I find using ziplock bags convenient for travel too. For non-liquid items, I poke holes in the bags so that they are easier to get the air out of and flatten. I'm wondering whether the new "produce" bags that have just come out with holes will be useful and large enough for travel. Has anyone seen or used them?

Burta: <BR>No! Don't poke holes in the bags. The whole idea, that people seem to be missing, is that by swishing the air out of the bags you compress the contents. You take the air out and you can take say 3 sweaters in the same space as one sweater that is normally packed. By doing this you can double the amount of cloathes you can fit in a suitcase and also double its weight. My wife got so excited when I showed her how to do this. She couldn't find enough cloathes to fill her suitcase. But, when she was done it was sure heavy.

Am a Ziploc fan myself, but it's more than just the space saved. For each day of a short trip I put shirt, slacks/shorts, socks, undies in one giant bag -- squeeze out the air and zip. Love the convenience of picking up a bag and having everything I need for that day all together. <BR> <BR>I always have an older bag ready, too, for dirty socks and undies. (Prefer to keep them separate from other clothes.) <BR>

I'm with you American Beauty!! I do nearly the same. I pack matching items in the same large bag. I use smaller bags for undies, bra and socks/hose. It's so easy to pull out a bag or two rather than rummage through the entire suitcase. On long trips, I package items that can be laundered together in the same bags. Just open and dump into the machine--no sorting at the machine.

Ziplock plastic bags are great! Magellans travel magazine sells a whole bunch in different sizes that are really heavy-duty (for like $4). I take them over to put in any wrapped wine bottles. That way if they break, nothing in the suitcase is ruined!

In addition to all of the above uses of zip lock bags, I use them for film. Put all your film in a zip lock bag (minus the film canisters). When you get to the security checkpoint, hand the bag to the guard and ask them not to run it through the scanner. They say that the scanners won't ruin film, but why take the chance?

topping for Linda

I know they have them in the UK because I bought some in London last year at an office supply store! I don't remember specifically what they were called but I bought small 2 inch square ones (great for tickets, etc.). <BR><BR>I believe they had large ones also. I would think they also had them at grocery stores or supermarkets as well -- that's where we often find them in the states, near aluminum foil and plastic wrap.

We bring a bag filled with bags various sizes... there are never any left at the end of the trip. You have to bring at least one big bag (or 2 if feet are the hubby's size) for the spare pare of shoes that are likely to get wet, smelly or otherwise not something you want in your clothes!

TTT