The Essentials

What does one pack as she prepares to embark towards her fifth African passport stamp?

• Chacos (seriously...I don't pack any other shoes)
• Osprey Aura 50 backpack
• Nalgene with splashguard (wide mouth water bottle is easier to hand wash, hard [for me] to drink from without the splashguard)
• Power strip (maybe not completely advisable, but allows for several American devices to be charging on one outlet)
• Bible & journal (the real things; don't cop out and make these electronic)
• Kindle (I'm as much a fan of real books as the next person, but this is a must-have when traveling)
• Headlamp (hands-free vision, yes please!)
• Tootsie Rolls (they don't melt in the hot African sun and are a little chocolatey taste of home)
• Sleeping bag liner (keeps you warm on chilly flights, just the right amount of warmth & cleanliness when you're sleeping in beds with questionable sheets)

What are your must-have travel essentials?