Rick Steves' Europe: Packing Creative Extras

Packing Creative Extras: 2004

While we're fanatic about packing light, we all slip a goofy little extra in. Which soothing, handy, or fun packing extravagances can you justify? Here's what you thought:

Pack a small game rather than a deck of cards
We always pack a small game or two. Either travel sized versions of "regular games" (Sorry, Mastermind, Clue) or regular games that can pack into a small space (Hack Attack, Set, Carcasonne, Jungle Speed). The list of potential games is huge.These games serve 2 purposes. 1) to pass the time while waiting or traveling, 2) they are a wonderful way to meet people and make new friends! People (children and adults) will often come up and ask what we are playing or just sort of look over our shoulders with interest until we speak to them (some games are very visually appealing). It is a good conversation starter and often helps span a language barrier (if reading is not important to the game and the rules are simple).
dwc <email>
USA Thu 12/30/2004

Clock's, Cards & CD's
I do two things that I have not yet seen written about. One is I make trip business cards that have my name,the date of the trip, my contact info and a list of the counties I was visiting. Then I pass them out as I travel. My last were entitled "Gordon's big adventure" As far as clocks I go to a place like Wal-mart that has $10 watches that have good alarms. This way I will hear it because it is right next to my ear.And one other thing that I did on my last trip was I burnt CD"s for the trip and gave them away to people i would meet along the way.(Now I have an MP3 Player)
Gordon <email>
Bakersville, NC USA Sat 12/25/2004

If you are going to be using a bathroom "down the hall" take a large plastic bag with handles with you. Like the kind you get at BooksaMillion or Walden Books. You can put your towel, dry clothes, and other necessities in the bag and hang it from the door knob if there is no hook and it will keep your stuff dry in case the shower gets the whole room wet (often the case!) Also helps keep all your stuff together.

USA Fri 12/24/2004

Useful things to bring
One of the best things I brought to Europe was a small bag of powdered drink mix (or Ice tea mix) and water bottle. Each morning I would mix up a bottle of drink, put ice in it from the hotel ice machine and stow it in the side of my backpack. After a few hours of sightseeing the ice was melted but it was still cool and I could sit down and enjoy a cool drink without having to find someplace to buy water or pop (also saved a bunch over buying pop everywhere)
Lisa <email>
Mpls, MN USA Mon 12/20/2004

Knit pants flexibility
I always travel with a pair of cotton knit pants, with pockets. These pants are my "pajamas" and look ok as regular clothes, too. They can be used as longjohns under other pants in cold weather or as regular pants. Trips to the toilet down the hall don't require a bathrobe since I sleep in a t-shirt and the knit pants. Anyway, I never see anyone else at night in the hall. For super-light travel it is possible to travel with the knit pants and only one other pair of long pants. I like to have some back-up clothing in case of messy accident or needing something to wear while doing laundry.
Swan
USA Sat 12/18/2004

Pocket notebook
I always carry a pocket notebook with EVERYTHING written in it: itinerary, addresses of lodging and directions on how to get there, transportation options for each city, phone numbers...EVERYTHING to do with the trip. My recent 8-cities-in-3-weeks proved more than ever the value of this little book. When tired or confused all I had to do was reach in my pocket and there was the information I needed. No need to dig out tour books and try to remember where the info I needed was located. After the trip, the notebook and the notes added during the trip make a good memory book for planning the next adventure.
Margery <email>
Cambridge, MA USA Mon 12/13/2004

Housedress as handy fashion statement
I just returned from three weeks in Scandinavia, Estonia and Russia. I stayed in private homes and hostels. At the last minute I packed a housedress, not the most attractive fashion, but very lightweight cotton with zipper front and pockets. You know, what your grandma would have worn? It turned out to be the best "extra" I carried (before this, I considered my little flashlight the best). It meant I could dress quickly in shared showers, and I was "decent" for walking in public areas. The pockets were handy for carrying bath items and the room key. Who knew such an unglamorous piece of clothing could be so handy? :)
Margery <email>
Cambridge, MA USA Mon 12/13/2004

Guide-books
Before you leave home, take Rick's book (or other guidebook) apart, then have holes punched in the pages so you can put it in a small 3-ring binder (Kinko's, perhpas). Or, take book apart and hold it all with a big binder clip - you can also take just the parts you need with a binder clip. Better than taking the book with you, then ripping it apart and throwing away pages that you may need for another trip.

FL USA Sun 12/12/2004

'the ultimate souvenir'
I've found it's kind of fun to write comments, drawings, etc. in my Rick Steves guidebook--It's the ultimate souvenir aside from pictures, so in a sense it's kind of like combining the journal and the functional guidebook, as well as some corrections, editing on certain details. When you think of it, with as many people buying Rick Steves guidebooks, some of the people who run these hotels and restaurants develop a 'celebrity aura' in a strange way('You know Rick personally?'). The maps are where I have the most fun, I'll doodle or draw caricatures in cafes; sometimes I'll even write angry comments at Rick about inaccurate details or prices higher than as quoted!

So go ahead and feel free to use and abuse your souvenir Rick Steves guidebook as if it were one of your high school textbooks! It's actually fun to look at how it stood up to all the mileage.
Wesley Gonzales <email>
Spring, TX USA Thu 12/09/2004

Labeled baggies
I label and fill medium sized plastic bags: Night, Morning, Shower, First Aid, Undies/sox, Misc. At a grab, I am ready. (In AM, I switch my pills to Night bag after taking them.) At a glance I notice if something is left behind. No more getting to the loo down the hall having forgotten soap etc.
Roseann Riddlle <email>
San Diego, Ca USA Tue 12/07/2004

Almost a Journal
I brought 2 things with me on my recent 15 day trip to Paris and London. One was a little notebook to write down my day's impressions... that lasted about 2 nights before I was just too exhuasted to think about anything interesting or creative.

But the second thing I brought was useful -- on the computer I made up a little booklet with about a quarter page of lines for each day. I just noted down the time and place of each activity, weather, and how I got from place to place. I filled in the blanks from the given itinerary, and all the things I did in my free time. Then when I get home, I type up a little 4 x 6 card for each day with that day's items, and put it in the appropriate place in the photo album. Helps me in the future if I return to the same city.
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Mon 12/06/2004

Packing Creative Ideas
I use a small inexpensive photo album for a Journal. The type that has two pictures per page. Before I leave on the trip I insert a lined index card on the bottom of each page. Each day I purchase a post card highlighting that day's major activity or just a free postcard of the hotel. In the evening just before bed, I write on one index card the day's events. It only takes a few minutes. I also tuck into the plastic sleeves any tickets, etc. I've collected that day. When I get home, I transfer the whole thing to the back of my large photo album that I put together for the trip and have my pictures, journal and keepsakes all in one place.
Marie <email>
USA Mon 12/06/2004

Journal
Would like to second the journal idea. Not only is this a great souvenier from your trip it helps to identify pictures when you get back home and have 200 photos of misc. cathedrals and castles that all start to look alike by the time you get them in an album. It also has become a family ritual for us - we take the journal to dinner each night of our trip and everyone dictates different things that they remember from the day. When we get home, my husband constructs a "story" from the random notes and this goes in our albut along with those now properly identified pictures!
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 12/06/2004

Write a Journal!!!
When I look back on trips I always like to read the journals that I wrote while there. Someone I met one time told me that it really something that you will appreciate later - even if it isn't easy at the time. There are so many things I probably would have forgotten if I hadn't written them down. It's easy if you take them with you so you can write at the beach, on the long bus ride, or while you're resting on a rainy afternoon. I don't usually keep journals at home cause I don't have a lot of spare time, but when I'm traveling I do. It doesn't have to be poetic or even grammatically correct - phrases and slang work just fine. Freewriting is best... write exactly what you are thinking in your head. It is just one of those things that will help you to look back on your trip and remember all the fun and crazy times.
Katrina
USA Sun 12/05/2004

