Last year I forgot to take my sunglasses on our trip to Spain and Portugal! I remembered on the way to the airport. I ended up buying a cool pair of shades in Barcelona and it's a nice souvenir for me!

After I forgot to take a belt on our trip to France and Hungary 4 years ago, I made myself a packing list in Excel. It includes clothing, toiletries and miscellaneous. It's the best thing for remembering everything.

Not to brag, but I've never forgotten anything.

First my thinking is as long as I have: passport, plane ticket or electronic confirmation number, cash, ATM card, credit card, prescription glasses and meds... I can buy anything I am missing.

Second, I begin "packing" several weeks ahead of time and put everything in a separate area from my every-day life (guest room or corner of the bedroom on a table) so have plenty of time to revisit what I'm taking. To the point of obsession, quite honestly.

Do make yourself a check-list for your home, so you don't need to worry on the way to the airport "did I leave the iron on?"

Wash cloth.

I should have taken Febreeze. I looked for a small bottle and couldn't find one, so I didn't bring any. I should have just transferred some into a small spray bottle.

I didn't forget it, but I was glad I brought a travel alarm. We stayed in three different apartments in Italy and two of the three had no alarm clock.

Antacid-I don't know if the French/Italians/Portuguese don't get indigestion (and it seems that they do have a better diet judging by the lack of obesity) but I am not capable of the kind of self-restraint they must show and I inevitably have at least one bout of sour tummy when in Europe. I don't know if they have the equivalent of Zantac but I have never been able to find it and the Rolaids/Tums substitutes they do have are not as effective. Take your own antacid.

One more thing: If you've been to Europe in the past few years, don't forget to bring any euro - bills or coins - that you might have had left over from the last trip.

When I get home from traveling in another country, I place the foreign money in an envelope and file it next to my passport.

I was packing six weeks ago for a trip to Canada. When I got the passport out of the file, I found $20 Canadian Dollars that I had forgotten about.

Did not check expiration date on daughter's passport. Had to go to consulate in Frankfurt to get it renewed.

Annamarie, how stressful for you and your fmaily. Glad you got the passport and were able to go on your trip.

I have the mentaliity as most of of the posters on the site. As long as I have my passport, my tickets, my ATM and credit cards, everything else can be purchased once at the destination. Although I really wouldn't want to do that of course.

So I make a crazy detailed list and check off as I go. I carry my list to work with me and in my purse and add to it as I think of something.

I also start packing ahead of time and kind of throw things in a corner of my bedroom on my backpack.

I hate that "I forgot something feeling!" So the list comes in handy.

Luckily I have never forgotten anything of real importance.

Sorry, that was "anamaria" and not "Annamarie." That is the last time I go just from memory and not look back to confirm spelling.

Duh!

if I were freezing in Venice I'd go shopping for a nice sweater and scarf. if I forgot and wanted a wash cloth i'd buy a dish towel from the grocery store.
;-)

I agree that the must-have list is short, but I keep a running list, too, that we use from trip to trip.

How about charger cords for electronics? For us it's the blackberry and my iPod. The former is a must-have, and the latter is a happy-to-have! Those are items you couldn't buy while on vacation.

Thanks so much for all of your "thought provoking" ideas. So far you've reminded me of WASH cloth for my husband. I use a nylon puff but he's strictly a cloth man. Also, I remembered last night that I wanted to get an additional ATM card for our joint account, just in case the magnetic strip on one decides to poop out. Went to the bank today and alas, I am too late. It will take 7-10 business days to arrive in the mail. We leave in 6 days! Just have to hope that the ATM-gods are with us the whole while!

You know, I can't find one of those arcade type photo booths! Guess any passport photo location will do, but I bet it costs me a lot more than the arcade, and not nearly as much fun.

A pair of pants that was the basis of my husband's wardrobe.

If you still want to get some passport photos (for an ICE situation), you can get them done at Kinko's and other print shops. I think Walgreen's also offers them.

I like to think I am organized and I try and be prepared as far as check lists and copying things, but we still have managed to run into a few snafus.

First time we went to Europe we rented a car 2 separate times on the trip. Rented a stick shift as it is cheaper, I can¡¦t drive one well but my husband can....so no problem. First portion of the car rental went well with no problems with pick up and return. A few days later we went to pick up the car for the next part of our journey and the clerk points out that my husband¡¦s license was expired..... for a YEAR!!! So I had to drive it off the lot. That was fun. He drove the remainder of the trip though. :)

Last trip I forgot a belt, but bought one in Germany. It is a nice souvenir now.

Also forgot to stop the newspaper on the last trip. Emailed neighbors to pick it up for the 2 weeks daily though.

As it has been said as long as you have your passport, tickets and access to money it should be no problem. Happy travels!!

Hi all,
one important thing is to have in your suitcase is the telephone number and credit card number in case you loose them and have to call to cancel,also a copy of the front page of your passport,a copy of your insurance card with numbers,you never know when are you going to need them.

Travelbug13
Just got back on line. Actually it is Annamarie. My mom calls me Anamaria because she is spanish(Colombian)
You were right with both versions
suze, I wish I had bought a sweater.Actually my husband got a cold in Venice because it was so cold.Instead we bought Venitian Masks and 98 glass bing cherries to be displayed in our bar.

All really good ideas! Thanks soooo very much! My latest concern is whether or not we'll make the plane for our flight home! We will have only 2 hours from arrival by TGV to check in for our Delta flight home. Sure do hope both are in the same terminal!

A small flashlight -- most hotels turn off hallway lights at night and rooms often are dimly lit.

Make sure your ATM card uses a 4-digit code for use in European ATMs.

Moleskin to prevent/heal blisters -- hard to find in Paris.

A small compass to get your bearings.