It may be Fantasy Travel Week here at Food Republic, but when it comes to packing your bags, the best rule of thumb is to keep it real — as in the smart, and stylish, choices you'll hopefully use frequently enough to justify the space they occupy in your suitcase.

Whether your destination is an urban setting or a more rustic environment, here are six packing essentials to meet the modern traveler's needs, from a durable, old-school-style bag that converts from backpack to tote (depending on your mood and agenda) to a fuss-free necktie to slip on for that impromptu dinner reservation you scored to the local Michelin-starred hotspot. And since you probably don't want to be that dude obnoxiously snapping away with your smart phone, here's a sleek little camera (smaller than most phones) to discreetly document every plate. 

Speaking of places to dine, the wildly popular global guide Where Chefs Eat — the next best thing to traveling with a handful of well-informed food obsessives — now exists in app form. Download it. Check out the slideshow below.

Also see: 24 Places To Visit For Fantasy Food Travel

More design on Food Republic:

• Meet Mark Menjivar, The Walker Evans Of Refrigerator Photography
• Sushi Fans, You'll Love This Genius New Spin On Chopsticks
• Finally, Cool Flexible Rubber Lunch Box-Things! Obviously From Norway!