Today items are being placed in the suitcase.  Checking to see how many art supplies I can comfortably fit without making the suitcase too heavy and awkward.  I have memories of dragging a suitcase up 3 or 4 flights of stone stairs in Florence back in 2000.  I tripped while pulling that heavy thing upstairs.  A throbbing knee for the next several days as I walked around Florence was a heavy price to pay.
The most essential items are sketchbooks and drawing tools.  Here are photos and some information of what I have found to be the most fun.
1. A sketchbook with heavy enough paper, 90 lbs or more does the trick.  I love the Aquabee line and any journal with good watercolor paper.  You might enjoy using a couple sizes but the 6" x 8" is one I have used a lot.  I also carry a very small one in my purse.
Then of course you will want a pencil, sharpener and eraser.  Old pencil sketches  of mine have faded horribly which sends me to markers for longer lasting results.

2. A great marking tool is the Tombow dual marker.  It has a brush tip on one end and a finer point on the other.  I tend to use the brush tip most.  After I have the main areas blocked in I add a little water on a brush and instantly have the value plan finished.  I LOVE this effect.  It is so fast. You can see below how I was able to create a strong value pattern based on the color photo. By the way you can get Tombow markers in every color too.

3. Another great mark making tool is General's Sketch and Wash pencil.  It is much softer slower and delicate.  I have students who are afraid of the powerful black in the Tombow pen who much prefer this pencil.  It is the same idea of making your marks and then adding water with a brush to create smooth value patterns.

On the market today are water brushes which are nothing more than
tubes with fiber nibs and caps.  If you fill the tube with water you will have a very portable brush to create washes.
Well this short list will give you hours of fun and I hope great success as you record life.  The next post will deal with watercolor choices.  Have fun.