10 Must-Have Travel Items (That Aren’t Clothes or Toiletries)

Yes, clothes are important, but there are a few things I always have packed in my carry-on, because they are necessities that I’ve learned to take with me after years of travel. I’m still working on paring down my toiletries and sometimes the clothing I pack that hardly ever get worn, but these things are tried and true for me and I believe they could be just as useful for you as well. Here are 10 of my must-pack items:

1.       Ziploc bags

You never know when you’re going to need a spare bag for something. I carry a variety of sized bags with me for snacks, leftovers, wet stuff, receipts and anything else. They come in dead useful for tons of stuff and they take up no space, so you won’t feel bad if you don’t use them, but you’ll kick yourself if you don’t bring them at all.

2.      Pop-up laundry hamper

I found a great mesh laundry basket some years ago with sturdy handles and inside and outside pockets that folds up. I take it everywhere and use it as a hamper and then use it to take my dirty stuff to the laundry room and back. It’s heavy duty enough to carry a bunch of wet clothes, if I want to hang them up instead, plus there’s room for quarters, soap and a game if we stay while the clothes are washing.

I learned my lesson when I had to carry two loads of laundry three blocks to a laundromat and then had to drag them all back half wet, because the dryers didn’t work well. The handle on my cheap tote broke on the way back (better than on the way there, I guess) and made me hate life. Problem solved. Even if I end up staying in a rental with a washer/dryer, I can keep all my dirties separate without them just sitting in a pile in the corner. 

3.      Small bills

Sometimes when you travel, you gotta have cash, either for toll roads or coffee or whatever else. Not all places take credit and will turn you away if you only have a twenty or larger. Make sure to have at least $20 in fives and ones on you before you leave home. This happens most often in foreign countries. 

4.      Kindle/tablet 

I love books and magazines, but carrying a bunch with you pretty much defeats the purpose of packing light. I remember when I used to pack a book that I was reading and then finish it partway through my trip and then get mad about not having anything else to read, or would have to find a book swap. Those days are gone with the invention of ereaders and now I can carry a ton of books (and magazines and podcasts and blogs and games) with me on my iPad mini. And if I have WiFi wherever I am, I can also check/send email, listen to streaming music and download new books/magazines.

5.      Back-up battery

With so many electronics coming with us everywhere, it just makes sense to bring extra power with you. While we usually just use our phones much of the time, that can really sap their juice. We each bring a battery back-up with us to keep them charged all day while we’re out or traveling. It’s especially helpful when you are on a long plane ride and only have your own stuff for entertainment. 

6.      Paper copies of everything

You never know when something’s going to go wrong. Keep a copy of your ID, credit card and passport with you just in case. If you’re worried about having these available for thieves, then take photos of them and either email them to yourself or put them in a sharing folder somewhere, like Dropbox or Evernote, where you can bring them up anywhere and print them if you do need them. (Don't forget your packing list!)

7.      Ear buds/headphones

Let’s face it. Ear buds suck. Even the good ones, but it makes no sense to pay $3 for the crappiest pair on the planet just so you can watch the overhead movie on the plane. Buy a pair that you can keep in your carry-on, or get a really good pair of noise-cancelling buds/phones that you don’t hate and want to use. I mean, even if they’re just for watching a random episode of Friends (airlines are weird), it’s worth it to just bring your own than paying for a new pair every time.

please excuse how bad I look in this picture, but this is how we travel overnight.

8.     Eye mask

If you’ve ever been sleeping really well and then woken up by blinding sunlight at 5:30 in the morning because of that stupid gap in your hotel curtains that just won’t shut, you won’t wonder why this is on my list. You can never go back to sleep after that either. Of course, it also helps when flying and needing to block out daylight to catch some Zs and can’t sleep without darkness.

