As this thread grows, I'm realizing I take more than just my hub :) I used to take one of those Restoration Hardware down pillow that opens on arrival and you put the bed pillow inside, so you're just sleeping against your own, washable, down-filled pillow cover. but it gradually just kind of fell apart. I just bought a bean-filled neck roll for my Christmas trip to Italy, so we'll see if that works okay.

I always take a pashmina for wrapping up in on the plane. It's also great for chilly apartments/hotel rooms instead of a robe.

Last trip I took a little battery-operated hand fan and it was wonderful!!!! I won't travel without it again (I am a woman of a certain age, ahem).

Why are 95% of the responses to this thread from women?

Genuinely curious to know.

Don't men care about creature comforts, (apart from the flippant references to "wife/ partner")? Or do they not talk about it? Or do they not think of those things as "comforts" but as practical items?

Apart from ear plugs and duty-free booze, the only comforts I demand are:
1. many, many pairs of socks + underwear and
2. moisturizer, sun block, lip-balm, eye-cream and all that stuff women think men don't use*
(*Check out the locker room at the Y someday, if you dare! You'll be amazed at male grooming behaviour)

I make sure to take the following.
1. Lip balm.
2. Reading glasses (something has happened to my eyesight since I turned 40 :) )
3. MP3 player.
4. Extra socks.
5. Extra thick socks for the plane.
6. Benadryl.

I'm sure there are more, but can't think of them right now.

Prescription sleeping pills.

ipod with several good books on tape already loaded..great for long plane rides.

Great post. My wife always packs extra thick socks, and I like bringing along a good book. For this trip it's Denis Leary's "Why we Suck." Hilarious.

1. Sweat pants
2. Pair of those thick socks that you wear instead of slippers
3. Twin-pack of Whiskey from the duty free shop before departure

Whatever I forget re. toiletries, household items (for apartment rentals), OTC drugs, or similar, I just buy when I get there. After two dozen or so apartment or house rentals, I never had one so far with no toilet paper.
Most bulky stuff that may leak, like sunscreen or shower gel, I get at my destination anyway, or take only small samples to get over the first day/night.

I take an inexpensive pillow, which I leave when it doesn't fit into my suitcase on the way back. It's space can be taken up by things I buy on the trip.
No hotel pillow dustmites, and I'm certain I will always have space for extra shopping.

My pillow 'issue' is rather the opposite of most: I prefer a smaller down pillow and usually take it with me as down squishes well. I keep a mini-mag light and extra batteries in my cosmetic bag as well as a small travel size Lysol spray.

** "Travelnut on Dec 6, 09 at 2:17pm
"versatile clothing that packs nicely, fits comfortable and looks wonderful, everything must match everything else and take you anywhere"..

- hey, what store did you find these clothes in? " **
J.Jill - their Wearever Collection is excellent for travel as well as at home.