Psssst! I'll tell you my travel tips if you tell me yours.

I always pack 1-3 molded plastic hangers in the bottom of my suitcase or one of the outer pockets. There's never enough hangers at a hotel plus these are great for wet bathing suits or doing a little hand wash in the hotel sink. I also take a 2-3 oz. bottle of woolite.

I don't bother to lock my luggage any more. I just don't put anything valuable in the checked bag & pack knowing full well it may be opened and inspected.

small flashlight
earplugs
corkscrew

For checked bags I make a two-sided tag; one side has home and the other the destination address.

I use a small multi-pocket plastic coupon holder for my papers, receipts, etc.

Each pocket has it's own subject:
Airline
Ground Transportation
Lodging
Food
Admissions
Souvenirs
Gifts

I label the left over pockets with the different cities that I'm visiting.

For the first group of pockets, I keep my confirmation emails, addresses and phone numbers, tickets, receipts, etc. Because I'm usually on a tight budget, I also include a sheet of blank paper in each category to track my expenses as I go - this is especially good for gifts, souvenirs and food because I can see how much I've spent on stuff that doesn't necessarily stay in mind.

In the destination pockets, I keep driving directions, lists of things to do, places to eat, etc.

At the front, I keep an automatic pencil and a small notebook to use as a quick journal. In the back, I slip my ATM cash withdrawal slips, etc.

As I go, I can compare what I've spent with what I've budgeted so I know if I've had "too much fun" too early on and need to cut down on dining or shopping, etc.

When I'm coming home, it is very easy to fill out my customs form - I just pull my souvenirs and gifts lists with the item and cost.

After I return home, I can easily watch my bank statements to make sure there are no unknown charges.

The best thing is that it is no bigger than a thick paperback and is easy to carry around as I go through the day.

I bring wire "dry cleaner" hangers with me and then just leave them at the hotel. Always have 2 clothes pins to keep the curtains closed. If traveling by car, I put all swimming related items in a separate duffel so if I am not going to use them I just leave them in the car. When traveling by plane, I put half DHs things and half of my things in each bag so if one bag gets lost we each have clothes to wear. I put underwear and socks in ziploc bags because when I don't they seem to "float" all around the suitcase.

I always leave a copy of my itinerary in all my pieces of luggage, and with each family member so we know where I'm going, and they know how to reach me.

I always pack an extra nylon bag that can be checked in, if needed.

And I always do what toedtoes does, but mine is a flat presentation folder with clear sheets, which I stick in my backpack.

I put a sheet of bubble wrap on the top of my clothes before closing the suit case. Great for packing breakables. If I don't use it, someone else in our group usually needs it.

I always try to take the first flight out (unless I'm trying to take the red-eye). It's the only way I've managed to avoid any serious hiccups/delays when flying.

I do the same thing Katie, the only problem that usually impacts first of the day flights are cancellations from the night before so that there is no equipment available in the early AM. At least that is a problem at smaller airports, maybe not big ones.

I do the same thing with Dr. appointments, first one in the morning before they get backed up.

Deb

I never pack pajamas; waste of space. I'll either sleep in tshirt and underwear or pack a light comfortable cotton dress that I can also sleep in.

I have everything I need for entertainment on the flight in a separate bag I can put underneath the seat in front of me.

I never shop for clothes for a trip. I try to get to my destination with a roomy suitcase with plans to shop during the trip and I return with my suitcase jam packed. I also bring the greatest light weight hand carry bag that I adore; it takes no room or weight and yet it can accommodate the extras upon return.

I always carry a 3x5" spiral flip notepad & pen to jot down addresses, prices, restaurants I like, hotels that look interesting, etc. for use on future trips &/or posting here on Fodor's.

* Pack Swimsuits in gallon zip lock bags. Then if you have to transport them wet, you are all set.
* Chewy fruit and nut bars and fruit leathers are a quick snack.
* Dryer sheets help with static cling issues.
* Shout wipes and wet wipes are good for quick clean ups.
* Also, I pack those the chamois micro fiber towels.

I second the dryer sheets. A suit case can get pretty yuck smelling after 3 or more weeks. They seem to pick up the smells of the different hotel rooms, in addition to your clothes.

I pack inflatable hangers for laundry or to use as extra hanger space. a traveling clothesline is always in my luggage. Dental floss and semicircular needle for unexpected repairs.

I also have a copy of my credit cards, passport and tickets on a webmail account, as well as itinerary. In case needed can be retrieved in a second which was handy when I lost my passport in Ecuador.

Have stopped with the TSA locks since they were always missing when my bag arrived. I now have a strap with a combination lock.

