Hi Tulips(I like your screen name ha, ha!) Can you find the Compeed at a local Wal-Mart, Walgreens or grocery store? I was thinking of packing some bandaids, but if Compeed works it will come in handy.

Compeed brand name is sold exclusively in Europe. It was originally made by a (I think) German manufacturer for either professional athletes or olympians. J & J has bought the retail rights in the U.S., and the product is sold as "Advanced Healing Blister Bandages."

I had purchased Compeed in pharmacies on two trips to Europe. When I returned home, I searched everywhere for the brand in the U.S. to no avail, and disappointment. But now, you can buy the same product sold under the Band Aid brand. They come in different sizes and they are extremely comfortable.

I wouldn't go walking long distances without it. I will be in Disney World soon, and these will be in my backpack (especially with my grandchildren's tender feet).

When I was checking luggage, I took a photo of each piece in case it got lost by the airline.

We don't check anymore unless the golf club bag goes.

Like moonchild, I always make an approx. list of the contents & value in our checked bags - maybe not necessary, but it makes me feel better. Do you have any verification of car rental that you might need to bring? I also make a list of names & addresses of those we plan to send postcards. And, a list of people and possible ideas of gifts to bring back for them. - Thank God for PCs!

Recall your credit card company the day before you leave and confirm that they know you will be using it in Europe. Last summer I also called my company two weeks before leaving, While in Europe they cut of my credit. It took an entire day to finally contact them (get there international number as well 800 numbers do not work). Apparently the customer service dept fialed to conatct the fraud department. It ruined an entire day

David

I think Compeed is available in many European countries; I've certainly seen it in France.

It is really not necessary to buy a special product for blister prevention. Just get an ordinary roll of sports tape at Walmart or the like. As soon as you feel the 'rubby' spots on your feet, peel off a piece of tape and cover those spots. Do this every day and you will not get blisters.

Of course, this may not work so well if you are wearing sandals where the tender spots (covered w/piece of tape) would show.

Air tickets or e-ticket confirmations.

I've always needed my driver's license to get through security when using e-tickets.

Medical insurance cards.

Copy of travel insurance policy left with family member, if you bought it.

Moleskin works fine if you can't locate the Compeed bandages. Forget band-aids for serious blisters.

Another thing we have just started to do is to mail ourselves the email addresses of those we want to contact from abroad, along with the physical addresses for postcards. That way, when we check from Europe it is easy! No carrying anything around.

I might as well continue demonstrating my naivete, but here goes: How do you check your personal e-mail while traveling? (I told you.) Thanks, all. J.

These are all very good.

Also, tell your neighbours (if you trust them) who has access to your house and to call your family member if they see anyone else.

If you have a pet and are using a pet sitter, introduce them to your neighbour. Leave a blank cheque or credit card number with the sitter for ANIMAL EMERGENCIES...

Shuting off the water is a good one. My parents came home to a flooded basement last year.

Attach a bright ribbon to your luggage so you can easily identify it...

Any more...?

Checking your e-mail when traveling can be tricky or simple, depending on your "mail server". But the foolproff way is to set up a "web-based" e-mail address... hotmail, yahoo, netscape, and countless others. Those can be accessed at (almost) any computer anywhere, without any special modifications. In public libraries, just to give one example, some computers are intentionally set up to block e-mail access, even from web-based services. I have seen some libraries which have separate coin-operated computers which permit e-mail access, and keep other computers for free access, with the e-mail blocked.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi Everyone,
I am definitely anal since I keep check lists of everything trip related on my computer including "to do" lists, packing lists, lists for the dog sitter and one for my neighbor who waters the garden. Then I don't have to start from scratch each time I travel - I just update the list and print before leaving. I also e-mail copies to myself "just in case".

Make sure not to forget...

anything that is prescription! including medications, eye glasses, contacts &/or sunglasses.

How to check email...

For JMW: Set up a free 'hotmail' account before your trip.

Then you go to an internet cafe, rent time, log onto www.hotmail.com, enter your name and password, and voila!

This should also work for your regular home email account (you go to the site just like you'd come here to Fodors), but I have had problems not being able to access mine in the past, so the Hotmail's a sure thing.

Suze, good point regarding the RX; so many people from out of town come to our office for RX because they left it at home. Dr's office cost money and people do not want to take the extra time to look for a Dr's office, then either make an appt. or wait for hours.
some of the medicines can not be call in from their dr. either.

You have gotten some great advice and I hope you have a wonderful trip! Some more thoughts: double check your carry onfor corkscrew, scissors, etc.; make certain you have med insurance info that covers you outside the U.S.;we always turn off ice maker and toilet tanks.