There are several products I find myself using each time I travel. The following are some of those items, without which my trips would be much more difficult, uncomfortable, or just impossible.

• Backpack — My North Face Terra 40 is my best friend. It travels everywhere I do. It is a very versatile mid-volume pack that has always been able to hold everything I want, including clothes, accessories, and several water bottles. It is comfortable to wear, has plenty of straps and loops, and is pretty rugged. Best of all, it qualifies as a carry-on bag, eliminating the need to check in luggage in the less-than-honest countries.
• IrfanView — This is my co-best friend. I use this image viewer/editor everywhere I travel. I download it onto whatever computer I’m using and make simple modifications to my photos before sending/posting them (e.g. resize, rotate, etc.) It is free, small, easy to download, and even easier to use. Get it here.
• Memory card converter drive – Make it easy for yourself to get your photos onto a computer during you trip. Simply plug your digital camera’s memory card into this tiny little accessory, which then plugs directly into a computer’s USB drive. This way you can transfer photos to a computer without bringing your camera’s connection cord. Radio Shack or Best Buy or any similar store will carry these. I use this one.
• Pepto Bismol — Keep your innards happy with these little pink pills.
• Toilet paper — Don’t assume any country —  from third-world countries to westernized ones — will have toilet paper. Bring your own or else use local methods, which personally I don’t enjoy.