9.      Ear plugs

What’s that? Construction at 6am? Just why? Maybe your travel mate is a snorer or there’s a crying baby in the next room (or in the seat behind you). You never know when a pair of ear plugs will be useful, but you’ll be mad if you could use them and you didn’t bring any. 

photo credit

10.   Pen & notebook

You might need to take down a number, fill out a form on the plane, get directions or jot down your thoughts on that fantastic wine you had at dinner. Whatever comes your way, having an actual pen and some paper can really come in handy. If you’re crossing borders while flying, you’re always going to need to fill out a customs paper. Have at least one pen for your group. Bring more and you can be a hero for a neighbor or two.

photo credit

Bonus must-pack: A few months ago, I picked up a 3-pack of antibacterial handwipes from the local dollar store. These have come in handy when a sink wasn’t available to wash my hands, to clean mud off my shoes, to wipe down the tray table and to clean a kid’s sticky face. I keep a pack in my purse and another in my carry-on, so I always have them at my disposal. They’re less messy than antibacterial gel, have more uses and don’t have to go in your 3-1-1 bag. And they only cost a dollar!

So, when you travel with these, you'll be ready for just about anything that comes your way, whether it's loud, bright, sticky or any number of other inconvenient things. 

What are your must-have travel items?

Staying at the Kalispell Grand Hotel

Last month I took a road trip with my mom and pup to Montana. I was hosted at the Kalispell Grand Hotel and it was one of the best hotel experiences I've had in quite some time. The hotel is just over 100 years old and smack dab in the middle of Downtown Kalispell on Main Street. You go out the front door and you're just steps away from awesome restaurants and shopping. 

While many of the other buildings downtown have taken on new identities, the Kalispell Grand has remained a landmark of the town since 1912. Originally, the hotel was the go-to luxury hotel in Kalispell, catering to well-off business travelers with rooms going for a whopping $2 a night. Even at this rate, they rarely had empty rooms. People really liked running water and locks on their doors, enough to pay twice as much as at other hotels. There have been a few ups and downs throughout the years, with several major renovations occurring, but it's definitely in an "up" moment right now.

Unlike many other hotels around right now, including the majority in and around Kalispell, the Grand is locally owned and operated and aims to make you feel at home when you're away from home. They also support local crafters and artists, with an art gallery selling their works right off the lobby, plus more items sold within the lobby, including handmade hats, pillowcases repurposed as reusable grocery bags and pet food bags repurposed into totes (which I actually saw being made one morning). 

The lobby is homey and has a nice lived-in feeling (in a good way). You feel like you're actually supposed to use the furniture, instead of being afraid to sit on it. Every day I was there, I saw people just hanging out talking to friends on the couches or at one of the number of tables and chairs available. I loved that, especially since everyone would say hello as you passed by and gave you a feeling of belonging, even when you're only in town for a few days.

The staff are all super friendly as well and were all really helpful. They were always there to answer any questions about your room, the hotel or the city in general, plus they offer tons of material to help you fully enjoy the Flathead Valley region while you're visiting. And actually, one afternoon I was going out and heard a visitor talking about having to leave really early the next morning to catch her flight and the staff member offered to put out a full breakfast earlier than 5:30 to accommodate her. You get that kind of service almost nowhere.

When's the last time you were given a real key at check-in? Decades for some of you probably. Well, Kalispell Grand gives you one, making it feel like you've come home each time you go up to your room. It's just another small thing that personalizes your stay and gives you more of a connection to the city.

Speaking of, let's talk about their rooms. We got a double with two full-size beds. The room was really bright with that big window that let all the sun stream in all day long. You also got a bunch of pillows, which I am in favor of, because pillows rock. And they aren't those sucky, normally-flat hotel pillows you're used to getting when you stay somewhere. These are fluffy and really comfortable, as are the beds. I had some of the best sleep here. The beds have filled comforters (I'm guessing faux down), which keep you really warm. 

The hotel has free WiFi, too. You know how important that is to me. It saves money and allows me to work when I need to. Our room had a great little desk with comfortable chair to work at, which also had a dual outlet to plug in electronics. Believe it or not, this was not the only available outlet and I have to commend them for that, because usually you get one open outlet in your whole room and it's usually in the bathroom right next to the sink. We were able to plug in at least 5 things without having to break out my surge protector.