Solid soap that doubles as a shampoo, this I bought in India. I believe a shop called Lush also has a similar product. Dove facial cleaners that I cut in half for the shower.

Thanks for all of the ideas. We will be traveling from Rome to Palermo in Oct. so any ideas on how to save money in lodging and food, please let us know. When we get back, I will share our experiences.

I always pack a least a few outfits in my travel companion's suitcase and vice versa - either my husbands or a girlfriend. When we get to our destination, we exchange back. This way, if your suitcase is lost, at least you have something to wear from the other suitcase.

Like ncounty, I stopped bringing pjs or a nightgown for travel too. I learned how to make everything for the trip suitable for double duty if necessary.

For bed, wear a t-shirt and shorts in the summer or yoga pants/t-shirt in the winter. If there’s a hotel emergency and you have to leave your room in a hurry, be sure you’re sleeping in something you wouldn’t mind being seen walking around the lobby in and you can wear it on the plane home if you can’t get your luggage.

I could do an ad for the Tide Pen. We spent a month in Italy and only took enough clothes for 6 days. It took all the chocolate gelato out of my sons' white t-shirts. Not sure but I may try the Clorox Bleach Pen this year.
If I want to have perfume, I put a small amount of perfumed body lotion in an empty contact lens case to avoid spilling the liquid perfume.
And of course, the zip-loc bag is the best invention EVER! I always pack several.

When planning a long trip (30 days or more) I go to my favorite thrift store and buy the tag sale items that are 99 cents on tue and sat. I get what I need for the climate that I will be traveling to, I pack one bag and on the last few days of the trip I give everything away. I still remember seeing a young girl( in Hanoi) riding her bike in the pouring rain wearing a rain coat and cap I had given the maid. I travel in 3rd world countrys 95% of the time and the people can use almost any kind of clothing .I then have an empty bag to bring treasures home.I usually spend 25.00 or lesswhen I do this, Dont sneer at the thrift shop aspect . I often find designer and good brand name clothing and accessorys and brand new things with the tags still on .

I to bring a few sheets of bubble wrap and lots of rubber bands to go around any purchases that I wrap. a small pair of scissors to cut the bubble wrap or for other uses. I'm not a fan of duck tape so this works the best for me.

Two wire coat hangers and 4 small plastic clothes pins to hang laundry up to dry, works like a charm and takes up so little room in the suitcase.

I have a friend who does similar to Kelly. She shops Value Village before her Elderhostel trips (typicall lasting 2-4 weeks) and always looks dressed just right for the climate and activities in her photos. She spends around the same amount $30 or so per trip.

I think it important to know what really makes you comfortable, and what you can live without, and where you can compromise.

Unlike some previous posts, I insist on having a nightgown and wrap of some kind. Usefully, my nightgowns pack to nothing (spaghetti straps and backless, in silk or poly.) A robe in a similar fabric, or I use a pashmina shawl that I can use for evening, are a comfortable robe (and I god bless hotels that provide robes -- I email ahead to inquire.) While it might not be as streetworthy as the shorts-and-tee outfits, I'll still look pretty good, and remember to grab my bag.

I like to get out of the "day" clothes with a few things I reserve for evening, even if these are just tops that feel fresh. Low-heeled shoes or dressier flats are comfortable enough for evening strolls to restaurants or elsewhere, as well as a small envelope or evening bag that doesn't feel like the day-pack travel bag with all the maps, etc. (I love some of the small vintage ones from ebay.) These few items add to my pleasure when traveling, makes the experience feel more special, and don't take up much room.

I've gotten good with chopsticks, but still pack a small fork. There are also plastic knives, fork, and spoon packed in the suitcase for the odd item I want in the room, that needs one of these implements.

And yes -- ziploc bags are the answer to many, many travel needs.

PACK LIGHT!

One must pack item: a black lightweight sarong.

It's been:

- a beach cover up from the Caribbean to Minori to Cyprus
- an evening wrap when going to see Phantom
- a skirt with a cute beaded top found in a vintage clothing store in the West End
- a quick little black dress when tied around my neck on Santorini
- a table cloth in Retiro Park
- a seat cover on dirty stadium bleachers in Glasgow
-a blanket to keep me warm(er) in the summer on a train on the way from Montreaux to Zermatt
-a window covering to keep the city lights out in the wee hours in Manhattan
- a wrap for Talavera pottery and tiles on the return trip from Chichen Itza
- a picnic blanket in Central Park
- a sun shade by hanging it from a palm tree on the beach on Playa Carrillo
- a beach blanket in Santander
- a cover in the back of the rental car when I HAD to leave the snorkel gear in there during a spelunking trip at Camuy
- an impromptu umbrella for five of us in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- a drape at the Hemingway resort in the family room that did not have a bathroom door
- fabric to stuff under the door to keep the creepy crawlies out in Bocas del Toro

I'm sure the list goes on, but you get my point!

