White out also works as a run stopper in stockings (besides the old standby of nail polish).
My main tip is to just keep a drawer full of things you need for travel so that in packing you don't forget. This happened after taking many trips where I always forgot one thing, once a comb or brush, another deoderant, once actually underwear. So I just have a drawer at home where I keep a set of things I need for travel and that at least helps me remember!