The bathroom was laid out well, making use of all the available space without taking away from the user friendliness. I had had a recent experience with a bad shower in a previous hotel, where I couldn't get hot water and there was absolutely no water pressure. I'm not sure why this always seems to be an issue at hotels. You'd think they'd have figured it out by now. Luckily, the Grand has done their homework. Not only is the shower big, with good pressure and actual hot water, but they placed the showerhead high up on the wall, so tall people can actually wash their hair. I know I don't have that problem, but my husband has and he's not that tall.

Forgot some toiletries at home? Don't worry, the Kalispell Grand supplies soap and shampoo for you. I've also been told that they can help you with anything else you might have forgotten. I didn't have to test that out, but when I told the manager that my dog is so picky about things that I went to Target to buy her a plastic plate for food, she told me I should have just come down and let them know, so they could figure something out. No biggie. I was going there anyway and now we have a travel plate.

Your room rate includes an extensive breakfast as well. You can get coffee and tea all day, plus there are fresh-baked cookies and popcorn every afternoon, but the breakfast is where it's at! Every morning there's a large spread: several different homemade breads, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruits, yogurt, bread and English muffins, quiche and more. You'll also find orange juice, ice tea, peanut butter, jelly and butter. If you can't find something down there you like, you probably don't eat food.

This setup is available 24 hours a day: coffee (including decaf) with sugar, sugar substitute, milk and creamer, different types of bagged tea with honey, which you can have in a real mug or a to-go cup.

Just want some ice water? They have that available all day, too. Eat your breakfast downstairs or grab a tray to take it back up to your room.

That chocolate coconut friendship bread is to die for. We ate it every morning. 

First of all, when do you see something this fancy at a hotel breakfast? Second, when does it actually taste good? There's even salt & pepper and hot sauce available to customize it for your liking.

Just want your morning toast? You got it! Toast up some bread or an English muffin and top it with butter, jam and/or peanut butter. Yum!

The ladies at the Kalispell Grand Hotel love dogs and they are totally okay with you leaving your pup in the room as long as they are good while they're there. We made Rikka this sweet little setup when we ran out to eat or do some shopping (because she can't really jump up or down on the beds) and she either slept or watched TV while we were out. Every time we came down with her the ladies cooed over her and gave her loves. When I asked if it was okay for us to leave her in the room when we went to a show in Bigfork, they just said to let them know if we wanted anyone to check on her. How awesome is that? 

As you can see, Rikka was really enjoying her stay here. And if your pup enjoys treats, the hotel provides homemade treats for them. Just ask at the front desk!

Though you have to walk a block or two to get to some grass for potties, the hotel is convenient for that as well, unlike a lot of hotels in downtown areas where there isn't any grass. Just up the street is also Depot Park, a great little pet-friendly park in front of the Chamber of Commerce. In fact, Kalispell is very pet-friendly as a whole. You'll find potty bags everywhere you go, even where dogs aren't exactly allowed. We bring our own, but you know, sometimes you run out. 

Staying at the Kalispell Grand Hotel was a unique experience and much more personal than if we'd stayed at a chain. I'd highly recommend it, and it's quite budget-friendly. Rates are affordable, running an average of $90-125 per night, depending on when you travel. Choose from a more luxurious option with a jetted tub, or a family suite with more room or a more economical option with a little less space. You also get free parking with your room in the lot behind the hotel. And if you need to relax a little (or a lot) more, book a massage at the spa in the hotel.

Find out more about the awesome of Kalispell Grand by checking them out online:

website | Facebook | photos by visitors on Instagram

Disclosure: My visit to Kalispell was sponsored by the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Eating & Drinking in Kalispell, Montana

Last week I took a road trip with my mom and dog from Portland to Montana. The Visitor Bureau had been trying to get me up there for some time and I was finally able to make the trip to check out the lovely town of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley. The area is beautiful, and we'll get to that, but I want to talk about one of my favorite subjects: food. If you've been reading my blog for a while (or follow me on Instagram), you know I love to try new foods everywhere I go. Well, let me tell you, I only had one bad meal on this trip, and that was my own fault. I won't talk about that today though. Instead, I want to focus on the all the deliciousness that was had.

