, tell your doctor so she or he can prescribe you enough pills for your entire trip or suggest a different kind of birth control.

Pack It Or Regret It

These five things won’t take up a lot of space in your pack and they’ll help you make the best of your trip, no matter where in the world you decide to go.