There are a few things that I feel are essential for us -

First - for emergencies: telephone numbers (not 800 numbers) of the branch where our bank is; of the credit cards in case they are lost or stolen, and of family and friends.

Second - I always take pre-addressed labels for postcards. When the labels are gone, I know that I haven't forgotten anyone!

Third - I always take rubber bands. (These are a favorite!) I take them to keep my place in guide books, reading material, and to keep closed the 'essentials' that we have in plastic bags that are awkward and that we don't want to leak...

Regards, Susie Newton, MA