Okay Mom23, that sounds like too much fun, I AM coming with you!

I bring my old clothes that I was planning to get rid of, and at the end of my trip will leave it in the hotel room. That clears room in my luggage for my purchases.

I'm really surprised no one mentioned strong tape (cloth tape/duct tape/packing tape). Wrap it around a black magic marker, and pack the whole thing in a little ziploc, and you'll have covered a lot of the shipping materials you may need.

I also like to take a cooler bag that folds up small. It's really great for picking up supermarket lunches, and then heading out for a picnic. It could also be used to cushion fragile items on the way home. (BTW, so many hotels come with fridges these days, it's easy to semi-freeze a couple of bottles of water overnight to keep the cooler bag cold.)

I pack the most compact plug-in night light I can find. I have one from Rite-Aid for the U.S., and one somewhat larger for 220 Europe. that serves to light my way to the bathroom, and for my husband's aim in the bathroom at night, without the bright light waking us.

Love those Ziploc bags, too--I keep extras tucked in my suitcase just in case something liquid opens or leaks in an occupied bag. A Ziploc bag slimed with conditioner or lotion is not easily rinsed out!

Great thread!

I also just take a large store bag and slip my folded slacks into them. That way they lift right out of the suitcase and they seem to get less wrinkled. It also saves "digging"into the suitcase for things. Do the same with blouses. Undies in ziplock.

My daughter is allergic to mosquitos so I carry a plug in mosquito zapper or mosquito coils.

I know no one has heard this one. I find the beds in Europe to be very hard and uncomfortable. So as part of my luggage check in I take a queen size hospital eggcrate pad. People laughed when I told them. My wife laughed and made fun of me but now she makes sure that is the one item I do not forget.

How do you fit the egg crate in your luggage, and what does it weigh?

Packing cubes.

They really work. Just don't be timid - don't stuff them, overstuff them. You will gain significant space in your bag, and they help keep you organized.

The eggcrate weighs next to nothing. I fold it in half length ways and then roll it up tight and put a couple of bungee cords around. It will then fit in the duffle bag a bit tightly. But once it is in the bag I undue the cords and also stuff some pillows in there too. I am able to carry it with no problem or discomfort from the drop off point to the airline counter. I then check it as one of my bags. I do drive when in Europe so I just throw it in the car and bring it up to the room. Oh, if you consider it you may want to bring your own top sheet because if english is not understood where you are they don't know what you mean when asking for a top sheet.

I like to travel with a pkg of peanut butter crackers in case of emergency but they often end up crushed in my bag--recently discovered that a hard cover eye glass case is perfect for keeping them in tact!

Anna Marie--thanks for this superb idea. I will put it to use right away!
I have a sensitive stomach and always need to carry some crackers when flying and then am miserable because they get crushed.
Last time I took mini saltine crackers in an Altoids tin and that was also perfect as I could fit just enough in there. Thanks again

Oooooh, great idea, ileen--hadn't thought about using an Altoid tin--thank you!

don't eat before long-haul.
just accept steamend veggis.
get a couple of good red wine
and take a (harmless) sleeping pill.

carry a bottle of evian spray for moisturizing the skin.

aks for a NO DISTURB sign and dram!

div

instead od the spray take a silk scraf which wraps your face!

happy landings!

div

I agree with the rest of you: Ziplock bags are SO useful. The first time I packed my underwear in them, and sat on them to squeeze out the air, I was amazed at how much space that saved. I've tried the gallon bags with other clothes but had lots of wrinkles; it might work well with sweaters, tho. They're also great for keeping dirty undies away from clean clothes throughout the trip, to keep small souvenirs or papers from floating around in the suitcase, and to put bottles with liquids/lotions in when you're checking that suitcase. And in a village in Russia, both my hostess and I really appreciated my ziplock bags catching the vomit when I got sick in the night and the outhouse was a long ways away ... sorry, that's probably TMI but you just never know what use you may have for those self-sealing bags!

Drinking alcohol (even just a glass of wine) and taking a sleeping pill is not something that should be recommended, encouraged, suggested, or done.

I've seen many people on this board make that same recommendation for sleeping on a plane, dealing with the fear of flying, conquering jetlag, etc. In truth, it can be a very dangerous combination.

