• Bring a foam sit pad (thus making everything a seat) – they are especially good for hiking but also work in cities. Carry a bottle of Tabasco (or Maggi seasoning), especially if hiking. It’s small and makes every snack better. And binoculars. I always carry a small set – you never know what wildlife is going to turn up.
Stuart Kenny, travel writer
• You can never have enough travel snacks. Yumbox leakproof lunch boxes are worth the investment. And we always pack at least one small card game, perfect for killing time pretty much anywhere. Dobble is brilliant and can be played across language barriers with new friends, as can Uno. I’m obsessed with saving places on Google Maps. It’s the best way to store the places you want to visit and restaurant recommendations, and you can instantly see what’s nearby as you move around. Finally: all the best souvenirs come from supermarkets. Who doesn’t want some French saucisson or real hot sauce from Mexico?
Fiona Kerr, travel writer
