When people ask me how I pack for trips, they expect me to say something like “rolling clothes saves space” or “always bring versatile outfits.” But nope — my secret is a few random items that seem unnecessary at first… until they swoop in like superheroes and save the day.

Here are five random things I always pack — and the funny, sometimes embarrassing, moments where they proved their worth.

1. Duct Tape (The MacGyver Move)

On one cruise, my garment bag decided to rip right down the side while I was lugging it onto the ship. Cue my shirts and socks trying to make a run for it in the terminal. Thankfully, I had duct tape in my carry-on. Ten minutes later, my bag was patched up like a NASCAR bumper — not pretty, but functional. The best part? That duct tape held the entire trip, and I still made it to formal night with my clothes intact.

2. Portable Power Bank (The Lifeline)

I was on a water taxi heading toward the Statue of Liberty, snapping pictures like I was auditioning for National Geographic. Just as the sun was setting — and the sky was glowing in perfect shades of orange and pink — my phone gave me the dreaded 1% warning. Thankfully, my trusty power bank was in my bag. A quick plug-in, and boom — I captured some of my favorite Lady Liberty sunset shots ever. Power bank: one, dead phone: 0.

3. Ziplock Bags (The Unsung Hero)

I always toss a few Ziplock bags into my suitcase. First, they are perfect for storing liquids like toothpaste, cologne, or shampoo so they do not explode and ruin my clothes. But they have also come in handy for snacks, collecting shells, and even as an emergency ice pack when I have managed to stub a toe or pull a muscle mid-adventure. Basically, Ziplock’s are the Swiss Army knife of travel.

4. Trash Bags (The Rain Insurance)

This one sounds weird but hear me out: I line my suitcase with trash bags. Why? Because I have seen what happens when it is pouring rain as they are loading luggage onto a plane… or when bags sit on the dock waiting to be loaded onto a cruise ship. Water and suitcases are not friends. Thanks to my “trash bag hack,” I have never had soggy clothes ruin day one of a vacation. Plus, in a pinch, they double as laundry bags — or ponchos if you are truly desperate.

5. Reusable Water Bottle (The Thirst Quencher)

At the airport once, I refused to buy the $6 bottle of water out of sheer principle. Instead, I filled up my trusty reusable bottle after security. Mid-flight, when the drink cart took about three hours to reach my row, I smugly sipped away like I had cracked the code to air travel. The people around me were jealous — I could see it in their parched eyes.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes it is the little, random things that make the biggest difference on a trip. Duct tape, Ziploc, trash bags, and power banks will not win any style points, but they have saved me from ripped luggage, soggy clothes, dead phones, and embarrassing emergencies more times than I can count.

Until next time, I am Brian — and remember to Take the Trip!

(And remember sunsets wait for no one — but a power bank will make sure your camera does.)