Do you all pack extras?
 

Earlier this year when I landed at the airport in Rome, I rushed into the ladies room to brush my teeth to freshen up to meet a friend, so in my state of mind and being in a hurry, I fumbled my toothbrush and it landed right on the bathroom floor. So I met my friend with gritty teeth, and since I had arrived late on a Sat. night and we drove down to Amalfi Coast, I had to wait until Monday to buy a toothbrush. I used floss and toothpaste but I wanted a good brush.
Another time I lost my Lancome eye cream somewhere in the plane and my eyes got all puffy in their withdrawel eye cream state, so I looked pretty weird until I could get to a store to get some more, this was in Florence.
Another trip my curling iron quit working so I was all bushy haired until I could buy a new one, and it didn't get very hot, so I wore my hair in a ponytail most of the trip.
I am writing this so some of you will be able to learn from my mishaps and if you have room pack some extras. It is easy to buy things of course in Europe but can become a timing hassle.

Maybe things are different in Italy, but I don't really feel like a trip to Britain is complete without at least one visit to Boots (an omnipresent High Street Chemist).

As long as nothing happens to my passport, camera and credit card, why worry in advance about the other million things that could go wrong but probably won't?

Other than a European hair dryer, we carry no extras and have only enough to last us a few days because we like to buy toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc. in foreign places. Look in our medicine cabinet and find about 8 languages represented.

Yikes, ohblondie, it's difficult enough to get everything I need into my suitcase, without taking backups. This way lies madness!!

Not only do I not pack extras - I seldom pack "firsts" except for any OTC meds I might need (cold/sinus meds for instance) and my tootbrush

I often fly Virgin and they give everyone amenity bags that include tooth brush, tooth paste, skin cream etc. enough to get me by until I can get to a local shop.

I don't usually take a curling iron, let alone a spare one.

Invisible traveler: I'd love to know where you purchased a European hair dryer. having just returned from Italy with hair fried from the cheap dryers in the hotel I am in desperate need of one for the future. the dryer i brought with me blew up when i attempted to hook it up with a converter.

hair dries so fast in France and Italy why bring a drier? Vacation was supposed to mean relaxed, no make up, no gadgets? Maybe my concept is wrong?

Lisasal, I bought hair dryers in England and Italy. If you think you're headed to a town too small to sell a hairdryer, buy it at the airport or along the way. It will cost under about 20 euros & will last you for years unless you drop yours like I did with the first one I bought.

Cigalchanta, you asked and yes, I'm afraid your concept is wrong. Other than family reunions, most photos taken of me were taken during my vacations, so why wouldn't I want to look my best? Please don't judge & don't lose sleep worrying about those of us who squander a whole 5 or 10 minutes a day on personal beauty routine during our vacations.

I just bought a hairdryer in Prague, because I didn't like how my hair dryer which was dual voltage sounded or worked with the adaptor. It was at a store that was like a super walmart. Can't remember the name, but I am sure every country has some store like it.

invisable traveler, it's only a question, not a judgement. I have very unruly curly hair and quit fighting it on vocation, that'all.... :)

I think if you are in any urban area, you probably can look around and find a drug store or general purpose discount store, etc., that will have cheap hair dryers in Europe if you really need one. My hair doesn't dry any faster in France than it does at home, for some reason, and without a hair dryer I would have wet hair for perhaps three hours as it is rather long and thick. I would not go out for the day with wet hair.

Well, I dont see why I woould want to look worse on a vacation than I do at home, so I do take a hairdryer, makeup, curling iron, etc. My backups are simple though, a curling brush to use with a dryer, two toothbrushes, some makeup doubles. If I buy things on a trip it is because I want to, I have been stuck buying some mundane item because something happened to my original.
I would want my significient other to be proud of the way I look at home and abroad.

Being somewhat anal and unburdened by an concenrs about cost, I bring two of everything with me. ;)

In the spirit of adventurous travel, I would have picked up that toothbrush off the floor, washed it out in the sink & USED it, rather than be without for 3 days!!

Actually, I do always pack a spare toothbrush! Fortunately I have hair that does not require a dryer, curling iron, etc. And I take all normal cosmetics and toiletries, but downsized into tiny containers for the trip. You can get alot into several snack size ziplock bags. Works great.

