We asked our staff “What’s What’s your must-have item for trips?” Find out which items are always in our carry-ons in this month’s Staff Sound-Off.

If I’m not reading a book at the time, my must-have item for a trip is The Economist magazine.  I subscribe to the print edition, and I’ll take several with me usually.  I’ve had more than one person on a plane mention the magazine to me and say they read it, too.  Its writers and editors are world-class journalists, and I enjoy reading the letters from readers they include.

— Mac Lacy, Publisher

Cash!

— Telisa Rech, Advertising Sales Manager

My own pillow and separate laundry bag for dirty laundry, they have cute travel ones on Amazon. I could name more; I need everything to go with me.

— Sarah Sechrist, Controller

My must-have item for trips are my AirPods. I love listening to audiobooks, podcasts and music when traveling.

— Rachel Crick, Staff Writer

A laundry bag for dirty laundry and a pair of slippers to wear around the hotel or cabin.

— Donia Simmons, Creative Director

My must-have item for trips is my backpack. This sounds dumb, but I use that thing so much that there is always something in it that I didn’t think I needed but do.

— Kyle Anderson, VP, Sales & Marketing

I never travel anywhere without plenty of snacks, a pen pal letter or three to respond to during downtime, and my noise-canceling headphones.

— Ashley Ricks, Graphic Designer & Circulation Manager

A portable charging block has become an indispensable part of my travel gear. I use my phone a lot more when I travel than I do at home, and I start to feel anxious about my depleting battery if I don’t know when I’ll get to charge it next. I have a great charging block with enough capacity to completely recharge my phone, as well as my headphones. It can even power my laptop in a pinch.

— Brian Jewell, VP & Executive Editor