Strive:<BR> Do they actually work, I won a pair on a BOSE/AA and don't think they have ever left the box. Maybe next time I will take them with me.

I always take my squishy goose down pillow, no matter how light I pack and no matter where I'm going (although it will not go with me to central America again - waaaay too humid there and the pillow never got a chance to dry out). <BR><BR>I also take my own freshly orasted and ground coffee sealed in ziplocs and some filters so I can make REAL coffee in the hotel coffeemakers (heading to Ireland soon and suspecting that few if any of the B&amp;B's will have coffeemakers in the room but I'll take some just in case).

Well, I don't consider them indulgences, but I do pack an incredible amount of stuff. I always bring my own hair dryer because I've often found them lacking or just not as good as mine (an ion hairdryer that's twice as fast as a normal one) and my curling iron, as well as an extension cord so that 1. I can plug them in at the same time and 2. I can plug them in near a mirror. I can't count the times that the only plug in a hotel room is under the desk or by the coffee maker nowhere near a mirror.<BR><BR>Then, I also like to dress nicely on vacation, so I always end up with several pairs of shoes. I do ok on clothes, bringing just a few items to mix and match, but I like to have a couple of pairs of shoes for walking (because it always feels so good to switch pairs), and one for dinner.<BR><BR>After having my luggage delayed by more than 2 days three times, I'm trying to be much more conservative in what I pack, but I doubt I'll ever get to the one-suitcase stage (we also buy a lot on vacations). Aside from losing luggage, the inconvenience of lugging them around on occasion is worth it to me to be able to have my &quot;stuff&quot;. But I do fully admit I'm NOT a light packer. Guilty as charged!

I like to take the exfoliating sugar scrubs from bath &amp; body works--my legs get excessively dry when I travel! I also like taking samples from Kiehls. Once, my niece saw me unpack all my toiletries and she said, &quot;What is this?! The sample counter at Sephora?!&quot;

Indulgences are what we go to Europe for. Why bring them with us.<BR><BR>Within days dor has new scented oils and earings and we both have swollen bellies.

My &quot;indulgences&quot;:<BR>1. too many scarves (but then they weigh nothing and take up NO room)<BR>2. too many pairs of earrings (also take up no space)<BR>3. one more pair of shoes (if there's room)<BR>4. photos of my kitties!!! (a necessity)<BR>5. 1 article of clothing that is not absolutely necessary but that I want to take.<BR>

For me its usually a book that, really, is a bit too bulky or heavy for my &quot;packing light&quot; days, but that I can't leave behind.<BR><BR>My Mum (although generally fairly adventurous with travel - she once ate sheeps eyes in Saudi Arabia), refuses to travel anywhere without tea bags, a travel kettle and a mug or two. It's marvellous after a hard day travelling!