Yes, I do think that it is a good idea to bring minature backups for things you really need. The minatures from airlines would be ideal as backups.

I love to buy cosmetics, etc. in foreign places but at my own pace, not when I am down to nothing.

Suze, I am fairly adventurous, but you can't be serious in suggesting washing off a toothbrush that fell on an airport toilet's floor? I gag just thinking about it.

Yes I am entirely serious about the toothbrush. Clearly I have traveled in more primitive locations than where you have been. Having said that...

You couldn't have bought a new toothbrush at the airport in Rome? Or asked your hotel for one? Your story is a bit dramatic, for want of a toothbrush in ALL of Rome, is my point.

On a more fluffy note, I don't like to try out new stuff traveling. So I save and reuse or buy small containers and transfer my own products into them, just enough for the length of the trip. I'll use hotel shampoo to wash out some undies, but not on my precious hair~ LOL.

ohblondie - you could have simply disinfected the toothbrush in the mouthwash you probably had two of . . . .

It is interesting to think that when I go on trips now-I think of Fodors, how "they" say to pack, what "they" would do :)
I must confess, we just returned from a trip, I took 5 pairs of shoes! ( and shuddered to think of what some Fodorites would say to me) And an outfit for every day and nights also.
And extra sunglasses.
While away, I bought a considerable amount of soap and bath products. My husband looks at me in a questioning way, but has not said anything so far~
So we all know now that I will never be found without an extra pair of shoes and lots of soap!

I take a small dual-voltage hair dryer plus the necessary adapter plug. I've used it on occasion to finish drying laundry in a pinch. My other extra is my hair styling cream. If you saw my hair you'd understand that these extras are well worth the space. :)

Ohblondie, I do pack two toothbrushes and two flosses, simply because it's easier - one for the daypack, the other in the toiletry kit in the main bag. Also it's the one thing for which a backup is convenient, as you discovered.

Oooooh, Scarlett! I am so glad you said you brought five pairs of shoes! Now I now I will have a friend to stand up for me when I come back from Italy and tell everyone I brought my black sexy sexy high heel mules with me. We're going out for one celebration dinner with my BIL and SIL in Umbria, and no way am I wearing sensible shoes! (Even if it means going over the "shoe limit.")

I'm not bringing extras of toiletries because I read that the STANDA store in Trastevere carries a skincare line called Venus. I am seriously hoping it will turn me into one. :">

Not a bad idea, but where do you draw the line? I mean, you could drop your extra toothbrush on the bathroom floor as well and would have gritty teeth if you didn't pack a third toothbrush. :)

I always carry on extra prescription meds, have been delayed etc. a few times,additional days worth beyond length of trip.
Have more pride or selfrespect not to fix my hair and put some make up on.On a trip once and one gal never even washed her hair for one week, and wore the same clothes,she was on vacation and didn't feel the need.lisasnv

I think I would have washed it or done the mouthwash thing like Janis...no way I am not going to have a toothbrush for 3 days...Don'tyou ever drop something on the floor at home and wash it off....shoot even Julia Child did that on TV with a chicken!

Saying that I always pack a seperate weeks worth or so on Rx meds elsewhere...I've heard 2 many stories as a pharmacist of all the weird ways you can lose some!

I would have washed the toothbrush in really hot water and soap. You ingest a lot more bacteria than you can imagine every day -- it's just that you don't know about it. It won't kill you. In fact, kids who are exposed to more bacteria have healthier immune systems than those who are kept in more sterile environments.

I'll use my extra space, should there be any, for another pair of shoes any day.

Some of you are so funny.

We left the airport as soon as he arrived and drove down to a small town near the Amalfi Coast, that is why I didnt buy a toothbrush in Rome.

If I dropped my toothbrush in my own kitchen I would maybe in a pinch wash it off, but not after an airport floor with goop and urine all over it. My mouth was gritty from not brushing, but it was my own mouth, if you know what I mean.


I have traveled in alot of places in the world, but havent backpacked or stayed in really primative places, you are right about that.

Capo, I agree, where do you draw the line is a good point.

This is just a silly little thread meant to help someone who may be on a honeymoon or have some reason they may want to brush their teeth with an extra toothbrush.