If you like food, beer and wine, then the Flathead Valley is definitely for you. Almost all the food comes in huge portions, which is surprising, but really works for a budget vacation, because you can easily make two meals out of one, either by taking the leftovers for later or splitting with a travel partner. Besides that, the food really is totally affordable, too.

My first stop in town was to the Kalispell Brewing Co. where I went for a flight of beers. I like a dark stout, like Guinness, which I told the "waiter". He recommended four darker beers for the flight and I was in. So, what I got, from left to right (least bitter to most bitter, and also lightest to darkest) was the Winter at Noon Dunkel, Demersville Dark Schwarzbier, Piolet {pronounced pee-o-lay} Porter, Snowslip Stout. The Demersville and Piolet were seasonal and the other two are normally on tap. The Dunkel is a favorite among regulars and, though I thought it was quite good (high praise from a non-beer drinker like me), the stout was definitely my favorite. The porter was a bit too bitter for me and, in fact, seemed more bitter than the stout, but I wouldn't turn it down if offered again.

The brewery is a lot larger on the inside than it looks on the outside and actually is very bright. The building used to be a auto repair shop. It has been extensively remodeled since it was bought for the brewery, but the feel is still there and the owners did a great job holding onto that history and some of the best artwork on the building.  

Sit inside or outside here. There are two floors and the upper floor is split into an inside area with large floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor deck that overlooks Main Street. It's a perfect place to relax after work or just to enjoy a couple beers. You can also take a tour of the brewery if you like.

As you can see, I really enjoyed my flight of beers. I finished that stout, too, so don't worry about wasted beer. There is some weird law stating that breweries can't serve food in Montana, and they have to jump through a lot of hoops in order to do so. Kalispell Brewing Co. has popcorn for those that need a little somethin'-somethin' to keep from falling off their chairs, but they also allow you to bring your own food in or have something delivered directly to the brewery, like pizza. Also, the beers are not going to set you back much. Our group ordered two full-size beers and my flight and it only cost $13.50

If you don't choose to order food to bring with you to the brewery, there are tons of other delicious food options to choose from in Kalispell and they're all easy to walk to. I was lucky enough to be taken down the street to Hops by the owner, Bonnie. This is the third, and probably last, incarnation of their restaurant. It went from fine dining to Mediterranean to the popular burger and beer joint it is today. They have dozens of beers on tap and over 100 to choose from overall, plus much of the meat and other ingredients are locally-sourced, making it the ultimate Montana dining experience.

Our waiter, Austin, was very gracious and welcomed me to Kalispell before telling us about the drinks and specials. You might think he was showing his best face for the owner, but everyone we met in Montana was crazy-nice and helpful. We started off with the elk bratwurst. Now, I pretty much have a thing against sausages in general, but I couldn't resist trying this local food and would even break my rule to order it again. The caramelized onions and homemade pretzel were very complementary. 

I think I had decided on my main meal before I even step foot in Montana. I mean, where else have you ever seen yak on a menu? My answer: NEVER. You can also choose from bison, wild boar and traditional beef. These yak are bred on a ranch probably 10 miles from town, making it hyper-local. They have a great life roaming the ranch and have wonderful diets. They are mostly used for breeding, but some make it onto your plate here. I went with the yak burger, which came with a mild coleslaw and was topped with a BBQ sauce, more caramelized onions and pickled ginger. It was one of the best - and juiciest - burgers I've ever had. I could only eat half of it, but enjoyed the rest later, even sharing a few nibbles with the dog (who tried to gnaw off my fingers). 

