Here are 5 things I bring on every trip I go on, whether I am traveling solo or bringing a Traveling Professor small group tour to Europe, Canada, or South America.

Travel Insurance:  It is absolutely, positively necessary to have medical and emergency evacuation insurance if traveling.   Good coverage is inexpensive.  We like the GeoBlue Annual Trekker program for only about $150 for a year's worth of coverage.  If looking for trip cancellation and other coverage, check out what The Professor recommends.

A Good Travel Credit Card:  This is an absolute must for the experienced traveler.  A good travel credit card can provide travel insurance, preferred seating, lounge access, and rewards points.   There are lots of cards to choose from but The Professor likes the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card although there are other good choices with the Barclay Silver Card and Capitol One.  

Good Luggage:  The Professor rarely checks luggage when traveling overseas whether the trip is 7 days or 77 days.  After years of traveling, The Professor has settled on the OGIO brand of travel gear.

Passport Holder:   Handling documents while checking in, going through security, or even checking in at a hotel goes on all the time on a trip.   A good passport holder holds essential documents like insurance papers, emergency contact info and of course, your passport.   Get one like this.

A Laptop: Or better yet, an inexpensive Chromebook.  It's much better than trying to use a phone to do emails or watch video.  The Professor likes this rugged ASUS Chromebook.  

Join The Traveling Professor on a small group tour.