Key Items that have improved my travel experience....

[CMDAVILACLI]

We, too, include Benadryl in our dop kit... plus always carry Lomotil (which you can now get over the counter) to help with the stomach nasties and cramps. However, I have been very lucky and found that the more I travel, the less apt I am to get sick... even eating some unidentified foodsfrom food stands in China and Mexico - whereas I've gotten quite ill from eating pasta in a swanky restaurant in Rome - go figure!

cmdavilacli

[kyshel]

Anything in a packet/towelette--like bug repellent, polish remover pads, stain wipes, washcloths--all safe from TSA because they aren't liquid. Gotta love the dry facial cloths (hey guys--you get dirty skin, too!)

BUBBLE WRAP--keep a sheet of small-sized bubbles in the bottom of my carry-on for that emergency purchase of something fragile...

[maylinglai1]

These are all really great suggestions. I never thought to bring bubble wrap, but that is an excellent idea. I always like to bring clothes that I am on the fence about getting rid of from my closet. I always know i will shop, so then I naturally am cleaning out my closet, bringing in new items and making space in my luggage.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Maylinglai1. I am packing right now for Costa Rica and I am experiencing almost the same situation though my problem is different. I keep SAYING that I am bringing this extra stuff (clothes, bathing suit, shoes) because they look like they are on their last legs. But, I still return home with them!! Now, this trip, I am packed to the top so either things are not coming home or I am not buying tons of coffee and pottery!!! In the past, clothes that were packed and in pretty good condition, I tended to leave to the staff. (I always asked first.) In remote areas, where there are no shopping malls or stores, this seems to be appreciated.

[maylinglai1]

I too have had mixed success, though I left an old coat behind in China when I bought a new one. I think that one the staff cleaning person probably appreciated.

I have another one which I tend to forget fom time to time. Whenever I remember, it's the best! Bubble bath or bath salts! Nothing like a long day of travel or beach to soak in the tub for of bubbles or salts.

I know I'm not the only one out there...There may even be a few guys that will admit an appreciation of this one....

[jashermd]

Hello,

Personally I find flying my least favourite part of any long-haul trip (even in first or business class, there's no escaping the fact that you are trapped in an aluminium tube with several hundred other people and an unacceptably small amount of personal space), so I've focused my efforts on improving that experience as much as possible. I bring a silk pillowcase (to cover airline pillows with); a pair of Bang and Olufsen headphones; eyedrops; a small tin of shea butter from l'Occitane to keep my hands and lips from drying out; and a few teabags filled with my own loose leaf tea (hate that airline swill). If I'm not on a flight where they give you a toothbrush and toothpaste I'll bring those as well, though fortunately I usually fly Virgin and Virgin always gives them out.

I also carry a pretty comprehensive medical kit (fortunately I've gone many trips without needing to use things like the Immodium for myself, though they have been godsends for fellow travellers who are caught short). One of the best things I've found for travelling in developing countries where cleanliness can often be an issue is a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel or lotion -- being able to keep hands clean goes a long way towards avoiding the need to use the stuff in the medical kit.

BTW Benadryl is a pretty powerful antihistamine, which is why it works well for things like bee stings and allergic reactions.

Cheers,
Julian