You can tell a lot about a person by asking, “What’s the first thing you pack in your suitcase?”

My husband, Scott, inspired this blog post when I noticed his empty suitcase sitting out a few days before departure. It contained his ritual “stash” of familiar snacks: beef jerky, red licorice bites and Corn Nuts. Since this is a longer trip (two weeks), to this assortment, he added jelly beans.

Scott’s Travel “Stash”

I decided to pose the question to my team and some of my WOWees. I got some interesting responses:

From Bob Franz (a CFO in his former life): “Underwear.  Count # needed w/o washing and decide if I want to pack that much.”

From Jack Daly (Ever-achieving Sales/Life Coach & Marathon Man):  “Vitamins, supplements, protein shakes and toiletries – because if we don’t prioritize our well being/health, the rest of the stuff in the bag will not matter.”

From Jill Stoliker (Loyal friend, spiritual-seeker and Wino – although I did not know this about her!): “Chocolate and a cork screw.  Actually, a cork screw ‘lives’ in my suitcase so I don’t forget.”

From Whitney Chen (Program Manager at The CTP Group): “Running shoes go in first so I make sure I have room for them.  If I pack them and don’t use them… I’ll be upset that I wasted the space!”

From Sharon Valdez (Explorer with the Voice of an Angel): “Haha! It’s not so much what goes in but what comes out of my suitcase: packing cubes, adapters, Space bags, first aid kit, compression socks, noise-cancelling headphones, neck rest, inflatable back pillow, personal blanket and sleep mask. When my suitcase is empty, underwear, sleepwear and my jewelry bag go in first because there are compartments in my suitcase that are perfect for holding these items.”

From Don Riddell (Executive Coach & Catalyst and Wise Husband #1): “No specific first thing; no packing ritual. Just my lucky charm, my wife, Sharon.”

From Gabie Neufeld (Philanthropic Fitness Freak): “Underwear, bras, running clothes and shoes – which are always my oldest and least favorite – which I leave behind (because who wants to carry stinky workout clothes?)!  And I always take a few photos of my children – always!”

From Tim Neufeld (veteran WOWee and Wise Husband #2): “An old pair of running shoes (to leave behind), my lucky hat (that I wore on our first WOW trip to Peru) and my amazing wife, Gabie.”

From Michael Day (Relentless and Incurable Explorer): “The first thing I pack are my pitons and my ice pick so I’m always prepared for an invitation to go mountain climbing.  Next in are blocks of white packaging foam to prevent the sharp metal tips from puncturing my luggage!”

From Lesley Ford (Former employee who defected to Australia): “After coaxing out the puppy, who has invariably curled up in my suitcase, I pack…