IPod for more than music
A slightly expensive, but well worth the money, packing extra is an Apple IPod or other large capacity MP3/Portalable Hard Drive device. Not only for the obvious reason of storing music and audio books, but I use my to dump photos from my digital camera. I am able to store hundreds of photos on my IPod without having the lug a laptop or buy expensive memory cards. For a long trip (lots of photos) or for a artistic photographer who wants high-resolution (and therefore larger) files, an IPod is WELL worth the investment.
Matthew <email>
Manchester, CT USA Fri 12/03/2004

packing light
I have a master list of what to pack. It's categorized as to: what goes in the backpack, what goes into my purse/camera bag, what goes into my document pouch. The list is the same for 5 days or 15 days, except for the addition of powdered laundry soap, clothesline, and sink stopper if staying longer than a few days. I want to keep the backpack at no more than 14 pounds. One thing I learned the hard way: I pack my regular-sized hairbrush, regular sized toothbrush. They take up a little more space, but they save a lot on annoyance.
Judy Masrud <email>
Dallas, WI USA Thu 12/02/2004

Another chafing option
Another non-clothing option to help prevent chafing: Solid antiperspirant on the area; or a product called Bodyglide (often marketed to runners). The antiperspirant option worked pretty well for me.

USA Sun 11/21/2004

chaff legs with skirts
ladies, who have concerns about chaffin when wearing skirts, one of 2 things you can wear,split skirt slip all of the stores in the states sell them. The other I bought in London, it was like a panty hose but ended about 3/4 inches above the knee. The weight of the fabric is like an opaga hose. It works, they both work, I am a very large woman, and have worn them for years.
Mary
USA Sat 11/20/2004

drying clothes
I read take some ballons, they don't take a lot of room. blow them up,( first I put water in them so they would be easier to blow up)then when you hang your washed clothes up I stuffed them into my sleaves,waist, and legs of my wet clothes, it works nicely. The clothes dry nice & faster this way.
Mary
USA Sat 11/20/2004

water
I like to take a small water bottle that has a filter in it. This way, in case I can't easily obtain bottled water, I can always use a sink or water fountain and the water is purified. Many years ago the Richard Simmons deal-a-meal kit had one but there are others on the market.
C. Gray <email>
Tarrytown, NY USA Thu 11/18/2004

dealing with your period...creatively
For women...I like to carry a film canister filled with a thin panty-liner, an applicator-less, OB-style tampon in the middle and a couple of ibuprofen (in case of cramps) in the bottom. Always tuck it in your purse or bag in case of an emergency. It's small, convenient, and you never know when a suprise visitor may appear. Not to mention, if you help a local woman out in this department, you'll have a friend for life!
a girl who's been there
boston, ma USA Wed 11/17/2004

packing
i save clothes that have one last wear left -- sweaters, t-shirts, underclothes, holey socks, nightclothes, etc., that i'm ready to get rid of -- and pack them when i go on vacation. i wear them once at my destination and then put them in the trash can (underclothes, socks) or leave them in the room (other clothing) for the hotel maids to take if they want. no laundry to deal with, and i free up space for holiday purchases.
tina <email>
san francisco, ca USA Tue 11/16/2004

Microfibre Down Filled Throw/Blanket
I always travel with my down filled microfibre blanket/throw. Available at many stores for under $20, it's incredibly light weight and compresses nicely in my carry on bag. Much better to use during the flight than those flimsy airline "blankets". Once I've arrived at my destination, the throw has been used in the car when everyone else blasts the air conditioner, folded as a makeshift down pillow, and of course, as an extra blanket in a cold hotel room. Wouldn't leave home without it!
GCP
CO USA Sun 11/14/2004

Hair-do Simplicity
Common hair-care travel advice for us gals is that we get really short haircuts before we set sail, but I don't want my hair that short. A great hairdo alternative is one of the clip-on-type synthetic hair pieces which make a simple pony-tail look like a gorgeous fluffy 'do'. If they need washing, the hotel sink will suffice, and the curl will simply bounce back.
RKG
D/FW, TX USA Thu 11/11/2004

while travelling in Europe
The white Apple Store plastic shopping bags have two shoulder strap type sets of carrying ropes so you can carry it as a back pack. I used one over Steve's Microfiber backpack in heavy rain. Talking about Apple: Their 12 inch Powerbook is the only laptop that fits in standard sized hotel room safes - diagonally.
Wolfgang Floitgraf <email>
Needham, MA United States Sat 11/06/2004

Skip the journal, buy postcards
I always drag a notebook with me thinking I'll do a lot of journalling. The first couple of days I am faithful, but after a while I start living in the trip and writing about it feels tedious.

Last trip I left the journal at home. Everywhere I went I bought a post card. At night I wrote quick postcards to myself about the day's events. Don't bother writing the stuff in the guide book. Write about the unusual, unplanned events. Use incomplete sentences, bullet points, just enough to jog your memory when you get home.If you want to take a chance with the mail, send them to your home address and you won't even have to carry them home. They make a great scrapbook with the foreign stamps and postmarks.
Sharon
Northern California, CA USA Wed 11/03/2004

Airline neck support pillow
I use a soft foam cervical collar (about $15 in the drugstore) as my airline neck pillow. It supports nicely from both sides and the front, and it is flat in the back so your head doesn't get pushed forward. It probably looks a little medical, but it is very comfortable so I don't care, but it could always be covered with a scarf.
Lina <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 11/02/2004

Sink Plug
Bring a universal sink plug when going to Greece since most small hotels there don't provide them. Useful when washing yourself or your clothes!
Mark <email>
St. John's, NL Canada Mon 10/25/2004

Kitchen Timer
I have a really tiny digital kitchen timer that I used instead of an alarm clock. Really easy to set. Before bed, I just set it to wake me up in 6 or 7 hours. The beeps are plenty loud enough to wake me. Plus, it's great for taking naps anywhere - in the room, on the plane, train, etc. I keep it stowed in my luggage when I get home.
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Mon 10/25/2004

Crazy Foot Balms
Sore feet and sightseeing seem to go together, expecially when you've had surgery on both feet, like I have. These remedies I use sound crazy but they work -
1. household chlorine bleach in water soothes sore feet at the end of a long day (this REALLY works - I thought my friend was crazy when she told me about it) -
2. rubbing Castor Oil all over both feet at the start of the day helps them to not be quite so sore. O.K. - If you don't believe me, try them at home before hitting the road! You'll be amazed!
RKG
TX USA Sat 10/23/2004

Music as you travel
The day before I left for Italy I found these great travel speakers for my MP3 Player (Ipod) that were fantastic. They were compact and light. Had Italian mood music in every hotel room from a playlist I'd compiled as inspiration while we were planning our trip (not to mention my whole music collection). Made all the difference! I believe these work for CD players as well.
Laurie Gerns <email>
Van Nuys, CA USA Tue 10/19/2004

Swan
I'm in Italy. It is getting cold here, so lots of folks are wearing vests. I bought one of the vests with lots of pockets -- looks like a fisherman's vest. It was cheap at the weekly flea market here. There are inner zipped pockets that are good for valuables and more comfortable to use than the money belt. Plus I am warmer and "blend in" with everybody else.

USA Fri 10/15/2004

Meeting People
I carry a small (~4"x6") notepad in the shape of the U.S. with the states color identified. It is a great conversation "helper" when chatting with new friends to take out a pen and put a dot on the map "where I live"---most Europeans seem know Texas, California, and Florida, so it is easy for them to orient themselves to New Mexico, where I live.
Ruth Anderson <email>
Las Cruces, NM USA Thu 10/14/2004

Listen to Rick!
I want to reaffirm the guideline of packing light. Much to our dismay, we decided to carry one extra bag (3 for two people). The extra bag was an albatross around our necks. Dragging an extra bag through the gates of the London and Paris Undergrounds was a huge hassel. Holding an extra bag on the escalator is downright dangerous.

