ellenem

At home I sleep on down pillows. Some years ago I found a travel-size down pillow, about half the dimensions of a standard pillow. Even though the pillow is smaller, the familiar feel of it helps me sleep in unfamiliar beds of varying sizes and qualities. If I am away from home, the pillow is with me, tucked compactly into my suitcase.

rosalicious

Sunscreen! And a hat to shade the face.

platzman

1-ATM card and credit card
2-Chapstick
3-Swiss Army Knife
4-Tylenol
5-small washcloth
Anything else I can easily buy there.

amwosu

A pair of comfy, flat, black walking sandals (Mephistos), a pair of low heeled black sandals (Naturalizers), and a pair of black high heels (because when I don't take them I always regret it).

nocinonut

Immodian, you don't want to have to "run" around finding a remedy when the problem occurs, keep a few tablets in your purse.

Sockman

I really couldn't let this thread by without suggesting that the best anti-blister socks are Thorlos. They are available at major sporting goods stores in many styles for all seasons and activities. Blisters on your feet can bring a trip to an unexpected end. Happy trails!

artstuff

flanneruk & sockman -

Thank you for the information on the anti-blister socks. I have never heard of them before and will definately seek out a pair. I have painfully fond memories of soaking my foot in a wastebasket filled with cold water in our hotel room in Paris because my blisters hurt so much. Ouch! Never again....Peace.

Robyn

grandmere

Llamalady, do you get the doc to prescribe one-use contacts for your trip, or do you wear them at home? I use the 4 week throwaways, but I like the idea of a fresh pair each day on vacation, not having to fuss with them every night. Thanks for a good idea!

tedgale

With the exception of the down pillow mentioned above, there seems to be a consistent theme in all the replies: the volume/ amenity ratio. In other words, pack something small that repays its carriage many times over.

Like many contributors, I like to pack and travel "light". But I like variety and comfort. So my (male) luxuries are: LOTS of socks and underwear; belts and ties that feel like a change of look even when the main items I'm wearing are unaltered; an umbrella, because if I carry one it never rains; Versace Black Jeans (scent, not clothing); and a couple of "The New Yorker"s (better than any airport pulp novel).

cmt

zip lock bags
comfortable shoes (what kind depends on the type of trip, and certain shoes--hiking boats, sandals, nicer shoes, etc.--are what I miss most when I don't take them)
dictionary (Italian, or French, depending on where I'm going)
inflatable neck pillow for the flight
Gortex rain jacket (except in Santorini and Crete where it looked like it hadn't rained in many years)
small squashable hat with brim for the sun (needed badly on some trips, while not used at all on others)
tissues
many photocopies of my list of hotels where I'll be staying and my flights (at least one in each piece of luggage, purse, backpack, carry on, and never go out without that list)
self-stick address labels to put on any belongings I neglected to label at home (e.g., camera, eyeglass case) to make me feel more secure in the event I misplace them--not that they will necessarily be returned, but at least they CAN be if I label them
photocopies of passport
plastic hanger for drip dries
On my last trip (October in Italy) I was glad I took a light cotton/tencel quilted jacket that I wore every day and found just right and much more comfortable than a sweater or a polyester blend jacket or a long "all-weather" coat and fits in more settings than a polartec jacket.

I never take a robe or washcloth and never miss them

wandrlst

The post on the jewelry jogged my memory. I, too, keep the valuables at home. I bring a variety of smaller square silk scarves. They can really pep up a casual look or add panache to a dressier look, or as a choker for nights out - it also looks quite European for those who seek that out. I also bring a journal to capture my spontaneous thoughts of amazement and tuck in ticket stubs, brochures, currency, photos later. It's good company, too, when traveling alone. I keep the exercise elastic band in my luggage for an in-room workout. Although the airport won't allow locked luggage anymore, I keep the lock on it and lock my private papers and other such valuables like purchases(although I don't bring anything expensive)in my luggage, especially when no safe is available.

pcheesy

When you get out of the tube, and don't know the direction.....a compass is the best thing on earth....we at least knew the direction to go

wandrlst

Oh, one more....once checked into your hotel, grab a few of their business cards and put one in your jacket, bag, etc. The address is written in the native language so if you take a cab home and can't communicate with the driver, just hand him the business card!

vinolover

I always bring a couple of cheap cotton bandanas in my purse. Use them to dry my hands in public restrooms if there are no paper towels. Use them for napkins for impromptu picnics. If the wind picks up I can fold one and use it as a headband to keep my ears warm. Or use them to wipe down a wet park bench. Or, oh I could go on for dozens of reasons why they are practical. Easy to wash out and dry when dirty.

ellenem

>>With the exception of the down pillow mentioned above, there seems to be a consistent theme in all the replies: the volume/ amenity ratio. In other words, pack something small that repays its carriage many times over.

Tedgale: the pillow fits your criteria. It takes up less space than a rolled T-shirt, certainly less space than the robe and washcloth I don't bring. And a good night's sleep repays every day.

suze

It's such a part of my 'pack' I forget to mention it, but a couple of sarongs/pareos especially if you're traveling a bit on the cheap. They can serve as a bathrobe, towel, window curtain, pillow cover, dresser cloth, etc.

StCirq

My keychain with the tiny flashlight: My seatmate on a flight to Paris lost a contact lens, and without the flashlight we would never have located it. Plus, it let's me find my way to the front door of my home in the Périgord if I arrive when it's dark.

llamalady

Grandmère:
Yes, the dailies are prescribed. I was
using them for travelling but now I'm
wearing them all the time. I figure
a buck something a day is well worth
it for the clarity of vision they give
me - and, of course, the convenience.

Calamari

ellenem - Where did you get your down travel pillow? I have been thinking of cutting one down to size , but I am not a great sewer.

Also love the bandana tip!

margyb

The two things I wouldn't travel to Europe without are Ziploc bags in all sizes...I also keep one in my purse..you never know!

And...a thin nylon very large duffle bag that I carry in my suitcase to carry home all of my clothes. The non clothing type purchases go in the suitcase. I love to bring home a variety of groceries and fill up my suitcase with goodies