As a frequent traveler, I can practically pack in my sleep. No matter where I’m heading or what I’m doing, I always pack a few key items to ensure that my travel and my stay are comfortable and productive.

Here are a few must-have items you should pack before you go:

• Anker Astro External Battery – I have this in my purse every day. I charge it overnight, throw it in my bag and have it in case of an emergency. If you’re traveling abroad, it’s a smart and cheap idea to stay connected (and safe)!
• Melatonin – This natural sleep aid will help you get some rest on a long international flight or when you’re having trouble getting adjusted in a different sleeping environment. You should only take it if you’re positive you’ll be able to get several hours of sleep.
• Eye mask – Speaking of sleep, I always pack an eye mask when I travel. Whether it’s on the plane or at a new hotel, you never know if you’ll have adequate shade from sunlight or a fellow passenger’s reading lamp, so be sure to throw one of these in your carry-on.
• Converters and adapters – If you’re traveling internationally, it’s important to bring the right kind of power converters and adapters. REI has a great resource for figuring out what you’ll need when traveling abroad.
• Aleve – You might like other pain relievers, but for me, Aleve does the trick. From sinus headaches to the unexpected hangover, Aleve is a God-send. Snag a travel bottle at your local pharmacy and get a giant container at a discount store to refill it as needed.
• Clif Bars – Any meal bar will do, but I always try to pack a Clif Bar or two in my carry-on. Dreaded three-hour waits on a runway or missed connections often have you missing meals, but this is a quick way to get protein (and energy!) to keep going while on the road.
• Empty Water Bottle – Since TSA no longer lets you send water bottles through security, consider bringing an empty one to fill once you’re near the gate. Save money ($4 for a bottle of water seems a bit extreme to me) and stay hydrated, which is the key to flying comfortably, anyway.
• Bumble & Bumble shampoo and conditioner – While I wish I were being paid to promote their stuff, I’m just a zealous convert to their products. Since I’ve got a ton of hair, I use their Surf line to make it a bit lighter. If you don’t have color treated hair, opt for the Sunday line. And you can’t go wrong with their Gentle line, either. All of these are absolutely wonderful for travel because they really clean your hair and protect it against the elements — something we all need when traveling. Oh, and they come in nifty travel sizes, too.

There you have it! If you’ve got any must-have items to pack, leave a comment and let me know.