I buy them at Home Depot in packs of 4 for like 10 bucks. the small ones that are black with a red stripe. cheap enough to be considered disposable when the line gets frayed.
bring sunscreen!
and yeah, going from the rustbelt to the rest of the world will result in purchases of clean sheetmetal to take back home. it happens.
always go prepared.
also I usually google the destination and then find the nearest hardware store so I know I can grab something if needed.
also, also, you can't own too many ratchet straps.