We used the "space bags" to compress our clothing. They are GREAT!!! The big one makes a super dirty clothes bag that doesn't take up all of the space in your bag.
Eric Morris <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Thu 10/07/2004

Zip top bags
I always seem to have a use for resealable zip-top bags. As an example, we often purchase local snacks and use these bags to take snacks on day trips. If you have children, they are particulary handy for many reasons, especially dirty diapers. We try to pack several of different sizes.
Mindy Tuceryan <email>
Munich, Germany Thu 10/07/2004

Don't miss your train or plane!
Just got back from Paris, Switzerland, and Italy, and 4 out of the 5 places we stayed didn't have so much as one clock in the room or apartment. Two places didn't even have wake up call service, so we had to borrow alarm clocks from the owners.

Either bring a cheap watch with an alarm or a travel alarm. In either case, make sure it can be illuminated at night and always put in fresh batteries before leaving home.

Another useful item is a pack of thin cheap washclothes. Europeans don't use them, so I brought my own, used one per hotel stay and threw it out when I left.

Bring a dual voltage hair dryer too. The ones in the hotels were often very inconvenient.
Judy <email>
Walnut Creek, CA USA Tue 10/05/2004

clothing upkeep
I pack two inflatable clothing hangers, which allow for more air circulation, for washing out those dirty shirts in the evening.
Sara <email>
Fort Collins, CO USA Wed 09/08/2004

Creative Extras vs. Packing Light
Just a word of caution that all these handy & creative extras can add up to pounds of unwanted weight in your luggage. I took along a lot of the little bits that were recommended below and found that most were untouched when I returned home. Lots of the "just in case" items are readily available wherever you travel, and usually for about the same price as you'd pay for them at home. Go ahead and pack the things you know you'll need, and then figure on buying just the one or two extras you end up needing when you're there.

NJ USA Tue 09/07/2004

Contacts Solution hard to find!
We went to France, and I disagree with Rick Steve's advice to buy stuff like toothpaste in Europe--sure you can get soap and toothpaste in a grocery store if you can find one easily, but they don't carry things such as contacts solution! I had to go to a pharmacy, which is nothing like what we have here: it looks more like an expensive cometics store--no small items or clutter. Anyway, I ended up paying FOUR times as much as at home to get some contacts solution, as well as spent valuable time hunting down a store. Next time I'm bringing enough of my basics to get me through.
Ginny Lyman <email>
Wales, WI USA Sat 09/04/2004

Creative extras
Just returned from 27 day backpack tour of Europe. Found these things to be most helpful: Bungie cord for hanging clothes to dry - hooks worked better than loops; WalMart's camping section first aid kit - everything's in dosage packages- and their "plastic" utensils (both are really cheap); Fabreeze - don't leave home without it; added a belt/strap to money belt & dropped pouch down pants leg - it was great!!!; metal key rings - the circular kind you can't get the keys on and off - the best (!) for locking your suitcase/backpack - too time-consuming for pickpockets, but easy to get the hang of for you.
Jo <email>
Las Vegas, NV USA Tue 08/31/2004

Mailing Labels
One thing that everyone in our family travels with is a set of preprinted labels for post cards and gift packages. They save a ton of time, and there are no fears of forgetting anyone. The number of label sets is generally determined by the number of stops on the itinerary.
K S Hile <email>
Delray Beach, FL USA Tue 08/31/2004

Solid Perfume Won't Spill in Your Luggage
For the ladies (and maybe men, not sure): If you're like me, you like to bring along a "signature scent" when you travel that will remind you of your trip when you wear it in the future. (I did this last time, and when I wear that scent, my husband always says, "Something smells like Paris...") However, the last thing I want is for perfume to leak in my bag and get all over my clothes, as some perfumes stain. I have started using "perfume solids" which roll up kind of like deodorant--if you ask as good perfume counters, you'll find many perfume-makers offer something of the like. My favorite is Miracle by Lancome--very refreshing scent, and it also has subtle sparkles in it which I love for going out at night!! If you want to spend less, a second runner up would be miniature roll-on perfumes--they're a little more liquidy, but still won't leak in your bag. I have a few from the Body Shop which are great--try the White Musk, very refreshing.
Stephanie <email>
SF, CA USA Mon 08/30/2004

No More Expandable Travel Cups
The perfect "freebie" travel cup for taking meds is an empty prescription bottle. It hold just enough water to take a few pills and is easily replaced.
RKG
Euless, TX USA Mon 08/30/2004

how to tell if film is used.
After using a roll, take it out of the camera, wind it up so the end of the roll slips inside the canister...all your UNUSED rolls of film will have a bit of film hanging out, all your USED film will not

USA Sat 08/28/2004

used / unused film
Many trips to Europe-never took film in canisters-just take up space-simply drop film in a zip lock bag-can tell at a glance if film has been used-attach a lable to outside of film cartridge before leaving home & use that for a quick note about when / where film was exposed for later puting in order
John Wiley
Atlanta, GA USA Thu 08/26/2004

I have an even simpler way of telling if film has been used. Unused film is stored in canisters, used film is not. At the end of the day, I move any used film from my day bag to a large zip-lock in my luggage.

USA Wed 08/25/2004

we took regular film with us for pictures. It was hard to tell if film roll was already used, so I would put a piece of paper on top of the used film in the film canister.....paper was always available and quick when hurring to change film and it was really easy to see (just by taking of lid) that film was used. Didn't bother taking many pictures of art work, splurged on books instead, better pictures with descriptions....

USA Wed 08/25/2004

1) Febreeze. A couple sprays and...clean! :o)
2) Shout wipes
3) A loofa. Dries much quicker than a washcloth, no extra weight at all
4) And, for the literary dorks at heart, I like to bring poems or selections of books that are set in the city I'm visiting. I.e., on my trip to London this week, I'm bringing Keat's "On Seeing the Elgin Marbles for the First Time" to the British Museum, and Wordsworth's London poems, just slipped into my journal.
5)If you're hitting beaches, a twin sheet works better than a towel--easier to clean.
Elizabeth
USA Sun 08/15/2004

Monocular -- Other use
Forgot to add... I also used the monocular, very unobstrusively, in the British Library. I really enjoyed examining the illuminated texts and pages from DaVinci's notebooks super-up-close! These texts were exhibited under low-light conditions, under glass, so it was really nice to be able to see every stroke of the pen or brush. Made it so I could almost touch the pages!
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Fri 08/13/2004

Monoculars / Doorstop
Last year I purchased an Audubon 6 x 16 Monocular (about $35) and it came in very handy. I always have trouble focusing/adjusting binoculars, so at least this was half the trouble! It can hang very unobtrusively around your neck, under a jacket or coat, or fits nicely in the palm of your hand.

Also, as a female solo traveller, I absolutely second the idea below about always bringing a doorstop. I keep one packed in my toiletries bag and it does wonders for my sense of security when sleeping or showering.
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA Mon 08/09/2004

Poster Tube and Bubble Wrap
We took someone's advice and packed a packing/mailing tube - the kind for posters. I cut one end off of one so it fit in my 22" RS roll-on, and filled it with some bubble wrap. The tube was handy when we bought some drawings in Paris, and we were glad to have the (practically weightless) bubble wrap for a few small fragile items we acquired. The only thing I should have done was measure the tube (in centimeters) so I would have known if any particular size poster would fit.
R.K
Berkeley, ca USA Sun 08/08/2004

Laundry Extras
Although it takes up a little extra space, a mini spray bottle ended up being a great addition. We just sprayed our cothes at night, hug them up, or layed them out and the wrinkles were gone in the morning!

