Very true about the coffee- you tend to encounter a lot of that horrible instant stuff in Europe (surprisingly). You can now buy coffee single which are like tea-bags, so all you need is hot water- those are great. I have also found that you can purchase a water bottle (Rubbermaid, I think) with the filter built into the top- very handy. The other must have for the UK is one of those tiny, foldable rain-parkas.

Where in Europe are people having instant coffee? I've only had great coffee in Europe, and I'd like to know where to avoid. The best coffee I've ever had in my life was in Italy in an inexpensive hotel. And here in the States I won't drink espresso (so bitter it tastes burnt), but had espresso every night in Paris and loved it. <BR> <BR>If you wear contact lenses, I suggest not only taking glasses and a contact case, but carrying them with you at all times. I have found for some reason that I can only wear my contacts for a few hours at a time in Europe without them drying out. I assume it must have to do with the air pollution, since I wear them for up to 16 hours a day at home. Has anyone else ever had this problem?

Personal items I would definitely take (besides clothes): <BR> <BR>Umbrella - You never know when it's going to rain. We got caught in a couple of rainstorms in Italy last summer. <BR> <BR>Money belt - Very convenient. Lugging around a purse or wallet is a hassle! <BR> <BR>A small notebook - To record notes about your journey. Trust me, on a long trip, you will not remember everything you did or saw. Some days blend into each other and it helps to write stuff down so you can remember (and reminisce) later on. <BR> <BR>*Thick* soled shoes - I cannot stress how important this is! If you plan to do a lot of walking on cobblestones, you need them. My feet were killing me after a couple of days of wearing flat, thin soled, leather shoes over cobblestone roads. <BR> <BR>Film (for camera and videocamera) - You can never have too much! Film is much more expensive in Europe! Also, don't forget batteries for your camera(s)! <BR> <BR>Plastic baggies - general, all purpose! <BR> <BR>Tylenol, Advil or whatever your favorite brand of pain reliever is - It's a hassle to get a headache and not have some medicine on you! Especially at night when msot of the drug stores are already closed. <BR> <BR>Don't forget to take a sense of fun and adventure too! <BR> <BR>P.S. I heard that used Levi's are a big thing in Europe and the rest of the world these days! Some people even pay between $50-$100 per pair. I know that probably doesn't qualify as a small "gift item"!

Here's what I always take; <BR> <BR>1. prescription medicines <BR>2. extra pair of eyeglasses <BR>3. ear plugs and eye mask <BR>4. small foldable umbrella <BR>5. 2 pairs pants, 2 shirts (wear one set on plane), sweater, underwear <BR>6. comfortable shoes (wear one pair + carry one) <BR>6. mid weight jacket <BR>7. camera and lots of film

One item I did take, and was thankful for was a current table of exchange rates for each country I planned on visiting. I got mine at the following site: www.british-airways.com/holiday/miniguides They required no math skills on your part, and you knew what you were paying at a glance. I copied all of mine onto one sheet and reduced it to fit nicely in my wallet. <BR>Other essentials: flashlight, wet wipes, waterless hand soap, travel packs of tissue, one very old/thin towel, plenty of film, ziplocks & a notebook. If you're renting a car, a small, cheap compass will be helpful. In many countries, the road signs seem vague, and do not tell you which direction you are heading. It's amazing how easily you can get lost. <BR>Travel as light as possible, and don't bother with a pre-paid calling card...the 800 #'s will be useless. One thing I brought back with me (and many of you will cringe)...a down comforter (duvet.) All the hotels in Scandinavia have them, and I instantly fell in love. It was vacuum packed upon purchase, and I did not open it till I got home. Also, the airline allowed me to check it for free.

At least a down comforter isn't breakable. During my honeymoon in Italy, I bought some glass from Murano during my first week there. I kept on intending to ship it, but by the third week I still hadn't, so I resigned myself to carrying it with me. We took the train everywhere, too. Surprisingly enough, it didn't break! <BR> <BR>The best thing to do when you travel in Europe is to bring things you can "shed". I have left countless paperbacks, old towels, worn out shoes, etc, on my trips, and replaced them with souveniers on the return trip home.