Small items can often mean a lot on long trips. Here is the list of TYNDA:
#1 Snap lock for keys. Ever get on your motorcycle and realize that your keys were still in your pocket. Especially, under the rain gear. How many times does it take. Use a snap lock and snap them to your jacket zipper. Keeps you from feeling foolish..
#2 Small knife. Place it on your key chain and snap lock.
#3 Ear Plugs. If you don't know why you should use ear plugs, it is too late. But often in foreign countries they play loud music all night in the campgrounds or there may be a bar/disco close by.
#4 Small Flashlight In your pocket or on your key chain for emergency or tent use.
#5 Surgical gloves Even if the foreign doctor has them, they come in handy for those dirty jobs you do, such as when sewing up wounds.
#6 Face mask & mud flaps Some riders have complained to us of the dust in South America, Russia and other countries. Helpful if dust bothers you while riding alone or behind others.
#7 Candle Helpful to take moisture out of tents or for those hotels that have limited electrical hours. Scented candles help in the unventilated rooms.
#8 Bungle cords The very small kind have many uses, especially to strap on items at the last minute.
#9 needles (syringes) The doctor may not have fresh ones and may want to reuse old ones.
#10 Business cards Convey info quickly on that rainy, windy road when you meet a traveller coming from the other way. Use email and have it on your card. This is the year 2000, after all.
A little larger items are:
#1 Photo album Can't speak the language, even so, it shows where you live and your family, pets, etc.
#2 Motorcycle cover Hides your motorcycle, and can be used as your ground cover, raincover, etc.
#3 Small dictionary After you use it give it away as a gift. English/Spanish or whatever.
#4 Hand soap & handiwipes You are not as clean as you think and do you think they have soap in that toilet or kitchen.
#5 Sheep skin Can be used on your seat for those long journeys and if big enough underneath your sleeping bag. Remove the sheep before using, unless going to a cold climate.
#6 Water pump Water is the liquid of germs. Beer and bottled water are not always available.
#7 Siphon Hose Has many uses especially when you run out of gas.
#8 Air pump We know one motorcyclists who purchased an auto air pump, took off the plastic casing and used it to pump up his tires and air mattress.
DAN BLACK HAS HIS OWN IDEAS GO TO DAN'S HELPFUL HINTS
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