Heavens

I think the concept behind packing cubes is that it keeps your clothes packed in there tight so they don't move around and don't wrinkle. I used to be a FA and some swore by them. But I am just not that organized of a packer. In fact, after ten years of flying internationally I still could not ever warm up the the task of packing. Hate it really. Just not good at it...

Pegontheroad

I'd never travel without my money belt--especially after my sister had given me her passport and credit card to put in my money belt shortly before a very clever thief made off with her purse, which fortunately had nothing in it but her camera.

The compass is a great idea. I always bring a washcloth, a big bar of soap, ear plugs and eye mask, a small bottle of shampoo (mostly I use hotel shampoo) and a ditty bag. Having very limp hair, I have to use a hairdryer and a curling iron, but I just use the German ones I bought a few years ago. Even though hotels almost always have a hair dryer, they are often on the wrong side of the mirror for me to use them comfortably, as I dry my hair with the dryer in the left hand and a round brush in the right. I have inflatable hangers which helps dry tops fast.

I check before I go to make sure that I have the appropriate plugs for the countries I'll be visiting.

I use oddball clear plastic bags for underwear, socks, and anything small and that I'll have to dig around for in my suitcase.

I use a carry-on size suitcase and bring clothes that mix and match, with pants in a dark color, usually black. I also carry a tote bag with my medicines, a couple of books and my--are you ready for this?--current counted cross stitch project with which I while away long flights and boring airport waits. To each his own...

Robespierre

PofP, the mere <i>mention</i> of GPS around here will brand you with the indelible <b>Mark of the Geek</b> (ask me how I know).

These people pride themselves on the idea that they're leaving all their computers at home, while they blithely pack their calculator watches and cell phones and iPods and DVD players, any <u>one</u> of which has more computing power in it than NORAD did in 1960.

dherron

All this talk of money belts and no one recommends the inexpensive ones (probably half of what you would pay for mail order) at WalMart! They are located in their luggage dept. Also found passport pouches (to wear around your neck) at an inexpensive price.

Heavens

Well, I am all excited bc the purse that I ordered from ebags came in. And I was thrilled that there was no tax and no shipping costs. It is the ?Ripling shoulder bag called the Caronia flapover in, guess what color? BLACK, but of course. It is perfect.

My teen daughter looked at it and said &quot;Mom, that isn't such a great looking bag!&quot; But then I showed her all the reasons that it is the pefect travel bag; lightweight, across the body, zippered compartments for tickets, personal things, digital camera, even could fit a small guidebook or two. By the time the demo was over she was begging me to let her take it on her summer trip to Italy/Greece.

So, thanks Fodors for all of your great advice. We are well on our way to get ourselves outfitted for Paris...

suze

way to go, Heavens...

we'll get you to Paris yet!!!

amwosu

I bought a little compass once I was there. At times I found it tough to decipher N,S,E,W when coming out of the metro stations.

mdtravel

The money belt that I use is actually just that. A belt that I bought at Dillards with a zipper in the back to stash a couple hundred in emergency currency. It's actually only been handy in Vegas!

I tend to carry all kinds of stuff

jay

How about a cheap corkscrew. Packed in luggage of course.

Kate_W

You can buy sanitary supplies (without having to ask for them from the chemist) in Monoprix in France (they're like small department stores with food halls, clothes and cosmetics).

Also consider packing: a) earplugs (to muffle the noisy baby/toddler/snoring person on the plane or the street noise in your hotel); b) pashmina scarf (all purpose warm thing that packs down to nothing); c) umbrella, umbrella, umbrella (I've been living in Paris for 9 months and sometimes it seems to be as rainy as Seattle or Vancouver - it's just that it doesn't usually rain all day); d) Compeed blister patches.

As for clothes, don't forget that you could always take something to the drycleaner (just check to find out how long it will be until you get it back). I'd rather spend an extra 10-15 euros on drycleaning my favourite clothes than have to drag twice as many clothes around with me as I need to.

MKE

A small compass is a must, as is a small flashlight since hotel hallways are often unlit at night. I got severe blisters in Verseilles and now always carry moleskin. Also, a small spray bottle of Febreze and a sink stopper. No need for a hair dryer as most hotels have them.

stokebailey

re compasses, if I may insert a US anecdote: One time I emerged from Grand Central Terminal in NYC, wanted to head towards Madison Ave but was unsure which direction I was facing. To get oriented, I asked the newspaper stand man which way was east. His reply, &quot;Lady, this IS East!&quot;

Auntie_Mame

LOL stokebailey !!

Traveling and packing are way easier if you spring for a wardrobe from travelsmith for example. We traveled all over Britain for two weeks with only one garment bag, one carry-on and my purse.

Things have to go together and you must be able to wear an item more than once before it needs washing.