Unfortunately, the dessert we shared didn't photograph well in the low light, but it was equally delicious. Served in a mug, the Irish whiskey chocolate mousse was light and fluffy and made in-house. It is topped with a homemade whipped cream...and I ate most of it, even though I was stuffed. It was pretty potent, so I'm glad I passed on more beer, but I don't regret ordering it over the other desserts offered.

My mom is a lover of BBQ, so we made the decision to check out Desoto's Bar & Grill, which was two blocks (maybe less) from our hotel. It is housed in the old forge and the sign is still hanging on the front of the building. The inside still feels a bit like a forge and is an open plan, so you can see the food being made. It's not large, but that doesn't stop them from having live music on certain days. The owners of this place actually lived in Portland for almost two decades before coming back home to Montana.

What they lack in space, they make up for in flavor...and portion sizes. Check out that ice team my mom has! I wasn't starving, so I figured ordering an appetizer was the way to go. Apparently, it didn't matter. I got the BBQ brisket baked potato, which would have easily fed two people as a main meal. It was packed with brisket slices (slathered in their homemade BBQ sauce which was sweet, but not too sweet, and tangy, but not too tangy), bacon, corn, green onions, butter, sour cream and corn. I ate as much as I could, which might have been 2/3 and when I ran to the restroom, the waitress took it away, but told my mom if I wasn't actually done, she'd be happy to bring me another. How nice (and totally unnecessary) was that? I reassured her that I was done and more than full.

I ordered up a beer to go with my potato. I tried something called Irish Death, which is actually brewed in Ellensburg, Washington. I loved the name and I enjoyed the beer and a 12oz is just $4. What? That giant potato was $10.50. We would have gotten out of there really cheaply if we had just split one, but my mom got her own with the BBQ chicken, which was also very good.

So, I don't know if you've ever had a huckleberry, but they are addicting. Unfortunately, Montana hoards almost all of them for themselves, meaning I had to load up on them while I could. I purchased chocolate-covered and cordials (my absolute favorite) and headed over to Norm's News, the Valley's only old-fashioned soda fountain, and candy shop. You can purchase unique and delicious candies here from the area and from the world. 

Seeing they had huckleberry shakes, I just had to order one. They make their own ice cream here (and also fudge) and take their time getting the shakes just right, so don't expect to order and get it right away. I mean, they also serve hamburgers, hot dogs, sundaes and sides here, so they have customers to serve.

My mom ordered the milkshake special: The Paul, which was like chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. She loved it. My huckleberry shake had whole berries in it and the ice cream was so thick that I broke my straw trying to drink it. That's not a bad thing. I turned it over and kept at it. I was definitely rewarded for my efforts. I shared mine with the dog, who also thought it was a delicious treat.

On the morning we were heading to Glacier National Park, Diane from the Visitor Bureau took me to have breakfast at Sykes Diner, home of the 10 cent coffee. I ordered a cup, and it was just as good as you would get elsewhere for 20 times as much (or more). I also got the breakfast sandwich, because who can pass up a breakfast sandwich? I was pleasantly surprised though, because the biscuit was obviously homemade and done right. Instead of being dry and crumbly, it was fluffy, large and really filling. I could only eat half of it, especially with the side of perfectly crispy hashbrowns. Sykes is located inside Sykes Market, so you can purchase staples or a quick gift, pick up a prescription and get breakfast, lunch or dinner all in one stop. The service is fast and friendly, the food is good and affordable (my sandwich was $7.50), plus it's a fun place to people watch or make new friends.

Okay, so when we first rolled into town, we grabbed a quick lunch at Brannigan's Pub, because they had outdoor seating and were right across the street from the park where we were walking the dog. We liked it so much that we went back for dinner on our last night. The pub serves a long list of whiskeys and other beer and liquor. Unfortunately, I was driving both times, so I didn't try any, but a Jameson or Bushmill's, which I know are spendy at home were just around $4.50 or $5 here. 