We also packed elastic cording we bought at Walmart in the notions department and pack that in the spray bottle along with two clothespins.

For washing clothes in the sink we just used shampoo without conditioner, which we found was very good at getting out olive oil stains!!!
Eliza
Glen Ellyn, IL USA Sat 08/07/2004

binoculars
On a recent trip to Italy, my small pair of binoculars came in handy while in museams and churches. Much of the best artwork is on the ceiling or high up on the walls, and the only way to see it in detail is through binoculars.
Vicki <email>
Dover, NH USA Wed 08/04/2004

flat soap "tissues" at Wal-mart
Wal-mart now has soap tissues in their travel department. It is sort of like those new breath papers you use for bad breath. They would be great for travel and would not take up as much room as sanitizer.

USA Tue 08/03/2004

Camelbak
One of the most useful things I've traveled with is a Camelbak water bottle- I use a 100 oz. "unbottle," an insulated water bladder that slips inside my daypack, and has an easily accessible plastic hose for drinking. The water supply lasts the entire day, and I have a cool drink anytime I want. Dehydration can be one of the first thing to wear out a traveler, and the I find it liberaterating to be free from the drink-dispensing mercy of flight attendants, quests for drinking fountains, and the especially the inflated prices of beverages and bottled drinks in tourist areas. I bought one for a USA national parks trip, but found that it's just as useful and essential in more urban settings.
Mike
Philadelphia, PA USA Sun 08/01/2004

clotheslines
A clothesline is a Godsend, but if you want to be able to secure it ANYWHERE, get the kind with a hook at each end. That way, you can loop an end around anything and hook it onto itself. Mine has suction cups too, but with a lot of washing, the cups may let go. I once had a traveling clothesline with a pre-made loop at each end. This necessitated finding something with a free-standing projection to put the loop over. Hooks are much better.
meg Rosenfeld
USA Fri 07/30/2004

Let there be light
While dining al fresco along the Danube River outside of Budapest in a rustic'50s setting that included American music of the period entertaining young and old, our group was startled by the sudden blackout. The crowd calmly carried on in the dark, but but our table enjoyed the light from my microbeam flashlight. About the size and weight of a half-dollar, it rides with my compass on a small carabiner in my purse or on my belt loop. Once I draped it across my glass of beer, we had soft light in which to enjoy our meal until the lights returned about an hour later.
Cindy <email>
Northridge, CA USA Fri 07/30/2004

laundry tips and hand sanitizer
After 6 trips to Europe, I'm convinced that blow up hangers and Rick Steves clothesline are a must for doing laundry in the hotel. I also take powder laundrey detergent in a zip-lock plastic bag. No worry about leaking. A wee bit goes a long way.

On our last trip, I took a small bottle of hand sanitizer,carried it in my day pack and used it often. I had taken the small individual packets before, both work fine. The bottle is cheaper.Plus it smells good.
Nancy Canady <email>
Springfield, IL USA Wed 07/28/2004

Mmmm! What A Lovely Fragrance!
One item that brings soothing comfort to me is a fragrance I love (and dare not travel without). So, I filled a teeny-tiny perfume sample bottle (cylinder shape) with my favorite brand and keep it in my makeup bag for travel. The set of miniscule funnels I bought make filling this and other small bottles a breeze!
Bekka
Euless, TX USA Mon 07/26/2004

a sensitive nose and smoky clothes
I have to say, as per the past suggestion of a fellow traveller, I included a travel-sized bottle of Febreeze, and I was the envy of all my travelling companions! I CANNOT STAND cigarette smoke as a general rule, but during this past month in the UK, I certainly was not going to make an issue about it, so instead, I hung up any clothes I wore in pubs, etc. near an open window, and sprayed Febreeze to my heart's content. It was such a life saver when a proper washing was not an option. So, thanks to the traveller who suggested it, and here's another post to second the idea wholeheartedly!!
Tami
New York, NY USA Mon 07/26/2004

Deodorant or anti-perspirant
Perhaps the poster below meant anti-perspirant instead of deodorant? I'm not so sure deodorant would do much to prevent blisters, but I've good luck in using anti-perspirant to do so. The other thing the anti-perspirant is good for is preventing chafing when wearing skirts.
J
Seattle, WA USA Sat 07/24/2004

Blisters, etc.
Someone mentioned moleskin - which is great - but I want to point out that if you put deoderant on your feet you'll prevent the need for moleskin. I put deoderant on my feet everyday of my 3 months in England and never once got a blister. My husband also uses spray deoderant to prevent chaffing in areas I don't want to think about and swears by it, especially in hot and humid places.
Brittany <email>
Boston, MA USA Tue 07/20/2004

Food-related must-haves
PowerBars (and other products in that category) are awesome to pack. They don't take up much room, and can be a life saver when food is desperately needed but not easy to come by (ex: first thing in the morning when you're rushing to catch a train). Also: Bring a reusable plastic utensils set (like for camping). It's super-useful if you're like me and enjoy having small market-purchased lunches like bread, cheese, fruit and yogurt. Another handy item: plastic Nalgene bottles. Cheaper and easier to bring and refill than constantly scouting out bottled water (provided your country's water supply is trustworthy). I've never had one leak, either.
Sheena
USA Mon 07/19/2004

Creative Extras
A sample-size bottle of baby shampoo doubles as shampoo *and* hand-laundry soap. One bottle lasted an entire 2-week trip in the UK. For non hand-washables, I filled an empty and thoroughly rinsed out pump hairspray bottle with a well-known fabric & upholstery freshener; removed wrinkles too.
Joanna <email>
Topeka, KS USA Fri 07/16/2004

packing light
An absolute must have for backpacking is one of the special ziplock bags sold for storage wherein you can press out all of the air. Shamis that are used by professional divers make for a great travel towel, and a sarong and wrap around skirt doubles as both a picnic blanket and a sheet. Be prepared to throw out clothes as you travel and leave finished books behind at hostels...people will be very grateful!
Meg <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Sun 07/11/2004

Will not leave home without
Just returned from a 4-week trip in Europe. The best thing my cousin and I brought was a cotton sarong. You can fold it up small enough be wear as a long scarf. Cold unfold it and use it as a shawl, sleeping used as a blanket. Or use it as a blanket for your picnic. Raining works good to cover your hair if you do not have anything else If you are in a youth hostel it makes a great cover up, or as a beach cover up. We also used it to hold a bag on the top of the suitcase by tying it around the handle and bag. I used it to carry 2, 3 pack boxes of wine when I ran out of hands. Tied it between the two handles to make one soft handle. My cousin lost hers and was really missing it. This was our second long trip and we keep finding more uses for it. We have found that it is the best thing we took for the trip.

The second item I would not leave home without is my daypack that has a waist strap. Just like on the large backpacks but smaller. When the pack starts to get too heavy I hook the waist strap, the weight is then on my hips rather then my shoulders. Sure does make the load lighter and easier to carry.
Wendy Bruchez <email>
Brooklyn Park, , MN USA Thu 07/08/2004

JetRest Pillow!!
I wanted a new travel pillow for my trip to Europe and asked a girl in Brookstone which was her favorite of the big array of travel pillows in that store. She told me her favorite was the JetRest, a funny looking pillow I never considered. With some misgivings I tried it in the store and loved it!

