last edited Dec 11, 2019
Miscellaneous Equipment
Small Items
Various more or less useful things to complete your equipment...
Pens, highlighter, notebook
The basics to keep on hand. The highlighter (fluorescent) is for underlining addresses and other info in your guidebook to spot them at a glance. The notebook (with tear-out pages) is for, among other things, writing down and showing an address to people when you're lost. For those hitchhiking (if there are any left!), add a thick marker to write destination names.
Envelopes and writing paper
Useful for some, if only to put postcards (for those who still send them) in an envelope so they arrive faster, or to keep a few small items inside. Store in a small waterproof bag.
Small wallet
Handy if you're crossing several countries and keeping coins.
Calculator
For keeping track of expenses and currency conversions. Some even come in matchbox size.
Sewing kit, safety pins, rubber bands, paper clips
The kind of things always very practical when traveling that also cost nothing and take up no space.
String
3 or 4 meters, which you’ll always find a use for while traveling. Same for 2 or 3 clothespins.
Universal adapter
Essential if you use electrical devices in many countries, especially in Asia or the Americas. Note that there are several types of electrical plugs worldwide with characteristics that aren’t always compatible. Count around 15 € for an adapter and about a hundred grams for a universal model.
Another option: buy one adapter per type in specialty stores. It’ll cost you around 12 € for the three main systems (France, USA, UK).
Transformer
Relatively expensive, heavy, and bulky. Better to opt for 110/220 V devices.
Small umbrella
It saves you from pulling out your rain jacket or poncho for short distances or light rain. Also good for sun protection.
Binoculars with case
Very few travelers bring them, though a small model is very useful for nature walks (even if you can sometimes rent them). Count 40/75 € for basic models, around 10 x 10 cm in size, and weighing 200 g.
Miscellaneous
Altimeter, barometer, curvimeter, clinometer, pedometer, thermometer, compass: often gadgets and showing off, unless you're heading out alone for certain hikes or treks. At most, a whistle will be far more useful when lost in nature than all those "-meter" devices...
Documents and Money
Documents not to forget
Passport, visas, insurance, flight ticket, vaccination record, international driver’s permit, ID photos: the things never to forget, even if with e-tickets, the question doesn’t come up much for flight tickets anymore. A copy of all your documents can be useful, even if you can store them online.
Cash, traveler’s checks, card
Plan for all three forms, always with some dollars/euros in cash as a backup. Also consider (for French travelers) bringing a blank check from your bank. As a last resort, it can make borrowing from a fellow countryman easier.
Other
Books (and paper guides)
Even for a long trip, two at most will do, and you can always buy or exchange others along the way.
For communication
Dictionary
Primarily French/English, but also other phrasebooks as needed. Often useful for beginners, if only to have the basics in English, which, whether we like it or not, remains the reference language for travel.
Multi-language translator
Another option or complement for major Western languages. Often translates 4 to 10 languages by word or phrase, with features like currency exchange rates or time zones. More of a gadget than anything else, unless you really struggle with languages. Pocket-calculator size, priced from around 20 € to over 150 € depending on the brand and options. Note that mobile apps now exist for this purpose.
Small photo album/report
Of your trip, yourself, your city, etc., to show the people you meet. Easy now with the internet and digital photos.
Gifts, souvenirs
To give occasionally to those you meet (but not just anything, anyhow).