Keygal, the post-it notes are a great idea. By the way, whatever happened to Maire? I've missed seeing her around.

I just spent some money at Magellan's. Went there just to buy those slip-on, disposable paper things for your feet for security & wound up spending just under $100.00 on packing cubes & folders. I'm a sucker for gadgets like this. #-O

Ziploc bags, book,
Ipod is a must!
hanging toiletry bag
small gifts
itinerary, copies of important papers & reservation confirmation
otc meds and DH prescriptions - in original bottles
guide book
enough underwear for every day we're gone. If necessary I throw away old underwear as I go - it frees up luggage space.
My sister swears by febreeze
After the last trip I will have gel insoles in every single pair of shoes (except now the pair I wear on the plane).

sparklegem:

Well, what a great post you started.

Most of the things that I bring have already been noted but I will add the following.

My own itinerary with notes of what I would like to see.

A length of hemp cord so I can pick up a corrugated card board box for those extra things I never intended to buy but could not live without.

Inflateable hangers that allow both sides of a shirt to dry but will still pack flat.

Lots of throw away books for long vacations.

A blank lined book for my WIFE to keep a travel diary.

Woodie

I pick up a plastic coupon holder - simple accordion file that clasps shut with a rubber band. By labeling the compartments, I can easily track my expenses. I put all receipts, confirmations in the appropriate slots - food, air travel, ground travel, souvenirs, hotels.

I also identify slots for the different places I will be - that way I can keep info regarding admissions, hours, directions, etc. of the sites I want to see.

I also pick up a Pioneer brand travel diary. It fits perfectly in the front compartment of the coupon holder. The entire thing isn't any bigger than a paperback, and it's all in one place nicely sorted.

toedtoes, what a great idea. I always have problems keeping the small paperwork organized. I am going to try your suggestion on my next trip. Key gal,I also just purchased the travel tray form Magellan's and yesterday I purchased the travel pillow from Landsend. YIPPEE! Only 19 days to go. Barb

Babs - the one I get is the Pendaflex (item #50903). I like it because it's plastic so there is less chance of destroying the contents with liquid. I got mine at Longs for under $3 (can't remember if it was $2.79 or $1.99).

Be sure to let us know how these items worked for you.

I always bring a Tyler Candle Co Candle. They have the best scents that really fill the room...

((%))

Hee hee hee!

topping for mycuppajava

Hope you guys like the Travel Tray as much as I do. I've been usingd it at home, too. Put my watch, change, etc. in it every night. Less clutter!

I decided to pick up a new "toy" for my next vacation, so I bought a dual time watch on ebay. Well today my new watch arrived. It's actually quite nice. Easy to read faces - one is roman numerals and one is arabic numbers. Now, I can be on vacation time all the time and still make it to work on time! :) Has anyone else had experience with them? What did you think of having both times on your wrist? I paid less than $20 so I figure even if I don't like it I'm not out much.