The JetRest is shaped funny (see it at www.thejetrest.com), and a bit bulky, but WONDERFUL! I used it on the plane and on the bus. It really gives the best support for the neck. Those blow up neck things never worked for me because I would crook my neck to reach the support. Other pillows go flat and cold when up against a window in the airplane. This pillow puts support where you need it (you don't even need a window to lean up against). I even used it in my hotel room if the pillows were hard. My husband and son kept borrowing my JetRest even though they had their own blow up ones and my husband had chosen a fancy blow up one that goes clear around the neck. From now this pillow always goes to Europe with me and I will just plan space for it on the top of my day bag so it is handy to grab.
Laurel Damsteegt <email>
Berrien Springs, MI USA Fri 07/02/2004

CAMELBAK!
After all this time reading the graffiti wall, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it. My wife and I go to Europe every summer, getting a little smarter each time. A few years ago, we bought camelbaks (not a typo). It is a day-pack style backback with a bunch of compartments for all your stuff. It also has a 100-oz bag for drinking water. (many styles available) A thick blue hose goes over your shoulder and you bite the mouthpiece to get a drink. We get our water in 5-liter containers in the supermarket for a LOT less money than buying small, refrigerated ones on the street. If you rent a car, buy a few and put them in the back seat or trunk. Fill as necessary. Saves money and keeps you hydrated. Important in Mediterranean countries in the summer.
Bil <email>
Huntingtown, MD USA Wed 06/30/2004

Amusements for Kids While Traveling
Just before we left for a long trip to France and Italy I filled a baggie with some Leggos. They were a lifesaver! We traveled with our 4, 6 and 15 year-old kids and all enjoyed playing with the Leggos in our Rome apartment, at restaurants, and on the train! Even though they take up valuable space, I strongly recommend them for families traveling with small children.
Katy
Snellville, GA USA Sat 06/26/2004

ALL the extras + One
While waiting to take my 6 weeks of paid vacation (or was that my 6 weeks paid sick leave?), i decided to help everyone by compiling a list of all of Rick's "creative extras" that have been sent in. One thing no one brought that i can't live without are business cards. In the many years i have been travelling, i have met so many new friends along the way that there is hardly a city i can not visit now without getting at least a few free nights and a meal. In turn, one or two always show up to use our flat and enjoy Copenhagen. Bon Voyage.

Walkie-talkie Antiseptic pads Anti-fungal cream Battery-operated clock radio Compass Sports watch Wrinkle Releaser Ipod Notebook Flashlight Nightlight LED headlamp Disposable camera Moleskin Master Card Quick drying underwear Scanned documents Coffee beans Hand wipes Waterproof mascara Shampoo bars Hand lotion and lip balm Disposable facial cloths Detailed maps Earplugs Zip lock bags Laptop computer Binoculars Safety pins Nail clippers Fabric softener WetNaps/BabyWipes Travel-Scrabble A toiletry bag with a hanger 2-3 Carabineers Kleenex Toilet paper Pictures of home, family and pets Extra pair glasses Beach Towel Pillowcase Washcloths Sink stopper Bungee cord with built-in clothespins Lexan plates, bowls, and utensils Slippers Barley Green Post-its Band-Aids Campho-Phenique Small tube of hydrocortisone cream Analgesic tablets Voice-activated pocket electronic recorder Suction cup soap dish Surgical scrubs Pillow Ace Bandage Mini-hair drier Water purifier Corkscrew Frisbee Duct Tape Hat-umbrella Playing cards Purell Plastic cutting board and cutlery set Hot water heater Art supplies Locking cables Batteries Bottle of Windex + squeegee Turbi-Twist Laundry stain remover Camera instructions Benadryl Swiss Army knife Compact laundry soap Dishcloth Collapsible spoon Nail polish and remover pads Travel sound soother Battery operated fan Blister covers MP3 player Folding footrest Sun Parasol Deck chairs Seam ripper Mini-ribbons Plastic hangers FABREEZE CD Player Extension cords Instant boiled water Collapsible plastic cup GPS Baby Powder Plastic Squeeze Bottles Seeds Raincoat Bookmarks Lamination for documents and maps Curling iron Hair blower/drier Emergen-C Picnic kit Nice and Clean Anti Bacterial Balloons Candy bars EVAC-U8 smoke hood Suction grip bathtub appliqués Velcro Clorox wipes A glass tumbler Olay Daily Facial cloths Used dryer sheets Mini Kettle Instant oatmeal Doorstop
John Callaway
Copenhagen, DK Thu 06/24/2004

Walkie-Talkies - handy in Europe
European PMR walkie-talkies are wonderful for groups/families who want to keep in touch while exploring different interests. The range is only 2 miles, but still handy. I bought online a pair from a company in London for US$110 which includes shipping to California. These DON'T require a licence as the EU has set aside frequencies for their use. (FYI -The American FMR/GMRS walkie talkies require an FCC license and are not legal in Europe since their frequencies may interfere with local emergency services.)
Thann <email>
Tracy, CA USA Tue 06/22/2004

Not to be a salesperson for Rick, but--I am very pleased with two items from his store. I used the day tote last year for a ton of stuff. This year I also packed the Civita day backpack. Both are strong and convenient. Good values.

USA Mon 06/21/2004

Antiseptic pads
Small packs of antiseptic pads are indispensable when traveling. They can be used for everything: cleaning your hands before eating, dressing a cut or scrape, or wiping down the armrests and tray table on the plane (plenty of germs there). The list is endless.
Elisa <email>
Novato, CA USA Sun 06/20/2004

The Fungus is Among Us
Moist and warm conditions breed irritating athlete's foot or jock itch. I always pack a small tube of anti-fungal creme.
Elisa <email>
Novato, CA USA Sun 06/20/2004

Don't forget your clock/radio
I always take a small battery-operated clock/radio to listen to the local news and hit tunes. If you need the news in English, BBC News always broadcasts at 0 hours (midnight) Greenwich time.
Elisa <email>
Novato, CA USA Sun 06/20/2004

Useful things to take
Just returned from wonderful 2 week trip with three teen/20 ish "kids". Some of the most useful, creative things we took were a tiny compass from backpacking store. We used it all the time when coming out of subways, figuring out Venice locations on map (not related to first item), etc. We also took walkie-talkies which were extremely helpful. We could split up and keep in touch. In case we lost contact we set time and place to meet, but they gave us much more flexibility, even in airports while waiting for a plane. The plastic bags that you squeeze the air out of are useful, but roll them slowly, we popped two of them. Beware that they put deep wrinkles in clothes so they are best for underwear, socks, ultra fleece, dirty clothes, etc.

Our kids took CD's of a band they are in and used them to make friends with local teens.

We also took one of the very thin, nylon suite cases that fold into it's own pouch no bigger than a small notebook. We used this for bringing back things we bought since we did not have room in our suitecases (we followed Rick's VALUABLE advice on traveling light). It cost about $20 and was extremely helpful.
Noel Gouldin <email>
Plano, TX USA Mon 06/14/2004

One thing I bought that's been invaluable is a cheap plastic sportswatch. Mine illuminates in the dark and has an alarm. No need to worry about bringing a travel clock or an expensive watch, it's waterproof, and if it's stolen, it only cost $10 in the first place.
Mika
Chicago, IL USA Wed 06/09/2004

I know others have mentioned this years ago but I recently started traveling with a small bottle of wrinkle releaser and I cannot rave about it enough. The trick is to spray on the wrinkle remover and just run something smooth (say like a Rick book!) on it and it's good to go in a few minutes. The best part is it also refreshes the clothes and helps get rid of stale smells (like cig smoke) that may have attached itself to your clothes).
Alisa <email>
USA Tue 06/08/2004

Ipods- Enhance travel
I took an ipod along on my last trip and it really made a difference- having more or less my entire CD collection to access- i always make it a point, corny as it is, to listen to some of the 'traditional' music of where i am traveling to - and some of the classical composers that took traditoinal music and put it into classic form (De Falla - Spain Vaungh Williams - England, ect) Also Ipods can store all of your dates and contacts - great for post cards
me
USA Fri 06/04/2004

Travel Notebook
I traveled to Ireland a couple of years ago with a group of 5 friends. We rented a van in Dublin and off we went. Before the trip we researched Ireland, extensively. I highly recommend that before you go anywhere, you buy some travel books (Rick's of course!), go to the library and rent videos of your destination. After doing the research, I made two notebooks for our trip. One had all of the confirmations from our pre-booked B&B's, directions from AA.com, recommended eateries and stops. The other had shopping ideas, myths and legends to read on the road and advice about calling home, money conversion, etc. The first book I broke down into each city we visited so it was all organized. It was great and my friends all asked for a copy of the books when they got home as a souvenir of the trip. We had no delays due to getting lost because the directions were so good.

