What's your must-have item to pack?

I like to have more than one pair of comfortable shoes. Tired feet often appreciate a different shoe, and if one pair gets wet, you will have a dry alternate.

Also, if you plan on doing Animation Academy, a paper towel tube will help to safely store your family’s sketches.

Moleskin and small scissors to cut to size, if no one mentioned that yet.

And I will second the packing cubes. LOVE them, and use them for any travel now!