I noticed in the supermarket the other day that Crest makes chewing gum. That might be a good option in case one loses a toothbrush and finds it hard to buy another right away.

Scarlett - I was just going to post the same things but you beat me to it. Arm and Hammer makes Dental Care chewing gum that is wonderful for when you can't brush your teeth.

Crest and others market similar products - I often use one of them instead of a toothbrush when flying.

Scarlett - I was just going to post the same things but you beat me to it. Arm and Hammer makes Dental Care chewing gum that is wonderful for when you can't brush your teeth.

Crest and others market similar products - I often use one of them instead of a toothbrush when flying or on long car trips.

Oops - don't know how that happened . . . .

blondie~ the Rome airport bathroom floor has "urine all over it"... REALLY?? now i guess that would be gross...

still, glad i'm not alone to consider washing, disinfecting, whatever, rather than live without a toothbrush for several days.

even hearing the details, i gotta say it one more time... i firmly believe they have, sell and use toothbrushes even in small towns on the way to the amalfi coast, my friend.

jody, good one about julia & the chicken on the floor ~LOL!

Suze, your tone is a bit odd, seems like you are taking my toothbrush incident personally.

But since you consider me your friend, I will respond, it was nighttime, small villages do not have places that stay open to sell toothbrushes. The next day was Sunday, and I didnt get to a store. Now relax.

I still find it amazing that you would pick up a toothbrush from the floor of an airport toilet, where it was soaked in urine or not, and put it in your mouth. If I didnt have an extra toothbrush, I dont think I would be carrying disinfectant either.

Julia and the chicken happened a long time ago, its old. I do like the idea of the dental gum though.

Gee, I am new to this forum, is this an
example of how a simple statement to carry extras can turn into a big deal?

Ideas: Toothbrushes are a modern invention. Early man used tree twigs to clean teeth. Cloth strips. Sanitizing - alcohol in whisky or similar product. Hair dryers, etc. Check USA products, many are dual voltage. 110/210v. Connections are problems. Visit travel shop in mall in USA. Stock up. Pre-trip, stock travel bag. Store items in ziplock type bags. Inventory before departure. On aircraft, ask FA for desired items. Carry band aid in wallet.

I also do not travel with a curling iron - but then that's probably just me

Jason

PS - I agree with GSteed - a twig would have been easy to find, but whisky! that's the best suggestion so far :)

ohblondie, I'm with you. I wouldn't dream of putting that toothbrush in my mouth! You can accomplish alot with your finger and a little toothpaste if you have to!

I do bring two toothbrushes but other than that I love to "forget" toiletry items and then buy the local stuff along the way-got some great makeup not available here. That's a great idea to buy a hairdryer in Europe-never dawned on me before but it makes sense. As for shoes, I met much dirision from my husband for 5 pairs of shoes last trip, but I wore every last one of them (including black "fancy" sandals) and even left a pair in France to make room for new ones bought along the way! No way was I wearing "comfortable" shoes to our fancy dinner in Paris!

ohblondie, truly i meant no harm. i just got a huge kick out of your toothbrush story!! if you help another traveler to have clean teeth, good hair, and nonpuffy eyes... then your note was helpful to someone. it's only i don't consider these exactly catastrophic travel problems.

Again, I'm sorry, posting on a BB, it is hard to get the tone to come across... truly i was laughing each time i wrote! susan

I four spares only, reading glasses, camera batteries, passport pictures and second credit card.

Re: <i>Capo, I agree, where do you draw the line is a good point.</i>

I typically draw the line at three extra toothbrushes: one in case I drop my toothbrush on a bathroom floor, another in case I feel the urge to use my first extra toothbrush to scrub some grafitti, and the third in case I want to use the second extra to brush someone else's teeth. :)

Well, my original was (a clean) tongue in cheek too. I know it is hard to get attitude across on a computer screen. I didnt think my problem was catastrophic, but then we usually have no control over those kind of problems, so no use posting about them.

I have noticed alot of the posts here are about mundane topics such as shoes, shorts, hair dryers, etc., so mine was just another one.

Now that I have your attention, I think I will write a trip report. Get ready, Suze. (I am smiling as I write this)