books are my kryptonite!)before a recent flight, security had to dig around in my bag, pulling most of my random things out, including some rice and lentils leftover from my previous sit😂
: 
400 grit sandpaper to sharpen at least one knife, light and cheap. 400 is quite fine and not too aggressive.
Various thermometers, small pocket thermometer for refrigerator, small oven thermometer and battery operated infrared temperature sensor for pan temperature and cat toy.
Bamboo back scratcher to make friends with new cat, it is less threatening than my hand.
All light cheap and small
just remembered something else:
several moths ago, I dragged my hardside luggage over a rough surface and cracked the bottom. The suitcase is still totally usable, but I occasionally re-super glue & re-duct tape the crack to keep it sealed and solid. Since not every homeowner has duct tape, and since a whole roll would be excessively large and heavy to carry around, I’ve made my own mini roll of duct tape, to use as needed on my journey!
It travels with my rubber bands, sharpie, and a small bottle of super glue – all handy in random moments!
Picked up some Vanilla incense in Italy and usually use it when we arrive some place new. Prefer that over candles, because it’s smaller and compact.