I also made CD's of Irish music that we played in our van. I took my CD player with cassette adaptor and we had tunes throughout our stay.

I am planning a September trip to Italy with a good friend and I am doing the same with this trip. I have researched the places we are visiting, booked hotels, train tickets, siteseeing and will have the confirmations with me. I have added siteseeing wannabes and train travel tips. Also a size conversion chart for buying new duds in Italy. I also added a section on tips for travel that I glean from the graffiti wall. The book will be with us in our day packs and lies flat in my suitcase. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this book and hopefully this suggestion will cause someone else to do the same. Happy Trails!
Suzie
Columbus, OH USA Thu 06/03/2004

Bring A Night Light!
On a recent domestic vacation, I was kicking myself for not bringing a simple plug-in night light. Instead, each night the motel bathroom light was left on with the door slightly ajar to facilitate those night-time bathroom visits. If an adapter is needed for foreign travel, its worth carrying around just to feel better about getting up in the dark in unfamiliar surroundings.
RKG
D/FW, TX USA Tue 06/01/2004

Absolute Necessity
A sense of humor....don't leave home without it!
KR
USA, USA Fri 05/28/2004

Storing Digital Photos without a Computer
I am about to leave for my first trip to Europe (Spain, Greece & Italy for 4 weeks) and wanted to mention something regarding digital cameras and storing photos. I recently purchased an Apple IPod MP3 player, which is in effect a mini computer hard drive. Not only can I bring my music with me and share with my traveling companions and new friends, but now they offer an accessory to it which is a digital memory card reader and can be used to transfer your photos from your digital camera to the IPod. Now I don't have to worry about stopping off in internet cafes, network storage, etc. Especially since I have a pretty nice camera (4 mega-pixels), most of the photos turn out to be about a 1 MB file, which is pretty big to send over e-mail. Now I'm not limited on how many pictures I can take, because the IPod holds 20 GB of files (approximately 20,000 photos), and if my camera memory card gets full, I can stop wherever I am and just transfer them in a few short minutes and be on my way again. I just thought this would be an idea worth sharing, especially for traveler's going to more remote regions of Europe or elsewhere that may not have access to a computer. Also you can create text files on your computer at home and store them on there as well, they are viewable, you just can't modify them so you can keep phone numbers, address lists, directions, etc.
Dawn
Denver, CO USA Tue 05/11/2004

Flashlights
Any of the new generation of LED headlamps is a must-have. They're spendier than regular flashlights--$20 or so--but when you factor in their brightness, compactness, near-indestructibility, and the fact that they'll run up to 100 hours on a couple AAA batteries, they're still a bargain. I recommend Black Diamond's matchbook-size, hinged headlamp, but any of them are terrific. Most outdoor sports stores carry them, and travel shops are starting to discover them as well.
Erik
Seattle, WA USA Mon 05/10/2004

Photography
I found a disposable camera at Wal-mart that takes 39 pictures. I took this camera instead of two that take fewer pictures, saving money, weight, and bulk.
Swan
Calistoga, CA USA Sat 05/08/2004

a little weird, but...
1. a small spray bottle *filled with water at each hotel) will get most wrinkles out of your clothes...spray lightly and wait awhile (overnight if you can...)

2. the (unused) toilet seat covers made of tissue are great facial blotters for those of us with oily skin...

3. antibacterial handwipes (ex: Wet Ones or Lever 2000) disinfect you, serve as toilet paper, and clean anything you have to touch. They have enough moisturizer in them to serve as a wash cloth at bedtime, too.
Laura DePaola
Americus, GA USA Tue 04/27/2004

Moleskin
I carry a small sheet of moleskin with me whne I travel. Even 'broken in' shoes can rub after wearing for long countless days. I found this invaluable when my checked luggage didn't arrive until the fifth day. I use my Swiss Army knife to cut it and, in small ovals, it can protect toes, heels and even rubbing buckles.
Barbara
Seattle, WA USA Fri 04/23/2004

Quick dry items and the Baggolini
Brought both quick drying underwear and quick drying travel towels to Italy. Both were great to have. I was able to wash in sinks and have the undies dry in one day easily. The towel came in handy when we rented a small house in the Veneto and the only source of heat was a fire place. Despite the dampness and cold, our towels dried in minutes! Also enjoyed having along a deck of cards, a journal for memories, and a BAGOLLINI.. basically a shopping bag/tote that folds down to nothing when not in use, but makes for a great day bag when needed.
Dave <email>
Lincoln, CA USA Thu 04/22/2004

Eagle Creek Travel Bag
Eagle Creek makes a nice travel bag, which has four pockets, a hidden one in back for a camara, a cell phone holder and two zip pockts which can easily hold a tour book, a set of playing cards and a coin pouch. It is small enough to fit in a backpack when traveling, but being worn across the chest, makes it a lot safer and works well as a day pack for sightseeing.
Janine
Bozeman, Mt USA 04/20/04

clothing
1.Tommy Bahama silk & cotton t-shirts are dressier than cotton and wash and pack like a dream. Basic colors are seldom on sale but "fashion" colors often are on sale at the end of a season.
2. SmartWool socks are the best! I've just found a new style: low-cut but w/ a padded "lip" at the heel--the only low socks that don't slide down--color is a light taupe so looks OK w/ brown or black shoes. They're less bulky-looking w/ fisherman sandals and cropped pants/skirt.
3.Silk underpants are comfy and wash & dry quickly--worth the investment.
Cary
Hayden, ID USA 04/18/04

journals
Zerox a U.S. map from a geography textbook, mark your town w/a red dot, tape in journal w/ wide clear tape--much easier to show where you're from unless you're from a major city.
Cary
Hayden, ID USA 04/18/04

Contact Lens Case holds Jewelry
I know packing light should mean no extra jewelry, but if you just want a few things to look dressier, a contact lens case works great. I can put a necklace in one cup, and a couple of pairs of earrings (not big hoops, obviously) in the other.
R.K.
USA 04/17/04

nylon twine
we each pack a plastic film canister filled with rolled up strong nylon twine...it makes a great clothesline at night for drying hand washed articles, and has come in handy several other times for tying up a parcel, attaching things to luggage, etc.
art
woodland hills, ut USA 04/13/04

Coffee nut
Excellent coffee and cappucino type drinks are readily available in Spain, France, Italy but not in Ireland and Great Britain. I just take a pound of my favorite coffee with a cone drip accessory and paper filters to fit. All B&B's have hot water appliances for their guests. And voila your favorite coffee when you want it and reasonable and not bulky in your suitcase.
J Straw
walnut Creek, Ca USA 04/11/04

