washing powder/soap..corn and blister pads..my own pillow

Prescriptions from your doctor using generic drugs, just in case you lose your pills or the customs officers check your vials. <BR> <BR>Spare pair of eyeglasses. Found this out the hard way when my husband and I heard a clink on the waterbus going down the Grand Canal in Venice...the lens from his eyeglasses. <BR> <BR>Addresses of people who you wish to send cards to. I took care of most of this task by sending email cards using pictures off a travel website. I postdated the cards when I prepared them prior to my departure so people would receive them when I was gone. People still marvel that I took the time to send them a picture and email while in Austria and Prague.(HA!) The people that are not online received the traditional postcard. Would rather spend my time not doing that chore. <BR> <BR>A backup hotel in case you are not happy with your choice. That has saved me a couple of times! <BR>Have a wonderful trip!

further to the above post, here's a great tip i read somewhere: <BR> <BR>put all the addresses of people you intend to write on labels! then peel them off and they're legible and ready to go! <BR>

Don't forget your weeeties!

One word: P-a-s-s-p-o-r-t! <BR> <BR>It works wonders!

The passport message may have been a dig, but from our exerience... be sure to sign it (trust me on this also, if you are a coffee drinker bring a small funnel and some small coffee filters so you can make drip coffee in your room. Have a great time! <BR>

&gt;Even though it was &gt;late-spring/early-summer, people were dressed in dark, autumnal city clothing. <BR>&gt;I felt silly in my pastels. <BR> <BR>Yes, most of the British dress in muted colors, and the men definitely prefer white shirts and black suits. <BR> <BR>But all of Europe dresses more conservatively than Americans tend to. <BR> <BR>In England, if you like cocktails carry copies of the recipes with you. Most barmen won't know how to make them but they'll happily follow a recipe. <BR> <BR>And don't order steak over here. You'll be disappointed. <BR> <BR>London now has a problem with pickpockets, so keep your valuables in un-pickable places. They sometimes work in teams. For example, one might block your way onto a bus while the other one bumps into you from behind, picking your pocket in the process. <BR> <BR>But you'll never hear gunfire here!

Pat, <BR> <BR>Yes, a small traveling umbrella, and a raincoat of some sort. Try to get one of those lightweight microfiber (or some such) ones that scrunch up to nothing and won't make you sweat if you wear it while walking. If you keep your valuables in a beltpack under the raincoat, they should be safe. <BR> <BR>My favorite travel clothes for this time of year are khaki slacks (Docker's makes some perma-press ones that aren't completely perma-press but aren't bad), a denim skirt or jumper that is dressy enough to pair with a fancier top and wear to the theater, and enough tops to get me through. Also one cotton cardigan sweater. <BR> <BR>Good walking shoes, two pairs. Easy Spirit makes some good walking shoes, some of which look slightly dressy. There are some other, more expensive brands--Ecco, for instance--that are probably worth the investment in terms of durability and comfort.

Face cloths(I use J-cloths and toss em) <BR>Gortex/polar fleece/hiking boots <BR>Febreze to kill the smell of smoke <BR>Visine to give first aid to burning eyes from the smoke <BR>Toilet paper..I swear some of it is waxed! <BR>