7 Items for Every Traveler's Day Bag

If I'm exploring a new place, especially if I'm pressed for time, when I leave my accommodation - I'm leaving for the whole day. This is particularly true if I'm on a super-tight budget I'll walk between each site or activity. I mean, I usually walk (even if I've got a little extra $$ to throw around) but prioritizing foot-transportation means that I'll be walking through lesser-visited areas, and therefore giving me a more robust experience in a city - fo'free.Now that I've preached at you about walking, let's talk about what I take with me. Let's ride the center line here and assume I'm walking a lot, but nothing that exerts more energy (like hiking, biking, or... idk, rollerblading?). As if the title of my site isn't a dead giveaway, I'll usually go for a backpack over a purse - if you need a little guidance picking the right backpack, I've got you covered here!

1. Water

Forever and always, amen. You would sooner see me without shoes on than leave home without a water bottle. Proper hydration is SO IMPORTANT when you're travelling, so keeping a bottle on me at all times in a major priority. Dehydration can be a real problem if you're an active traveler or not used to the local cuisine - and it can also lead to fatigue and irritability (and those are the more pleasant symptoms).

2. ID

I realize that this topic can be quite polarized, but I don't have a general rule about keeping my passport on me versus leaving it locked up at the hostel/hotel. I will usually find a clever spot for my passport and leave it behind unless I know I'm going to need it or if I get a weird feeling about where I'm staying. I do, however, always have either my current license or expired license on me at all times. Keep something on you that verifies you are who you say you are.

3. Lip balm

...because I'm addicted. Actually, in the interest of full honesty, I probably have at lease two tubes on me. And maybe a mini vaseline.

4. Calories

Depending on how long I'll be out or if I have a food plan will determine the quantity of snacks, but I never go out for the day (even at home) without having something to eat stowed in my bag.

5. A notebook and pen

I like to take breaks and jot down notes of things I saw and food I ate. I also quickly note prices so I can keep up with my budget (which is precisely how I was able to see San Diego on $200). The notes also help me recall the events of my trip so I can write about it later!

6. Scarf/sarong

This might not sound like a universally useful item... like, what would you need a scarf for in Chicago in the middle of summer? An impromptu picnic, that's what. Or something to wipe your hands on after you ate that supergreasything and forgot to get a napkin. I promise- I have used* (read= *abused) my scarves/sarongs for much more than covering legs to enter temples or covering up leaving the beach.

7. Money in something other than my wallet

I keep local currency in my wallet, but will stash the equivalent of an extra $20usd elsewhere in my bag. I like sunglass-cases, jackets with multiple pockets, or in my sock (and by that I mean that sometimes my money shares space with my foot- but also that I've had to get creative and folded some money into a clean pair of socks and threw that into my bag).

Every traveler has his or her preferences for day bag items - what are some of yours?
Tell me about a time you left for the day and realized you had forgotten to pack something important.
How do you feel about taking or leaving your passport in the hotel/hostel/AirBnB?

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