*not counting the camera and laptop
April school break and summer travel will be here before you know it. Are you ready?
Here are some of my favorite travel products and gadgets to make me more comfortable, and more secure on the road. 
Noise Canceling Headphones – I’m sure the Bose are better, but I am happy with my Audio Technica ATH-ANC7Bs for 1/2 the price. And, they’ve lasted for years unlike the cheaper sets I used to have to replace every 6 months from Radio Shack. The carrying case is huge, but it is smaller than the Bose.
Clip on Book Light. Originally purchased for my Kindle, this clamps on to books as well. Necessary for any serious reader who knows hotel, plane, train and boat lighting is usually too dim for reading.
Nalgene leakproof travel bottles. Buy individually or in a set. Hopefully the air travel liquid restrictions will be eased soon. Until then, I can go anywhere for up to 3 weeks in a 1 quart Ziploc bag full of cosmetics in 2-3 oz Nalgene bottles. 
Cocoon Down Travel Pillows. I can sleep on any bed as long as I have a soft down pillow. These pillows stuff into little sacks making them about the size of a regular beer can. I always bring 2 mediums, unless I’m 100% sure the hotel has decent pillows.
Tempur-pedic or Brookstone Eyeshades. Great for overnight flights. Memory Foam makes these a lot more comfortable than the ones the airlines provide.
Brookstone travel alarm clock. I travel a lot and am adaptable to technology but rarely encounter a hotel alarm clock that makes any sense. I bring my own. Brookstone’s clock is lightweight, easy to figure out and has all the features I want. 
Kwik Tek Dry Pak Alligator Wallet (waterproof pouch). Ideal for your car keys, driver’s license, credit card and cash when participating in outdoor or water sports. Was perfect for snorkeling in Bonaire. Larger models available for PDAs/cell phones, sunglasses.
Eagle Creek Money Belt – used in transit to secure my cash/credit cards and passport unless I’m in an airport. Never accessed in public (which is why the passport isn’t kept there in airports). Since there is always that slim chance that you could be separated from your bag at airport security or in crowded bus/train stations, it is always a good idea to have the bulk of your money on your person.
Moleskine notebook. For organizing pre-trip notes and adding information imparted to you as you’re on the road. If there is a Moleskine customizable guide for the city you’re visiting, I highly recommend buying it.
First Aid/essentials kit. A zippered pouch with basic first aid (bandaids, blister blockers, cortisone cream packets, etc) and all the little emergency gadgets you need like an extra TSA lock, flash drive, book light batteries, eyeglass repair kit, hair bands, Ziploc bags.
What are your most packed items?
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This article was originally posted March 25, 2012.