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.

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.