what is the best way to either pack of carry on music cds on a trip to italy from u.s. thanks

There aren't a hellava lot of methods that would require considerable ponderance, planning or further advice. Are there some you have considered but ruled out? You either leave them in the original jewel cases and pack them in your carry-on or checked bag, or you remove them from their original jewel cases and insert them into a CD portfolio before packing them in you carry-on or checked bag. I advice against tossing them in a bushel basket and using it as a carry-on or checked bag.

The <u>best</u> way? Rip them to MP3 and load them on a player. I use my iPAQ Pocket PC.

Robespierre is right in that might be a convenient way - but if you live in the US and respect copyright law, then take the CDs out of the jewel cases and put them in a carry case

What CDs are you taking?

Coincidentally, the reason I logged was to see if anyone had recommendations for some CDs to take with me to Italy that might heighten the experience...

I have a hard plastic case with about 20 individual sleeves...which is what I use.

Are you implying that making a copy of one's own CDs is a violaton of US Copyright law?

You are incorrect. And I resent the implication that I would suggest anyone breaking the law.

It is <i>entirely</i> legal to make a copy for your personal use of protected works for which you own a license, <i>e.g.</i> from LP to cassette, from CD to MP3, or from DVD to hard drive. It <u>is</u> illegal to give, sell, or barter that copy to any other individual who does not own a license for the work.