I was never a boy scout, but I appreciate their emphasis on the importance of preparation. If you leave a certain item behind on your trip, that could be the difference between enjoying a 12 hour flight, or going postal for the more dramatic types. And like a comrade in your battalion, there are some things you simply never leave behind. Before you head out to Africa, Asia, or San Francisco, be sure to pack these essential items, or you might pay a pretty price in foot wear or bottles of water. You just never know.

Essential Items You Never Leave Behind

First aid Kit and Stomach Relief Medicine

No one thinks they'll need it, until they really do. You won't know if you'll get a head ache, or blisters from walking 4 miles in shoes that you thought were comfortable before you left home, so bring it along for those occurrences "just in case". My motto is: You never leave the Pepto behind.

Shoe Inserts

Unless you own a car in another country, you'll be getting around by taxi, bus, metro, train, and your feet. Take great care for your feet by bring along some shoe inserts. I lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks in South America just by walking everywhere so take heed of the additional benefits to wearing comfortable shoes.

One Dressy Outfit

You never know when you're going to a dance, a wedding, a funeral, or a party, so be prepared with one nice outfit. Pack darker colors with many occasions in mind and bring accessories to mix it up. Ladies, be kind to yourselves, and bring along some flat shoes for the walking and the dancing.

Small Presents to Give People

Become an ambassador for your country or state when you interact with other countries. Bring along small gifts such as magnets, pins, or even pencils to give to children with an emblem from your country or state. A small gift usually surprises members in a host country as they are excited to get something from their guest and a special reminder of the place where the gift came from.

Something to Read

I bring along my Kindle reader wherever I go because I can pack hundreds of books in one place without overloading my suitcase. Be sure to purchase travel books back home because some overseas bookstores will charge you a pretty penny for a travel book in English. I found a Brazil travel book in Rio de Janiero for $90 USD when I would have only paid $15 in the states for the same book.

Water Bottle and Snacks

You won't always have time to head towards a restaurant, so pack plenty of snacks and a refillable water bottle. Plus, drinking plenty of water before trips helps deter dehydration from happening when flying long distances.

Quick dry clothing and a quick dry towel

Many travel shops are now stocking up on quick dry paraphernalia such as underwear, towels, and zip pants. This inventive clothing usually dries within hours and is usually light, breathable, and can pack nicely into your suitcase. Buy the pants that can be unzipped at the knee to make a pair of shorts. Quick dry towels are extremely valuable when taking a sponge bath in the airport restroom.

Ear Plugs

Do you really want to listen to a crying baby or the neighbor to your right arguing with his wife on a 12 hour flight? Not all airlines will supply you with earplugs which you can buy for $1 or $2 at your local drug store. Plug them in and enjoy your time reading, writing, or sleeping in peace.

You could probably take your trip and never worry about getting sick or wearing painful sandals that seemed like a great deal when you bought them. I've been in every single one of these situations, and I had always wished I had packed this or that. We don't know what's ahead for our journey, but you will enjoy it better if you have items that provide great physical comfort.