Nine things that should never be left off the packing list, no matter what:

1.  Camera – I used to think that I wanted to live the moments and not bother with photos.  Now I carry more camera gear than most, and I realize that the moments I catch on film will last much longer than those in my alcohol-hazed mind.

2.  Passport – I’ve actually had it happen a few times, now and vow to never again have to turn back from a spur of the moment decision to go for sushi in Chile or cheap beers in the USA because I didn’t bring my passport.  Even if no border crossings are planned, you never know!

3.  Ipod – there is just no substitute for nearly unlimited music on long flights, bus rides or rainy days in noisy hostels.

4.  Bathing Suit – Weather going skiing for the day or three weeks in Brazil, this is included.  You just never know when you will find a Jacuzzi, beach, pool or park fountain where public nudity is just not acceptable.

5.  Water bottle – Locals everywhere often mistake a three-hour open desert hike for a five-minute jaunt.  Nothing is as bad as going thirsty

6.  Flip-Flops – Dirty showers, hot beaches, nightclubs and trips to the corner store, nothing beats this lightweight, always fashionable choice of footwear.

7. $20 – In a day and age of plastic money, nothing calms a bad situation like having the cash to either hire a taxi home when lost, buy some beers to apologize for rude behavior or give that scary man with the big gun something in hopes that he won’t pull the trigger like a twenty…

8. Headlamp - For when that straight forward hike to the scenic viewpoint results in heading to an additional summit where you want to watch the sunset.  That hike back to the car is always easier with this pocket-sized treasure!

9.  Open Mind – On the road, I’ve changed plans on the spur of the moment, learned things that challenged my beliefs and made friends with peculiar people.  It’s all about being open to change.

And nine things that should always be left behind:

1.  7 Changes of Clothes – Even though most extended trips cover every social scene from clubbing to camping to fine dining, make due with two sets of clothes, three at the most.

2.  Laptop – I am guilty of carrying this too much and I nearly always regret it.  Travel is not about staying connected and keeping up with work, go out and experience it!

3.  80L Backpack – If all my camping gear, clothing and camera gear fits  in a 50-60L pack with ease, why do so many people carrying bags nearly twice the size without any bulky gear?  Leave the kitchen sink at home!

4.  Peanut Butter – Those delicious delicacies that you treasure at home need to stay there!  Try the local equivalent and experience new cuisine. (This is excusable when traveling to Australia because nobody should have to eat Vegemite!)

5.  Cell Phone – You are in a foreign country for a few weeks, or even a month or two, so how many people do you expect to meet, contact and plan things with over the phone?  It’s probably cheaper to use the payphone!

6.  LP Guide – It is okay to take this with you, but please leave it in the hostel.  When did travelers begin having to cross-reference that tasty looking restaurant across the street with the recommendations in LP?  Take the chance and grab a seat where it looks good!

7.  Fanny packs – Nothing screams, “Rob Me”, or “I Am Foreign” quite like a fanny pack slung around your waist full of money, cameras, travel brochures and lip balm.  If you can venture outside at home without it, chances are you can do it on the road too!

8.  Toiletries – You can get buy without those four different perfumes, three moisturizers, two hair products and you can probably buy some cheap razors or toothpaste where ever you are going to.  Carry the essentials, but not a year’s supply!

9.  Attitude – Things are different in foreign lands.  Expect them to be or stay at home.  There is nothing worse than standing there arguing how back home you could easily exchange that non-refundable item or change that bus ticket two minutes before departure.  Your in a different country, you should respect their rules.