A short while ago, The Professor published 5 Things I Take on Every Trip I Go On.   It was so popular we had to add a few more things.

The experienced traveler packs efficiently and wisely.  Here are 5 more things that the experienced travel takes on international trips:

Apple AirTags:  This is probably the most exciting, innovative and one of the most useful things to take on a trip.  An Apple AirTag is about the size of a quarter.  Insert or attach it to luggage or valuable items like keys or even a wallet.  With a compatible phone, these items can be tracked down almost to the square foot.  Never lose luggage or important items again.  Here is where they can be found:  https://amzn.to/3KbqACi

Overseas Phone Plan:  Cell phones have become an essential part of our lives.  In Europe we are finding that tickets, schedules, reservations increasingly rely on cell phone use.  Cell phones are very convenient for directions and communicating with others.   There is no need to be "out of touch" with things at home anymore.  The Professor has an AT&T international plan.   The cost is $10 per day only charged on days the phone is in use.  Also, only 10 days maximum per billing period are charged.  That means that the most the traveler can be charged for a billing period is $100 for each phone on the plan.  Additional phones on the plan are only $5 more per day.  Other cell phone plans may even have more favorable costs.

VPN:  A VPN is a Virtual Private Network.  It can be installed on a phone, laptop, iPad, etc.  In addition to some security advantages, a VPN can make it seem as if you are using a device in the United States when you are really in Ireland for instance.   That means  apps like email and streaming services that are normally blocked overseas may be accessible while traveling.  One note - a VPN will most likely slow down the data speed of a device.  The Professor has been using the Surfshark VPN: https://surfshark.club/friend/TzR4ZZJP

Meds:   An experienced traveler is prepared for medicines he/she may need while overseas.  Take with you all the non-prescription and prescription meds you usually take and bring a few extra day's worth in case of emergency.   But what about antibiotics, immodium, sleep aids and other things you might need?  For instance, Paxlovid, a treatment for COVID is not distributed in Europe.  Get a prescription from your doctor if necessary and have it filled while at home and pack it in your carry-on.  Or stock up on cold medicines, digestive medicines, etc. before departure.  

Charging Banks and Cell Phone Cords:  With all the reliance on electronic devices, we need those devices charged.  Sometimes on long train trips or on flights it is not so easy to charge up an iPhone for instance.  So, we carry a power bank with us to keep us all charged up.   And of course, it does not hurt to have an extra long charging cord too.