Fly Tours
If you are taking passengers on an overnight flight, or even dropping them off for one, they will love you for giving them earplugs. I order in bulk and then put them in the little zip locks so they can reuse them for hotels, trains, etc.
Also for trips involving flights I carry a scale so that if a passenger is worried about the weight of the luggage I can weigh it for them.
Tools for Leading
In a perfect world, our “sheep” would follow us and never stray. But in reality, there are times when we need a little help being visible. It is good to have a bright notebook or clipboard (or put a bright sticker on the back of your clipboard) so you can raise it up when you need to be seen. But that gets a little tiring holding up something all the time. I made a flag (you can buy one, just think through all the places you will use it and make sure that it will be appropriate for the locations) and attached it to this radio antenna. I only use it in the crazy hectic situations where we are in huge groups of people. It folds up to about the size of a pen (so I do not have trouble going through security, as you will if you get the big tour guide antennas- they treat them as batons and they will take them from you). It fits easily in my pocket so it is there when I need it and out of the way when I don’t. I have found these finger lights and rings to be great. You can get them in smaller packs, but I buy in bulk knowing over time I will use them and it is not a big deal when I lose one or a kid on tour wants one. You can attach them to your flag or stick them on your fingers when you need to direct a group at night. Students and adults alike think they are fun.
Office Supplies
I have gone through clipboards like nobody’s business. The clip would break or the back would crack. I finally found one that can hold up to all the abuse, but also is thin.
Normal file folders are cheaper and generally all you need. But I have handouts that I use for each state every time I pass through on a tour. Those folders were getting raggedy and torn so I upgraded to these plastic ones. They have a plastic slipcover on the front so you can have something fun on the front that is protected. I taped the state flag and license plate inside (see below in pass-arounds)
I always have this little stapler in my backpack. It takes normal size staples and gets the job done.
Medical Stuff
I love these little keychain CPR masks. I have them stuck on the outside of all my bags that I carry with me so I have them handy. I actually put two on and take the mask out of one and put in a pair of gloves so I have both ready anytime I may need them.
All coaches should have stocked first aid kits and all buildings should as well. I still like to carry a small one with me, just to be safe. Usually, you are just giving away band-aids but I think it is better to be safe than sorry.
Sea-Bands. I used to think people were crazy who thought these would work until I tried them. All they do is put pressure on a point on your wrist but they work on most people dealing with motion sickness and nausea. Since they are not medicine you can let passengers borrow them. I always have a few pairs with me that I lend out to those who need them and get them back afterward (you can wash them if you need to).
Passenger Stuff
Often it is helpful to have some extra supplies you can give to clients in a time of need (or I guess you could sell if it was a reasonable price and okay with your tour operator. Though, I find that giving little things to passengers is generally made up in better tips as they realize the extra things that you do). I always carry some disposable ponchos with me, as it often will mean the difference of them going out and experiencing something and just staying inside and missing this once in a lifetime moment because of some rain. While I like the bright colors so I can find them easily most prefer the clear so it does not clash and their outfits still get in the photos instead of looking like they are wearing a tarp. Also for those trips to very cold places where you have to stand outside for an event these HotHands hand warmers are awesome (whenever I see them on sale anywhere I stock up since they can last for a long time before you use them).
"Pass Arounds"
These are sturdy and great for sending around for passengers to look at with fun facts for each state.
Or you can select a specific page: