rbnwdln

We've never brought this but in all our trips we've needed them - eating utensils. We have bought fresh and pre-prepared food and done little picnics and have had to beg, borrow, buy, and steal silverware, plastic mostly. Sometimes it is very hard to come by. For our October trip I will throw some plastic forks, knives, and spoons into the checked luggage. Second the vote for bringing a washcloth. We forgot one in June and spent a couple of hours searching one out in Tuscany.

smartcookie

the most important things are your passport and your credit card. everything else can be bought if needed(including toilet paper and hand sanitizer that someone suggested...do you really need to PACK that with you? they do sell it there...haha)

if you're a student, bring your student ID. Also, AAA card might be useful at some hotels or car rental agencies.

luv2trav

If you are like us and are somehow particular (picky) about the quality/brands of mouthwash, toothpaste, bandaids, etc. that you are used to, then bring some from home. We found out that we are definitely "spoiled" when it comes to the unlimited choices in toiletries in the U.S.

tuscanlifeedit

1. ME!

nancy

Paperbacks (preferably two in case you don't like the first one), magazines, crossword puzzles or whatever you like in your carry-on. I will always remember 25 yrs ago when I was stuck in the Mexico City airport and the only reading material in English was the National Inquirer! Yuk - but I read it, slowly, out of desperation!! Also, got stuck in a NYC airport for 5 hrs a few years later but had gotten wiser.

Who wants to pay twice as much for a book in the airport. Leave the used ones as you go.

Jean

Yes, I pack the hand sanitizing gel! In fact, I keep it in my purse and use it on the plane.

I don't want to sound like Howard Hughes here, but I watched a Discovery Channel program on germs in public places. Commercial planes were one of the worst!, starting with the arm rests between the seats and the overhead light/air controls. I don't want to get sick before I even arrive!

I buy the travel roll of TP which comes in a small plastic case. More convenient than a full-size roll, and I don't have to look/shop for it. (I don't like shopping for TP at home, so why would I want to do it on my vacation?) A small pack of kleenex would "work" too, but the travel TP is cheaper and very convenient. Too many camping trips, I guess.

koala

If you don't want to worry about the carry on liquid issue, you can get hand sanitizing wipes too, and then wipe down the area where you sit on the planes. Never done this, but considering it, since I often seem to get sick after plane flights.

jgarvey

Moleskin for possible blisters or other uncomfortable issue for feet not accustomed to walking long distances every day.

Other first-aid supplies such as band-aids, anti-biotic ointment, ace bandage. Of course, they have these in Italy, but much more convenient to have some with you. Remember: there are no all-purpose stores like Walgreens' or WalMart.

Ear plugs--for plane or even for hotel or apartment where you may find yourself in noisier situation than you anticipated.

Wow--almost forgot! Sweet and Low or Splenda, which were almost nowhere to be found.

Basta basta!

Adapters for your camera and phone.

A record of all important phone numbers or credit-card info--including your bank express number, your member number, your PIN number, etc.

Don't forget to notify your credit-card holder and bank that you will be traveling in XYZ countries and will be making charges.

Very important: have some euros on you before you arrive at your first int'l airport for water, snacks, or incidentals. DO NOT plan on waiting until you get there! Sometimes the exchange counters are very far from your route and/or gate. I recently drank water from my hands in ladies' room in Munich because I didn't even have a euro to buy a bottle of water.

Phone numbers and addresses of friends and relatives that you may wish to call or send postcards to.

brando

Great point about the moleskin, we bring it on all of our trips. It has been nice to have at times. Again, great point.

degas

Two Senses: Humor and Wonder.

annw

JEAN, where do you find the travel roll of toilet paper?

ellenem

I've seen the travel toilet paper in the local chain pharmacy in the section where they have all the little travel-size shampoos and other products. Here in NYC: Duane Reade.

kja

Some bubble wrap to protect the things you buy while there.

annw

Thanks Ellen!

ellenem

Yo're welcome. The TP I saw was little rolls of Charmin--same width but just a small amount so the roll is about an inch in diameter and packaged in a hard plastic container. You could easily make up our own packet in ziplock bags.

markrosy

a blind fold to enable you to show the same driving skills as the rest of the population!

jabez

My wife!
She'd kill me if I went without here.

J_Correa

Definitely soap (and other toiletries) if you have sensitive skin. Nothing ruins a vacation quicker than an itchy rash - LOL.

Gina_07

At least for my kids, I always pack some of the shampoo and the body wash that they use at home. I have noticed that the ones provided by hotels are often very drying. I also pack some Tylenol, a few bandaids and pain killers. Hopefully and most likely you don't need them. However, on one of our trips my daughter got sick on the plane. We spent a lot of time in Strasbourg to find the right medication for her. There was almost nothing at the pharmacy that we were familiar with. I am not saying there is no good medication in Europe but that's not the time to experiment.

littlemiss22

for women - bring a cardigan - or something to cover your arms when you're visiting the cathedrals- that was the biggest dissapointment when I waited for 20 minutes to enter a cathedral and they told me to leave b/c I was wearing a tank top...

also if you're looking for any more tips on Italy - there are people talking about it in the travel chat on www.babbledog.com/invite/851860