The Ultimate Travel Packing List

— -- A few weeks back, my column focused on ten things you should never take on a trip. Since then I've gotten requests for a "must pack" list, and here it is.

Some of this stuff is fairly obvious but might be overlooked during a frenzied last-minute packing marathon. There are also a few not-so-obvious items like yellow mustard and puppy pictures. I will explain.

The Ultimate Packing List

A shout-out to the globetrotters at my office who provided practical suggestions (and some of the odder ones).

1. Dehydration Kit

Don't panic, a dehydration kits need not be elaborate. Grab an empty water bottle that you'll fill after you pass through airport security at one of those handy refill stations), toss in a ChapStick, maybe some hand lotion, then add a hat or cap for when you get off the plane and you're all set.

2. Charging Cords

Phones and tablets die at the most inconvenient times. They'll stay dead too if you forget the charger cords. Don't have a portable charger cord? Add it to your shopping list.

3. Cash and Cards

Have some cash on hand but no more than two cards because wallets can be lost or stolen. If traveling to another country, go to the bank ahead of time and get $100 to $250 in local currency so you'll have something in your pocket when you land and can hit the ground running.

4. Documents

As noted, phones and tablets die, so even if the boarding pass is on your phone, print it out. If traveling internationally, photocopy your passport, too. Suggestion: Place one copy in your bag, give a second to spouse or traveling companion, leave a third with someone you trust back home. Bring some extra passport photos, too; you'll need them if you go to the embassy or consulate for an emergency replacement.

5. Food

A snack or two to tide you over because you never know when that hour-long flight will morph into a marathon of misery. According to the Department of Transportation, there were 14 planes stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours in May alone. Whether you're stuck on a plane or in the airport, you (and the kids) may get hungry. Which reminds me, don't forget your can't-live-without condiments. A fellow I know says his wife always packs good old yellow mustard because they can never find it outside the U.S. If it's in a checked-bag, no problem but carry-ons are a different matter; the TSA limits liquids in the smaller bags to containers holding 3.4 ounces or less.

6. Entertainment

I miss the SkyMall catalog (partly because it provided such great fodder for so many columns) but as long as I have an electronic device filled with books and movies, I'm good. Put your favorites on the phone right now. For those of you who've always wanted to direct, consider packing a GoPro camera (you'll see some amazing videos on the GoPro site but these cameras can be pricey). If photos are enough for you, many like to pack a selfie-stick but be warned: some vacation venues like Disney have banned them.

7. The Right Clothes

A good rule of thumb is to pack only clothes you really like and know look good on you (which more or less rules out anything brand new). Be sure to include a bathing suit because even if you're not heading to a beach resort, there may be a pool in your hotel. Final clothing reminder: stick one of those freebie sewing kits in your bag (there's probably a few of them in there already).

8. Healthy Body and Mind

Bring your medications, plus a few Band-Aids and something to soothe an upset stomach, particularly if going out of the country. Also bring hand-sanitizing wipes, too; they're handy for all kinds of things, including wiping down seatback tray tables (one of the germiest parts of a plane). Don't forget sunglasses, contacts and regular glasses, too, and spares are recommended.

9. Odds and Ends

Nothing here will bust the budget.

• Duct tape: Always useful as a temporary fix for falling-apart flip flops or rips in luggage.• Throwaway rain poncho: You won't look like a supermodel in this $4 drugstore item but it'll do the job, plus it takes up less space and weight than an umbrella.• Videos or photos: A woman I know says, "Looking at Milo reminds me of home." Milo is her dog. Feel free to bring photos or videos of loved ones of any species.• Bags: Use gallon-size zip bags for wet bathing suits; supermarket bags to protect clothes from shoes in suitcases; trash bags for dirty laundry. When you get home, leave the bags in your luggage for the next trip.• Hand-held luggage scale: These small gizmos don't cost much (under $20) and can save you hundreds of dollars on overweight bag fees.

10. Patience

When it comes to travel, stuff happens; flights get delayed, bags get lost. Keep your cool, stay in close touch with your airline and when you've done all you can, relax. You've got an electronic device filled with movies and books plus a snack or two to wait out the storm. Besides, the imperfections of a journey make for the best stories to tell when you get home.