Packing Must-haves!
Here are a few things I packed that really helped when I travelled in the UK. 1.Hand wipes. You can get them at restaurants and they are really convenient. They are super tiny and can get stains out of clothes, clean your hands, wipe down toilet seats and much more. 2. Waterproof mascara. You don't have to worry about racoon eyes on really rainy days and when it's hot out. Maybelline Greatlash works really well. It will only come off with soap or makeup remover.
3. Shampoo bars. They don't leak and take up too much space. They also work well for handwashing in the sink. Lush makes great bars. They will last forever and they smell great!
4. Panorama disposeable cameras. I only brought along 1 last time and I regret it! They are really cheap, the pictures turn out as good as an expensive camera and you don't have to spend more on panorama film.
5. Hand lotion and lip balm. You must bring them! My hands and lips got so dry on the 7 hour flight and luckily I remembered to pack them!
6.Disposable facial cloths. Dove cloths are portable, gentle on sensitive skin and great for washing your face and body. ( Cut the wipes into quarters for your face and a whole cloth will be enough for you body.
7.Detailed maps. You must get a map that shows every street name and hotel so you don't get lost in those roundabouts!
8.Earplugs. I usually don't wear earplugs but I got a extremely good nights sleep with them in loud cities and hostels. Hope my tips help!
Hayley
Vancouver, Canada 04/09/04

Disposable camera to deter theft
I carry a cheap disposable camera to hand to strangers for taking group photos of my traveling group instead of my nice digital camera. It's not likely someone would want to run off and steal your paper camera! If they did, you might be sad to lose your photos already on the camera but at least you would not be out much monitarily!
Gail <email>
Almere, NL 04/08/04

Laminating maps
A better way to laminate maps and other paper items is to cover them with clear contact paper. This is the stuff you line kitchen shelves with. Its cheaper than packing tape and pretty tough. You can also write on them with non-waterbase pen. Practice first as there is a little skill needed.
Jeff <email>
Grass Valley, CA USA 04/08/04

Currency Conversion Chart
On a recent trip to London, Geneva, and Paris, I typed up a small grid with American dollar denominations ($1.00, $5.00. $10.00, etc.) and the foreign currency equivalencies for each of the countries I was visiting. It saved me from having to do calculations in my head to figure out relative costs and also kept conversion rates straight when changing countries. It can be hard to mentally switch to Swiss Francs when you've been used to United Kingdom Pounds for a week!
Sarah
Kalamazoo, MI USA 04/05/04

Packing Creative Extras
I absolutely will not travel again without tiny binoculars. I went to the Sistine Chapel a couple of years ago, and was very frustrated to not be able to get a better view. Am returning this year, and will not be without them.
lc
boulder, co USA 03/30/04

Cheap Lamination
I like to print out zoomed in versions of maps (check out www.mapblast.com) near my hotel and monuments/museams in advance, and then waterproof them by using clear wide packing tape. This gives you a specialized mini-map to carry instead of big fold-outs.
Jeff
Wyandotte, MI USA 03/29/04

creative extras
I always have safety pins and nail clippers. Safety pins hold closed hotel curtains, secure daypack zippers from thieves, repair clothing (example: lost buttons), fasten keys together or secure them inside clothing, hold lightweight clothes/towels on a line or hanger, and pin anywhere for packing purposes. I even have worn them, strung together, as jewelry. Recent airport security has forced me to pack nail clippers in baggage, rather than carrying them on a key ring. They are terrific for toenails(which one cannot chew as easily as fingernails), hangnails, removing loose threads and plactic ties, and opening cellophane wrappers. Plus, so few people pack nail clippers that you will make all sorts of friends, if you have some.
Dawn Miller
Cleburne, TX USA 03/29/04

Fresh Travel
Tuck a sheet of fabric softener in your roll on suitcase and the odor from rolling your suitcase everywhere will not be on your clothes.
Flight Crew
Wa USA 03/23/04

helpful items
I would suggest a compass and small flashlight. A little clock would be useful. small packages of kleenex are great. lip balm. journal. I will always take these with me for my next trip!
canada gal
vancouver, canada 03/23/04

EXTRAORDINARY TIPS
1. Mugger's Wallet (we carry them in New York. You basically put a few bucks, and those cardboard credit cards (the fakes ones you get in the mail) in the wallet. The pick-pockets may grab those and be satisfied while you have your real money/cards in your Rick Steves waist-pouch.
2. Who knows how many people have access to your hotel room (guests, staff) - shove a rubber wedge (hardware store) into the dor bottom to secure the room while you sleep.
3. WetNaps/BabyWipes in a ziplock baggie for wiping down filthy toiletseats.
4. Travel-Scrabble: for the long airport waits/flights.
5. Print all your addresses on small labels so you can stick them on postcards, and not have to bring address lists (or try to remember if you sent someone a postcard - label missing, postcard was sent).
Jeffrey
Wyandotte, MI USA 03/19/04

Hanging Toiletry bag
A toiletry bag with a hanger is a smart thing to bring. More often than not, you'll just have a sink or limited counter space. Hanging your bag on the towel hook saves a lot of space.
Zaida <email>
USA 03/18/04

(Editor's Note: You can find a handy Toiletries Kit with a hanger as described above, plus many more handy travel accessories in the Rick Steves' Travel Store.

Photos of home come in handy
We always travel with a couple photos of our cat which may seem kinda silly to some, but they sure came in handy in Volterra in Tuscany. One art shop we went into had ceramic figurines of cats which were painted fancifully with scrolls and vines. We thought what a great personal souvenir it would be to have the artist paint one of the figurines to resemble our own cat Augustus. And we had a couple phtos for her to work from! Every time we look at our ceramic Augustus we remember Ilaria and her Bottega D'Arte and our wonderful time in Volterra.
Mary Rankin <email>
San Anselmo, CA USA 03/12/04

a few things that helped me
1. a small flashlight, but spend the extra money to get one that works and will work for your entire trip. I brought a mini-maglite and it was great for reading on night trains and in hostel rooms when everyone else is sleeping. 2. some kleenex or toilet paper. I found a very small roll of toilet paper for traveling in the "trial size" area of my drug store and I brought 2. I didn't have to worry about being without tp and I got a wicked head cold and it was nice to have them as tissues, too. 3. My daypack was difficult to lock, so I brought 2 or 3 carabiners with me and they helped to keep my pack closed and would have taken a minute to undo so I wasn't worried about thieves. Also, I clipped my water bottle to my pack and it helped immensely. 4. pictures of your pets, kids, home, etc. they are great to show or give to people and always a conversation piece.
Megan
Chicago, IL USA 03/08/04

packing essentials
I find my packing lists useful every time. I have 1-2-3-4-week packing lists stored in my data base. I keep duplicate make-up, first-aid, medical supplies (painkiller, antihistamins, antibacterial ointment and cortisone cream), toiletries always packed in my carry-on wheelie ready to go, paper toilet-seats, three plastic lawn bags and ziplocks galore, clothespins and 3 hangers with grips/hooks.

One packing list is in my day pack/money belt, the other is secured inside my carry-on. I keep a bottle of Wellness and Airborne for quick cold deterrants. Daily vitamins. Salt for quick antiinflammatory gargles (although you can get the salt from your hotel restaurant), plastic spoons, knives,forks for quick lunches on the go. Ziplock bags to separate currency and coins. They allow you to see contents at a glance. Hand towelettes. Use them quickly. They dry out. I take the shampoo/gel vials from hotels to do laundry. Use my own shampoo/conditioner travel size. Footpowder in a ziplock. Food: unsalted roasted almonds, dark chocolate bars, tea bags and coffee sachets. Tabasco if you insist!

