I'm glad you girls have kissed and made up. Wouldn't want any hostility on this board. (I hate these smiley face icons BUT...they are good for getting across the fact that you are joking.)

And Marilyn look at all those clean gleaming teeth! That was me on Tuesday of my trip.

Ohblondie! Ira will be very pleased if you write a trip report (check out Ira postings, since you are new). And keep on writing here. You won't find a more generous bunch of people in their willingness to share their travel stories, nor a more willing audience!

I agree with Rick - although it would be spare ATM/checking debit card b/c I only pay with money I've made, not that I will make.

and I have to say, ohblondie has put forth a compelling argument for taking extra toothbrushes. nothing nastier than sweaters on your teeth in the morning. I would most definitely not pick up and use a toothbrush which fell on the floor. comb either for that matter.

Thanks dln, I will put one together tonight. I know we all like the kindness of strangers when we travel, but kindness begins at home, so I hope my report will help someone, you never know.

I'll probrobly get reamed for this one but....
It sound to me like a lot of you need to minimalize your belongings and I'm not just talking about when your traveling. Keep in mind you can't take everything with you when you go.
Allright go ahead rip me apart now I'm done.

"Keep in mind you can't take everything with you when you go."
Ah, but you can TRY.

My daughter bought a curling iron in London that operates on some sort of gas cylinder so it doesn't need electricity. She loves it.

I heard somewhere a long time ago that the ultimate test when you are considering getting married is to ask yourself, "If I had to, could I use his toothbrush?"

Carolyn, that is excellent. I didn't even think of using his! oh oh

This is interesting, it sort of shows how people who may or may not travel often approach packing. Back-ups are fine, but which ones, that's the key. I'd say eyes and meds, and the rest, well, go shopping. Overpacking, well, that's kind of yahoo, like too many socks, bras, belts - what am I leaving out? Nonetheless, the image of a toothbrush on a bathroom floor, ugh! Or chewing gum instead of brushing - moss city! Yuk. Thanks for the ideas, though. When I pack tonight, I'll think of this thread.

LstFltOut: Don't dismiss the gum out of hand. It is not "regualar" chewing gum. It is special "dental care" gum meant for exactly these types of situations. Chewing the gum both cleans the teeth and freshens breath. Most brands include baking soda, plaque removing properties, etc. I find it REALLY convenient and refreshing. Your teeth actually feel as clean as after brushing.

I have to take extras when traveling with my adult children. I know, it never fails, even after I call them and say: we're leaving tomorrow, have you packed everything? do you need my list? And of course the moment they get to their rooms there is a phone call or a knock on the door: mom, do you have a spare ______ ? (feel free to fill in almost anything

OK I can understand the toothbrush thing, although I don't necessarily agree... but we don't even pick up a COMB that falls on the floor? Now that's incredible!

Hey, I just posted back and forth with "fussy traveler" on the Other Topics board -- she brings her own sheets even though she stays at 5-star hotels. I wonder if she brings "extras"?

Who dropped a comb? What did I miss?

I wouldn't pick up a toothbrush from an airport toilet floor either. I can't even imagine what it would taste like even after rinsing, yuck.

I think there was a Seinfeld episode where he wanted to change his shoe laces after they untied in a bathroom and touched the floor.

If 'Flygirl' dropped her comb she wouldn't use it again (few posts above this).

Oh dear, guess I better keep myself off the Other Topics because 'fussy traveler' might push me over the edge LOL!

My point which I am not so successfully making is that if travel was just like home... well it wouldn't be an adventure! Learning to 'roll with the punches' is to my mind part of the beauty of traveling.

We're edging over to the land of Monk.

I still don't get it...blondie was in the airport when the toothbrush became caked with urine, (hah hah). What better place to buy a replacement, right there at the AIRPORT! Now, I've never been to Rome but I can't imagine that an airport in a major city wouldn't have a toothbrush for sale at a newsstand!

No, Suze, really you should read the thread. Not only would I not want to carry sheets, but one of the great perks of hotels to me is that I don't have to make the bed. The idea of paying $300-400/night and then making the bed myself...

This is getting too funny, who would believe that I am sitting here justifying myself for not using a urine soaked nor buying a new toothbrush in the Rome airport.
It was late, I was in a hurry, alone, exhausted, jet lagged, hungry, tired, sleepy, nervous, excited, minutes away from rekindling a romance in a country where I dont speak the language, not even sure if he would be there to meet me on time, mulling over a plan B if he wasn't.....
and I dont think there was anything open, the shops close early I think, I know they werent open when I flew out weeks later....

but don't stop questioning me, it is sort of fun and I'm bored at work right now....