Sorry to be a buzzkill, but I've seen that combination go wrong and it just makes me cringe to see it being suggested here time and time again.

Hi,

my tips:
#1 - plastic bag for wasted clothing (very useful especialy for longer trips)
#2 - chocolate bars (as in some coutries i´t takes some time to find a chocolate - aspecially in Vietnam
#3 - check the transport in the destination (what a suurprise if there are no trains from A to B because they ceased the operations two years ago) - good (and valid) transport links are at http://www.mapsguides.com.

Pete

Saline nasal spray for moisturising and protecting on long flights.

Use hotel shampoo for washing undies in sink. Have even used three or four tiny bottles of shampoo in "pay" washing machines if they are available. Works well.

I take a soft glasses case on cord to put my glasses in while I try to sleep, so they won't get lost or damaged, and bring an eye mask, as they are not supplied much any more.

Like some others, I take clothes which I don't want to bring home, to make room for new ones. I once had to make room for an antique Persian rug I bought on impulse in a German auction, and so had to throw everything away to make room for it.

I keep a small zip lock bag of over the counter meds I might need including neosporen. This has come in handy more than once.

I keep the shower caps from hotel rooms to use on my feet when I go through security. (I rarely see the bag dispensers). Now I can wear any shoes I want and not worry about going barefooted in the airport. Yuck.

Smartest thing we ever did when travelling is to bring along a "noise machine', sort of an alarm clock that emits ambient noise...a low chirping or buzzing that blocks out city noises, snoring, etc. Helps me stay asleep, and I almost panick if I think we have forgotten it.

clarasong - can you tell me which brand or model you own? I was checking on Amazon and wow, if there aren't a lot of different ones and different opinions, for that matter! Thanks!

clarasong:
Yes, the brand would be great. Is it battery operated?

After my trip to Rome this past December I learned quite a few things about what to do and not to do...

*Travel light!!! I packed enough clothes for almost a month and I was only going to be there 8 days...I could have gotten by with a couple tops and a couple pairs of black slacks...didn't need the 8 pairs of shoes either....go figure lol.

*Bring windproof gloves with you! I could find leather gloves everywhere but none were windproof.
And they were very expensive.

*I was lucky that I brought baby wipes with me on my trip...our apartment never seemed to have hot water and in the middle of december with no heater and no hot water...sometimes you can't make yourself jump in to that cold shower no matter what.

*Bring Immodium....you never know when you might need it.

*I also made sure to bring 2 boxes of pop tarts and a good size box of granola bars with me...saved a lot of money on breakfast

*Make sure to hit the local food markets for cheap snacks

*never go to a Christmas party and have several drinks the night before your 6 a.m. flight...trust me lol

*try to find information on the internet about where public restrooms are in your destination city...then mark it on your map...this will come in handy!

*I scrapbook so I compile a list of all "must have photos" before I go and make sure to check them off as i take them so i don't miss anything.

...i'll try to think of more later...

heartofthesouth, I love your ideas - especially the pop tarts and granola bars!

FRISBEE !

I always take a small Frisbee. It is flat and easy to pack.

I turn it upside down and put it on my nightstand or hotel side table.

Makes keeping up with little things - coins, watch, pills, keys, earplugs - simple. No searching around for stuff at checkout. No forgetting things that have spread around the room.

The Frisbee also makes a good plate for picnics. And, oh yes, it is fun to toss.

TravelandNature

About 2 mos before our trip, when the tp gets low I keep them. Crush them flat, then put them under the zip lining in the suitcase between the frame. Great for kleenex too!!

Heart- 8 pairs of shoes?! oh my, I feel guilty when I bring 3 (one for casual stylish daywear, one for exercise and one for hittin' the town at night swanky). Nowadays, I eliminate the swanky one.

lol I was actually being conservative with the 8 pairs of shoes...it was probably more along the lines of 10 or 12...It was my first actual trip as an adult and I honestly had no clue what to expect....so I brought everything! Figured it was better to have too much than too little when you are that far from home Boy was I wrong! Out of all those shoes the one pair I forgot was my danged sneakers...the ones i needed the most! I looked all over Rome and couldn't find a single pair...the only ones I found were crystal encrusted and over 500 Euro! You couldn't have paid me to wear those things.

Since I usually wear my hiking boots on the plane (because they are bulky and heavy), I always bring a pair of lightweight travel slippers with thin rubber soles to wear on the plane. They get a lot of use..at night, at the beach, even out on the street in a pinch.

The kind with a dark color knit fabric top are the best, but you really have to keep an eye out for something that doesn't come with too thick a sole or with fake sheepskin grip.