The menu consists of Irish staples, like hand pies, bangers & mash and corned beef & cabbage. I was drawn to the sandwiches served on pretzel buns. I tried both the Bistro Melt and the Dubliner. The Bistro has ham, havarti and caramelized onions, while the Dubliner has Dubliner cheese, turkey and proscuitto. Both were outstanding, but the star of the dishes were the planks (Brannigan's fries) which were perfectly cooked. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and everything I want in a fry. I'm going to have withdrawals. I know it. Friday and Saturday nights can get busy, so get their early to snag a table.

Have you ever been to a restaurant where the food was so good, you could eat there every day? It's few and far between for me, but on this trip, 406 Bar and Grill was it. It's definitely a more upscale place, but it still feels casual. They have plenty of outdoor seating, including what you see above.

We stopped in for lunch one day, because it was literally 20 steps from our hotel and highly recommended. The menu has tapas and larger plates, many are Mexican-inspired, but there are Northwest dishes as well. My mom ordered the herb-roasted chicken and I decided to go the tapas route and got the grilled lamb chops and the baked brie toast. Can't go wrong with any of those, right? Many of the dishes have cilantro in them, which I can't eat (white people problems) and instead of asking if they could be ordered without, I just chose the items that sounded good without, and I'll never pass up a lamb dish.

First off, that chicken was so juicy and flavorful, it would be hard to not order it every time you ate here. The lamb chops were cooked perfectly and the balsamic glaze was just right to bring out the flavor of the meat. The brie toasts were slathered with sundried tomato spread and tasted a bit like mini pizzas, but were worth ordering. Had I gone back, I would have ordered the buffalo sliders, because yum. Also, when you order a soda here, you get a large glass, instead of one of those little ones that they have to come back and refill a hundred times. I'm into that.

A little bit outside of town is the Tamarack Brewing Company, where we stopped for lunch before horseback riding. It's technically in Lakeside. They brew their own beers and also serve locally-sourced foods. The brewery is co-owned by hockey legend Lanny McDonald, which is a big draw for hockey-loving Canadians (and probably Americans as well). 

I do regret not trying one of their beers here, but drinking before horseback riding didn't seem like such a great idea for me, so I did the next best thing. I ordered a glass of their house-made root beer. It's brewed with Montana honey and raw sugar on-site. It was really delicious. I'd eaten nothing but large meals my whole trip and I decided to go for something lighter, or so I thought. 

I looked on the specials menu and got the half sandwich, cup of soup and salad. How could that be large? Well, as you can see, it was. This was their Mediterranean chicken sandwich, house salad and clam chowder. The sandwich was messy, but it was really good. The soup was a bit...greasy, but I think maybe they were just having an off day, as Diane said her fish tacos were not quite as good as usual. Look at those tacos though! It looks like they caught the fish, threw it in the fryer and put it on the plate. She says these are her go-to when eating here. They normally come with shredded cheese and sour cream, but she ordered them without. You'll also see that pizzas and burgers feature prominently on their menu. On warm days you can sit on their patio. 

Kalispell has quite a few places to dine that have outdoor seating, so if you come with your pup, you can all enjoy the nice weather. Bonelli's was one of the places that was recommended, but we didn't get to. They have Mediterranean and Italian food. There are only so many hours in the day to stuff your face, and they were only open for breakfast and lunch, and our hotel offered a fantastic breakfast that was included each morning. Montana Coffee Traders also had outdoor seating, but again they were only open for breakfast and lunch. I did get a lunch from there, but it was a salad to go that I ate at Glacier.

I did have other meals while traveling, but these were the things I ate while in Kalispell. I am actually a little confused how everyone in town is not overweight with all these yumtastic options around town, but almost everyone seemed pretty fit. Must be all that ranching and hiking they're doing. I'm already looking forward to another trip up there for more great food (and, you know, seeing more of the area). I've got more Kalispell posts coming up, so you can look forward to activities, culture, lodging and more this month.

Have you ever been to Kalispell, Glacier National Park or the Missoula area? If so, what was your favorite meal?

Disclosure: My visit to Kalispell was sponsored by the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau, but all opinions are 100% my own.