Clothes: quality second-hand store items that look European. I leave some behind in hotels. Hand luggage: medium sturdy but light purse/bag, smaller foldable one inside; school net pencil and sundries holder (one side nylon/ one side mesh) for knick-knacks. Crushable earrings/pointy jewelry in empty lipstick holders. Keeping records: travel journal with colored pens. Business cards. Color adhesive tape for black black suitcase. Two pairs sun/reading glasses/contact lenses. Gifts: American ethnic music: Cajun, Zydeco, Tex-Mex, Swamp-Pop, Blues, etc.
irene tenney
Berkeley, CA USA 03/08/04

Extra glasses
Always pack an extra pair of glasses. I broke mine in Florence. (I walked into a perfectly cleaned glass door of a cafe. Ouch!) And I am blind without them. Thank goodness I brought an extra pair and did not have to waste my time trying to get glasses, even though they would have been beautiful as everything in Florence was. Thanks for all the tips!
Carla
Minneapolis, MN USA 03/08/04

Post Cards
I like to take post cards of our city (Seattle) and when talking about where we are from I pull them out. This trip I'm going to leave them behind in our hotel rooms signed-thank you! There cheap and they really show off Seattle! You can always leave your address on them too. Oh one more thing-It's too bad you all can't live here-Ricks place is wonderful to visit!! and the talks and slide shows at the theater arount the corner from Europe through the back door are great and free! Rick has a passion to educate us so we can enjoy his Europe! Happy Trails!
Bill and Carol
Seattle, wa USA 02/26/04

Versatile Beach Towel
For years I have traveled with a rolled up beach towel. I put an elastic ponytail band on each end to keep it from unrolling. It fits across the handles of my carry-on. I use it as my extra blanket or pillow on the plane, neck support on jarring train or car rides, as a picnic table cloth, spill picker-upper and, yes, occasionally even as a beach towel! If my hair is having an out-of-control problem, I use one of the hair bands for its intended purpose and move the remaining one to the middle of the towel. I don't leave home with out my beach towel - I keep one in my car and for travel. It is indispensible!
Sunny <email>
FL USA 02/12/04

Throw as you go
On our recent 17 day trip to Italy, we took disposable items, such as those small tubes of toothpaste you get from the dentist, small containers of shower gel and lotion that we had from previous hotel stays, and "disposable clothes." Yes, I know there are differing opinions on this, but it saves a ton of room and I wasn't doing laundry every 2-3 days like my travelling companions. I just took shirts that I was going to give away anyway and left them at the hotel. Also, I bought cheap underwear when they were on sale and threw them away every day. You just can't believe how much room that saves for souvenirs.

My best item was rubber thongs that you can buy from Wal Mart or Target for 99 cents. They worked as slippers in the hotel room and at the end of my trip I threw them away. I just packed them in a ziploc bag so they didn't get the rest of my clothes dirty.

Another thing that saves room is the packing systems that come with a rigid plastic board to fold around. It is unbelievable how much room they save and they do really help prevent wrinkles. I will never travel without them again.
Chanke <email>
Dallas, TX USA 02/04/04

Bring your pillowcase
Before my first trip to Europe I read that taking a pillowcase from home was a good idea so I did, never thinking I would need it. We arrived in Holyhead, Wales, with no room reservation and we had to stay there to catch the early ferry the next morning to Dublin. The B&B where we stayed was truly a pit! The bed linens were so dingy--and maybe not clean--the pillowcase from home was nice to have. Did not use a towel as it looked used. I donated my case to the B&B. The roar of trucks on the busy road kept us awake all night. Avoid Holyhead for overnight stay!
Susan Perry <email>
Roswell, Ga USA 01/24/04

Earplugs
I will never be without earplugs in Europe again. If it isn't your roommate, it's the street noise. It's better to take care of the noise at your end than to let a bad night's sleep ruin your fabulous time in Europe!

Bring a useful gift
I only bring a carry-on bag so my space is limited. I also use shampoo to wash my undergarments. I recently came back from a 5 week trip to Italy and Malta. My essentials are: 2 washcloths, sink stopper for laundry, flashlight, ziploc bags, and a bungee cord that has built in clothespins. I had a wonderful toiletry bag that hung on the towel rack but ended up giving it away. In Malta, a small island with few stores, the maid at my hotel loved my toiletry bag. She had helped me with my laundry so I gave it to her. So in case you go to a remote spot, think of a practical gift that you can leave behind.
Karin <email>
Anchorage, AK USA 01/18/04

Travel utensils
REI.com has great sets of Lexan plates, bowls, and utensils. They are easy to wash and store, and don't absorb flavors or odors, so they won't stink up your bag. Lexan is the super-strong plastic that Nalgene water bottles (also great for traveling and camping) are made out of. The utensil set at REI is also (sorry Rick!) cheaper than the one offered in the travel gear section of Rick Steves' website.
Margaret <email>
Charlotte, NC USA 01/16/04

Slippers
We pack our slippers to wear on the long plane rides. It is more comfortable to sleep on the plane without regular shoes on and to walk to the restroom. Also, since the new slippers look much like regular shoes, my husband even wore them through the airport and no one gave him a second look!
Dawn Bonic <email>
Dyer, IN USA 01/12/04

Laptop
A laptop comes in real handy because you can write your journal on it, save pictures from your digital camera, and use it send and receive e-mail to and from your friends and family. You can also use it to play CDs and watch movies on DVDs or play games. Some only weigh about 3 pounds, so it's light enough to carry around in your backpack. But be careful as it's a highly coveted item for thieves.
Stephen Vaughn <email>
Seattle, WA USA 01/09/04

Indispensables
I go to Paris a couple of times a year, and there are a number of things I find indispensable.

I take a key ring that has a dime-sized compass on the tag. When you come up out of the ground after a trip on the Metro, and particularly if it's a cloudy day, you have no orientation. The compass knows which way is north.

I've another key ring with a little LED flashlight on it. It's a little disk, smaller than a quarter, with the LED sticking out one side. Squeeze it, an it shines a very bright white light. Perfect for getting a key into a lock or reading a map book after dark, or going up a dark stairway when the minuterie (the button you press to make the hall lights come on for a bit) is not working.

Tiny Post-It notes are handy for marking locations in your map book and a dozen more things. A small pair of scissors and a glue stick for cutting things out of newspapers, flyers, and so on, and sticking them in your pocket memo book.

An over-the-shoulder tote or a backpack, to carry your guidebooks, camera gear, picnic supplies, extra bananas, napkins, and Ziploc bags. I use the ziplocs mainly for taking leftovers from restaurant meals away with me (the French haven't discovered doggie bags, but no one has ever looked at me funny when I stick a spare leg of Poulet de Bresse roti in a Ziploc). But they're also good for carrying damp washcloths to a picnic, stashing disposables till you get to a trash container, and so on.

A few bandaids, Campho-Phenique in a little plastic bottle, a small tube of hydrocortisone cream, and analgesic tablets. All this stuff is very expensive in Paris. The bandaids, for cuts, scrapes, blisters. The C-P, antiseptic and analgesic, for those same cuts, scrapes, and blisters, and for canker sores and other annoyances. The cortisone for ichings, and the analgesics for headaches and sore feet and aching muscles.

And the smallest voice-activated pocket electronic recorder you can find. It's the best memo pad you can get, and, in the age of the cell-phone, no one will look twice as you speak softly into it, to record a restaurant meal, the address of a shop you want to come back to, and other notes you'd rather not pull out a spiral notebook and ball point to write.
Maurice Naughton <email>
Flint, MI USA 01/03/04

Suction Cup Soap Dish, Etc.
Ever notice that soap dishes are absent from many European showers?!My husband had the great idea of buying a light-weight plastic soap dish with suction cups for our European travels. It works great--we've used it many times. Also, we pack an extra fold-up bag to carry home dirty laundry so that we can pack breakable items (wine, olive oil, or pottery for example) in our carry-on luggage!
Sharon and Larry <email>
Atlanta, GA USA 01/02/04

Farm-Style Nutrition for Travel
My husband and I have recently discovered the rejuvinating health benefits of barley green powder mixed with cold juice (we prefer grape juice). I am already planning to take the "green stuff" with us on our next trip by putting our individual "doses" in tiny zip-lock bags. Because barley green is soothing and regulating to my colon (I have a chronic disease) and helps bring about more restful sleep and greater energy the next day, I've got a feeling it will become indispensible to our travel kits.
Bekka
DF/W, TX USA 01/02/04