Couples often have joint credit cards so we make a point of taking different cards in case of theft - a lesson learned after having a wallet stolen in Italy. Clear out any unnecessary cards and documents from your wallet before leaving home. We also have some of each other's clothes in our cases.

bookmarking
Great to have all these tips together in one place.

I recently used intenet shops in Amsterdam and Paris. In both cities I could not find a way to erase the cookies/history. I felt a bit uncomfortable as a result.

Two items I purchased for this trip that worked great: a blow-up lumbar support for the flight, purchased at a travel shop made by Eagle Creek. Also by Eagle Creek, purchased at REI, is a black silk money belt--it was so comfortable I had to keep feeling for it to make sure it was there.

At least two ATM cards. At times one would not work at a specific bank, and sometimes I needed more cash in one day than I could get from one card. I paid everything in cash. Even though I notified my credit cards companies where I would be an when, I didn't need them. Mostly I didn't want to cough up the 3% fees they charge. Both my bank and credit union do not charge withdrawal fees.

Good advice to carry the credit card for transportation purchased with it. I had a problem once with United Airlines at LAX when I didn't have the card I used to purchase my airline ticket. I did get on the flight, but after a hassle.

Cold/flu medication. Yes, you can buy it overseas, but if in the position to need it, you don't want to have to go searching for it.

Clothing that can be layered so you can be prepared for whatever weather you encounter. Over the past two weeks we hit warm weather in Amsterdam and really cold weather in Paris.

Gotta love the ipod. I downloaded a 7-hour book and listened to it at night. One hotel was on a noisy street and listening to my book (or music) put me to sleep at night.

If flying coach, take snacks. I frequently sleep through the meal service.

Also in coach, I take a small fleece blanket and neck pillow. On my flight home from Paris last week it was so cold for my 9 hour flight to Chicago. I was wearing a turtleneck sweater and a raincoat, add to that their blanket and my blanket, and it was still cold. It wasn't too bad between Chicago and LA.

I go with a travel group and have traveled in all sorts of weather. In my experience, someone in the group usually has something that another person has neglected to bring, and can loan it until they are able to purchase. Things I've borrowed and loaned: Gloves, cortisone for insect bites, batteries for camera (I carry a large package), mini-umbrella, the kind that fits into a pocket or purse. And don't forget your business or personal cards to pass out to people you would like to correspond with in the future.
One more thing: I like to throw a bunch of small trinket souviners (key chains, refrigerator magnets) from my home state (Fl) into my suitcase. I pass them out to housekeepers or waitstaff along with their tips, and always get an extra big smile.

I recommend the iPAQ over the iPOD. It won't play obscenely excessive hours of music, but it will do 100,000 things the iPOD won't.

They cost about the same.

Re the iPAQ and iPOD, I do agree that the iPAQ is more versitile, but it holds a charge for a lot shorter time as well.

I have both of them, by the way. I never use the iPAQ for music. It is mostly for scheduling, notes, information and reminders. I also have 100's of phone numbers on it.

I get about 10 hours out of my iPAQ battery. But the <u>big</u> difference is that I carry another 10 hours worth of current in my pocket, and I can change it in a heartbeat. The charging stand accommodates the PPC and spare battery at the same time.

iPAQ batteries can only be replaced with special tools (thanks a lot, Mr. Jobs).

I sometimes attend Goethe Institutes to polish my German, and I meet people from many different countries. Since I live in Spokane, Washington--not exactly a world capital--I sometimes take a small, simple map so that I can show acquaintances/classmates where I live.

I also bring a few postcards to show the city and nearby landscape. Since European are often interested in Native Americans, I also bring photos from powwows I have attended.

You are going to laugh, but the one thing that is imperitive, other than the items above mentioned, is my ZICAM...it forshortens a cold (virus) and might save your trip...has saved mine in the past. Take at the first sign of trouble and continue...changes a 9 day cold to about 3 easy days....also recommend AIRBORNE, which is about the same thing---zinc and vitimin C.

Any medication you are taking, copy of your passport. Call your credit card company/debit cards to advise them you are abroad. If you need your cell to be international remember to call your carrier a few days prior to departure. Comfy socks for the plane.
Enjoy!

What about a FLASHLIGHT!!! you will have a problem locating all of the above if there is a power failure.

Pegontheroad...loved your hint about postcards. What a great idea! Since I live in Dallas are, I'm betting small Dallas Cowboys trinkets will go over well, too. Everyone worldwide loves the Cowboys, eh? :) (I'm a Bears fan myself.)

Re flashlight...the best gift I ever received (and I believe it was purchased someplace like Sharper Image) is an all in one flashlight/smoke alarm/movement alarm and alarm clock. It pulls apart into two pieces. The alarm clock/flashlight and the smoke/movement alarm. The latter can be hung over your room doorknob. If someone turns your knob, or jiggles it, the alarm goes off! Also, it acts as a smoke alarm. LOVE THIS GIFT and it does not take up much room.

The most important thing not to forget is your sense of humor. You will need it when something goes wrong.

If we're renting a car, I bring a compass. With a good map and a compass I can always find my way.

19 years ago I guided us straight out of Mexico City with my compass (one of life's great accomplishments :) and I've packed my GS compass ever since.

Lip Gloss / Lip Balm

We forgot this on a trip to Italy and thought it would be no trouble to replace it. We got some in a pharmacy but it was very waxy (sort of like the Chapstick brand used to be years ago).

Also, emery boards. We were able to buy these in a supermarket but they were much rougher than what we were used to and we prefer the ones from home. They certainly don't take up any room!

Bookmarking, first trip to Italy next week!

Corkscrew (I like the Screwpull, but for maximum space you can get one of those dinky ones)

Little sharp knife with cover for the blade (mine is called Suncraft)

I make use of them every trip!

In the packed luggage of course.

annieladd

Hi,

I found a great website where you can make your own customized holiday checklist or packing list. Check it out!

http://www.packinglistonline.com

Have fun!

Erres

SAFETY PINS, especially the larger size pins

This is applicable to travel in any major city. I prefer to sleep in a dark room, without any stray light from outside peaking in thru drapes or curtains. It can be helpful to have either a couple good-sized safety pins or &quot;binder clips&quot; to more fully close the drapes at night.

Also, (if not already mentioned), call your credit card company to let them know you'll be traveling abroad, giving them location &amp; dates. And ask for a phone no. to use should your card get lost or stolen and you need to call them --- &quot;800&quot; phone numbers may not work when calling from abroad back to the States.

OR, just leave all your important credit card nos., copy of passport, other important info with a family member or trusted friend back home who would help you out should you need to report a loss.

While still at home---empty the coffee grounds out of your coffee maker, throw a little liquid bleach in the water of each toilet stool, in addition to your other preparations. I make a little &quot;back at home&quot;address book for traveling, including the address and telephone # of the pharmacy with which I do business. I'm an artist, so I send photocopies of postcards I create to my family and friends, and always send one copy of each to myself to see how long it takes to get to my address...and in case the originals somehow disappear, I at least have copies. Love having the stamps, too. I never travel anywhere without Handiwipes (they dry quickly), a small roll of duct tape, and zip-type baggies. Keep some of the baggies on your person when out and about. After misplacing my passport once three days before I had to fly home, I will never get too sick and tired of using the neck pouch. It ended well but it consumed the rest of my trip days. If you screw up along the way, forgive yourself immediately, don't spoil what's to come with self doubt and recrimination. Be open to perfect days, but don't count on them as a barometer of how successful the trip was. Forgive others as well. You don't know with what they're contending.