Hello Lynn, <BR> <BR>Some things that I take which are important are: EXTRA film, 2-3 large plastic zip lock bags to use when moving from one hotel to the next and my sock/undies are still damp, money cheat sheet, extra film, extra pair of sunglasses, contact lenses, prescription drugs in original containers, extra film, extra batteries for camera and alarm clock, wet naps and 2 pair each of sturdy plastic forks/knives/spoon for our picnics, wash cloth which I throw away at the end of our trip, 2 pairs of GOOD comfortable walking shoes, extra film, bubble wrap for my ceramics that I buy or anything else breakable, 2 credit cards, $50 in the local currency to get started, and about $500 in travelers checks in case of emergency. We use the ATM machines alot and have had no problems. <BR> <BR>Thanks Lynn for your question (and all other questions). I am one of many who appreciate this web site. I have learned a lot from others just as they have. <BR> <BR>Inky, I usually don't respond to negative comments such as yours, but you obviously don't get it. Lynn has contributed in a positive way. Those that are traveling for the first time (or the 10th time like me) learn from questions and answers such as this one. <BR>

Inky gets it, no problem BUT thinks Tony Hughes (Stellarosa) got it right a while back with his 'lame' posting. <BR> <BR>All of you (bar Michael) can cram it with walnuts!

1. Antibacterial wipes! Perfect for unsanitary bathrooms and cleaning up minor cuts and scratches. (TIP: Wet Ones makes "Lunchkins" which come in flat packets that can fit in pockets.) <BR> <BR>2. 7x5 inch spiral notebook. Can write itinerary, addresses of places, phone numbers. Small enough to fit in bag. <BR> <BR>3. Bubble wrap and duct tape for breakable souvenirs. <BR> <BR>4. Business cards - never know who you might meet. Safer than giving out home info. <BR> <BR>5. Swiss Army knife <BR> <BR>6. Snacks for the plane...just in case I don't like what they are serving. <BR> <BR>7. Extra bag for souvenirs. On the flight home, I check my luggage and carry on my souvenir bag. <BR> <BR>8. Finally, my personal alarm. You can buy these at Brookstone or any travel store. It's a combination alarm clock, flashlight, and motion sensor alarm. I hang it on my hotel door and if anyone tries to come in, it releases a high decibal screeching noise guaranteed to drive anyone nuts!

Now Inky, I get enough bad press from this mob, leave me out of your arguments!

This question has been in the "General Travel Tips" forum for quite some time. Why didn't you bother to post your objections there, Inky? <BR>Theoretical question for the rest of us: is it worse to be lazy and surly, or just surly?

not much between them probably Martha. To answer your question, what's the point of replying twice?

Lynn, <BR> <BR>I didn't have time to read every word of everyone's reply to this posting, so if this is a repeat answer, I'm sorry. <BR> <BR>Don't forget to take an electricity wattage converter so you can dry your hair, use an electric razor, etc. But don't try to recharge your video camera battery unless you know for a fact that it is okay to do so. On my first overseas trip to London I tried to recharge my video camera battery on my converter and it totally ruined the converter. I was unable to use the rest of my electric appliances the rest of the trip. Talk about bad hair days!! This was only my personal experience, and I hope the information is accurate . As far as purchasing an electricity converter, most major drug stores carry them. Have an enjoyable trip to Paris. I would love to go myself. <BR>

We also carry with us small packets of hot choclate mix which makes a great hot drink mixed with hot water. My husband and I are both used to having tea or coffee first thing in the morning and most B&Bs don't have room service and the ones that do, cost the earth. <BR>

Definitely antibacterial wipes! A seasoned friend suggested it and they were great. Also strongly recommend making copies of passports, tickets,etc in case.

An extra pair of contact lenses. <BR> <BR>Since I am well beyond legally blind without them, nothing would ruin my trip more than having to wear my glasses.

Hi Caryn! <BR> <BR>I had to laugh when I read your post. I, too, wear contacts and would ABSOLUTELY HATE to have to wear my glasses on vacation. <BR> <BR>In fact, I'm so paranoid about being without, I take 2 pair of spares! I once lost a pair at a water park when my face hit the water coming down a slide. (it was a head-first on your tummy slide) I was not prepared for the impact because I had never done that before. I hit the water so hard it forced my eyes open and, needless to say, my contacts disappeared in the pool. And that was the first day of our trip! We had 4 more days to go and I had no extras. <BR> <BR>So now, I always bring 2 pair just in case some "freak" accident happens, then I still have a backup. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the post, it brought up a fun memory after a long day...

Dear Lynn, <BR> <BR>Having travelled with young children, I would never leave home without that great anti-bacterial soap you can use without water. Also, for the plane, bottled water to drink and warm socks. For the teenagers, headphones and walkman type players. I also want to reinforce the earlier suggestion of laminated cards with your itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers, etc, in case of being separated. It's so easier to get disoriented. Finally, I would not leave home without about $50 in local currency. Seems obvious, but it's so easy to forget something when keeping track of all the details for a family vacation. Have a great time! <BR> <BR>Carol <BR>

<BR>what a sad bunch of wankers....

Lynn: All of the above suggestions are very good. There are two I did not see. One is Shout Spots. They are kind of like the the bacterial wipes but for spots you get on your clothes. I've used them for lipstick and various food spills especially in the car or on a picnic. They help your clothes survive a little longer. The other item I was reminded of because of the backpack comment on clothes smells. On another site someone mentioned a linen spray that Body and Bath works has. They said it was great for perking up jeans on their 3rd day or spraying on hair after a smoky pub and could also help relieve stale smells from packing. Traveling is such fun to share, it is a shame that a few do not get the point. Have a great trip!

Dear Inky...Ink-a-dink..a bottle of ink..the cork fell out and you stink!

topping

wow, Inky has always been a jerk huh

Thnaks for bringing this one up!<BR>Shout wipes<BR>Purell Hand cleaner<BR>small packs of tissues<BR>Excedrin<BR>Immodium AD<BR>disposable lint gloves. Found these at Walmart. Great for all the black clothes we wear.<BR>small flashlight<BR>fold up umbrella<BR>I am sure there's more....