Dental floss and scented candles. Can't sleep without them!

LIke Kate_W, I carry a small flashlight (Mini-Maglite) with me everywhere. It fits in my purse.

It has come in handy on various occasion, but never more so than the time our host drove us to a special restaurant outside Chamonix, a locals' favorite we would not have been able to book without his help. After dinner, he declined to drive us back (too much to drink, he said), so pointed the way for our 20-minute walk home. It was pitch black out, no street lights or anything for the first half of the walk. So it was good thing I had the flashlight.

I agree with NeoPatrick, definitely a sense of humor and tolerance for others as we are visiting someone elses country. And BE HAPPY. I feel so blessed for the privilege of being able to travel. (end of sermonette). Halfpint

bookmarking --- grazie!

Aside from stuff folks have already mentioned: those purse-packs of Kleenex, 'cause you never know if the restroom you're visiting is going to be out of t.p.!!

Don't travel without whatever you need to keep your digestion in operating order (pay attention here; it's important), pain killers, and a good small pair of manicure scissors. These things, plus comfortable shoes, make all the difference.

Since I joined this forum, I don't travel without advice from my fellow Fodorites...

Dental floss -- seriously!

Immodium AD, Cipro, and Band-Aids.

Has anyone said something naughty yet? Because I thought of something immediately but if no one else has "gone there" yet...

1. wine opener
2. tiny hangers with clips - perfect for hanging up items i've handwashed
3. travel candle
4. bubble wrap and tape
4. handwipes and santizing gel
5. mini alarm clock
6. tiny calculator for currency conversion

travel candle??

Antacid-very hard to mime your need of this stuff...

I also find a powerbar very useful - I often found electrical outlets to be at a premium with the need to charge digital cameras, video camera, computer etc. Bung a powerbar in yoru suitcase and you are sorted. You only need one adapter for the powerbar itself and you can use all your regular plugs in the powerbar (assuming everything you have is dual voltage)

Paracetamol.
Cashpoint card.
Phrasebook.

Bubblewrap??????!

RM - for wrapping breakables on the way home I assume

bubblewrap would be a fun way of keeping occupied on the airplane

LOL

A sleep sound machine -- a small gadget that makes soothing sounds and masks outside noise. I wouldn't be able to sleep at all without it.

Every hotel and motel room I've ever been in has had a built-in sleep sound machine. It's called a TV set.

Turn the brightness all the way down and set it for an unused channel. Your brain will very quickly adapt to the white noise and it will mask all but the loudest barbarian sounds. You can turn it up pretty loud without bothering anyone else, too.