New Orleans is famous for its musical bar scene and the French Quarter; Hawaii is known for its beaches and volcanoes. What do you know about your destination? If you know just a little, what do you need to find out before you depart?

Watch movies or read books to help set the stage for the trip.

There are so many movies and books that can set the mood and act as a part of your research. Some may be fictional (watch the movie Amelie and you are transported to Paris), some are non-fiction (pick up a book with pictures of cathedrals and art you might be planning to see). This lets you piggy-back on the research that others have already done.

Find out if there is local cuisine.

Chili is different in Cincinnati than in Dallas; Mexican food in San Diego isn’t the same as in Mexico City. Almost all cities and small towns have food markets where you can try things without having to go to a restaurant, and the way the food is displayed—with so many colors and patterns—is inspiring. Plus you get the feel and sense of the everyday life in a particular place, along with snacks and food for picnics.

Research the local customs and practices.

Know about them and pack the right things to wear. For example, when visiting a church or temple you might have to dress more modestly than for the rest of your trip. Respect the prohibitions on photographing people in certain places or situations. If in doubt, ask.

Visit local art supply stores or take art classes.

I love scouting out local art supply stores and discovering new and inspiring art supplies to bring home. It can also be fun to take an art class, a great way to connect with like-minded people in a different country.

Prepare an art-on-the-go kit.

Pack some supplies to create art while you travel (a full description of my art-on-the-go kit is on the next page). With materials in hand, even brief moments can provide opportunities to sketch, doodle and write. And when there is more time, you’ll be especially glad you brought the kit.

Art-on-the-Go Kit

Packing an art-on-the-go kit is a great motivator. It ensures that you will make art while you’re traveling, while you are in the moment. Keep the kit light; you’re more likely to use it if it’s small, convenient and portable. Remember that you will often have only a short amount of time and a small space like your lap, a table at a café or the tray in front of you on a plane.

Here is what I pack in my kit:

Watercolor sketchbook. Mine is about 3¹⁄₂" × 5¹⁄₂" (9cm × 14cm) and serves as a sketchbook, art journal and travel journal all at once.
Watercolors. I pack single watercolor pans in a small metal tin, dry watercolor sheets or a travel-size watercolor set.
Water brush. This brush can be filled from any sink or water bottle and prevents spills and messes.
Mechanical pencil for sketching.
Eraser.
Small rag for cleaning the brush or dabbing excess paint.
Black India ink pens (permanent ink). These pens are waterproof and wonderful for linework and journaling. Pack at least two different nib sizes: fine and medium.
Acrylic markers. I limit myself to three, though it’s tempting to pack more. I choose colors that allow me to do things I can’t achieve with watercolors. The reason for paint pens instead of tubes of paint is ease of use. I use paint markers that work with a pumping system, which allow me to pump paint through the nib onto a surface (like a plastic saucer) and then apply the paint with a brush. Essentially, the marker acts as a travel-size container filled with acrylic paint, and the clean-up is with water, the same as watercolors.
Small glue stick to adhere ephemera.
Small solvent-based (permanent) ink pad for making fast marks with found objects. Always store it in its own separate zippered plastic bag and secure the lid with tape or a rubber band.
Small bag or box that can hold all the supplies.

Be on the lookout for items than can serve as mark-making tools (sticks, bottle caps, packaging material, etc.). Use them while you’re on your journey and add them to your art-on-the-go kit if there’s room. Pick up open stock art supplies to try out and add to the kit (a brand that’s new to you, a pencil or pastel in a favorite color). When we’re home, we have endless supplies, but when we travel the items at hand are more limited. Working within these limits often leads to better focus and unexpected discoveries. There’s less need to think about technique, so you can spend more time playing and doing!

Cautionary note for air travel: I’ve never had problems with my markers in my carry on, but to be on the safe side pack them in a clear zippered plastic bag with your other liquids.