Michael Ferrante’s essentials

I don’t travel without:

+ A small backpack to hold my essential items like my wallet, phone, keys, water bottle, camera, note pad and pens. It’s handy to have somewhere I can store and carry these on a bus or while walking footloose in a place.

+ Packing cubes. These are a relatively new “thing” for my suitcase packing — but now I wouldn’t pack without them. Neat, tidy packing with the added convenience of being able to stay “packed” when you unpack your suitcase as they fit snugly into hotel or cruise cabin drawers. Brilliant.

+ Lastly, a note from my son Joel accompanied by a picture or drawing, which he “hides” somewhere in my suitcase so I get a lovely surprise at my destination! It’s a keepsake on the road I put up somewhere in easy view in my room. Heartwarming, especially when I’m starting to miss home as I usually travel alone.