Over the years, I've whittled my bag down to just a few basic essentials. So when I'm exploring a new city, I can always find what I need quickly. And bonus, my hands are free for eating sandwiches, snapping photos, giving high fives or gesticulating at inconsiderate motorists.

On your average city trip, like the one I'm about to take to Toronto, this is what you'll find in my bag (similar here) while I'm walking around.

A lip balm that moisturizes my lips and protects them from the sun

My wallet (similar here) - one that can fit my passport, even my phone in a crunch, and thereby double as a clutch is ideal

A virtually indestructible notebook - for writing down important info, because I'm old school like that

A pen that's pretty and writes well

Gum or mints - to recover from flavourful meals or aggressive coffee breath

My phone - for snapping photos, using my favourite data free map app and posting to Instagram  when I happen upon some free wifi

A book - for reading in the park or over coffee, spending my time in lines more productively, appearing smarter than I am (a book that speaks to my love of the open road and gives me a manageable dose of philosophy is pretty cool too)

What about you? What are the must-haves in your travel bag?

None of these products have been gifted to me, nor have a received financial compensation for featuring them. They're just items that I genuinely use and love.