Use whole or freshly ground spices when possible. Once ground, spices gradually but surely lose their potency. For maximum flavor buy such spices as pepper, allspice, and cardamom whole, then grind them in a blender or coffee or pepper mill just before packing. Buy ground spices in small quantities and replace any older than a year. A little goes a long way.
Spices are neither as subtle or as forgiving as herbs.
A rule of thumb when adding a spice to a dish for the first time is to start with half as much as you think you need. As for which spices or spice blends to pack, well, that's up to you. I also bring along salt and garlic powder. Terry Krautwurst quests for spices at his local supermarket in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where the world is anything but flat. 41 Fairgrounds Rd.