A necessity: a photograph of my wife and child, as I get homesick very quickly; and a supply of Imodium.

A luxury: a volume of poetry allows you to escape from your surroundings for a short while.

A memento: I have a wrap which I picked up on my way into Rwanda in 1994. It's a good luck charm, and is also useful as a pillow or blanket.

If only: A web camera for sending and receiving video maiI, to feel closer to my family.

• Beyond the Beltway, Fergal Keane's journey across America, starts on BBC Radio 4 on Monday July 10 at 9.30am.