packing question

Ken's list is good. Here are my additions: -Granola bars (not just snacks for the flight but for the whole trip) -Ear plugs -Sleep mask -Books -Journal and pens -If you're checking a bag, put your electronics chargers, adapters, and converter into your carryon bag in case the checked bag gets lost -I buy a meal in the airport before the flight. If I'm not hungry, I take it on the plane to eat later.

First, wear comfortable, non binding clothing, and shoes that you will wear on your trip. I usually wear yoga style pants and a t-shirt with a lightweight sweater, and perhaps a scarf. My foot wear for the plane and for cooler days traveling are Puma brand. I don't wear my sandals on the plane as my feet tend to get cold. In my daybag that I will use on my journey I have: iphone, camera, lipbalm, ereader, reading glasses. disposable toothbrush, (Colgate Wisp) small package of Wet Wipes or similar for my face and hands. small hand lotion (it's dry on the plane and when you wash hands after eating and the restroom, need the lotion) I'll bring my guide book to study up and research before landing. (only novels are on my ereader, I like an actual book for the guide book) I'll bring asprin/tylenol for headaches and to help me sleep a bit on the plane. My Bose noise canceling headphones go with me on the flight as well. I'm a chocoholic, so I always bring snacks with me. I'll have a nice bag of chocolate and packages of gum. My husband has to chew gum when we land for his ears. Sometimes I bring dried fruit and a small bag of nuts as well for a snack. I carry on my raincoat as well, and leave it under the seat in front of me.
Think of the items that are most important for your comfort, things you need for any kind of travel..we all travel differently. If you are on meds of any kind, of course bring that on board with you. Contacts? bring your case, fluids, etc. Glasses? Bring a case to protect them when you sleep. Maybe a few magazines to read if you get bored... Sounds like a great trip you have planned! Enjoy!

If you are not doing carry on, then you take on a small bag that will cover your needs for about a day should something happen to your checked luggage. Perhaps one change of clothes or at least a top in case something is spilled during the plane ride. Maybe a change of underwear. Any medications you might need during that period. Perhaps some reading materials or anything else to entertain yourself with if bored by the movies. Some freshening up - toothbrush and paste, deodorant. mouthwash. Perhaps some snacks, energy bar. I always have eye shades and ear plugs, and my wife takes a light sweater in case the AC is too cold, especially at night. Just think about things for personal comfort if taking a long car trip.

Jane, As this is your first trip, you may find it helpful to have a look at Europe Through The Back Door, as one of the topics covered is "packing". What to take in your carry-on will vary according to your personal preferences, but some items to consider: > Travel documents (tickets, boarding passes) > Medications > 3-1-1 liquids bag > Toiletry items (Toothbrush, etc.) > Small electronics (Camera, Cell phone, Netbook or iPad) > Hand Wipes > Water (buy AFTER you go through Security - I usually buy the 500 mL size, as it's easier to carry, but a 1 Litre size is also good) > Spare Glasses or Contacts (if used) > OPTIONAL - One set Underwear and Socks (in case checked luggage gets "misplaced") I carry important valuables such as Passports, Cash and Credit cards either in Wallet or Money Belt (DON'T put the Money Belt on until after you go through Security). Happy travels!

This is probably unnecessary, but I'd like to stress the importance of packing as lightly as possible. I returned from Italy two days ago, and needed only a carry-on (that I could easily lift!) for my four week stay. Your back will love you for it!

If you are bringing a smart phone or other suitable device, I've found downloaded movies and TV shows to be sanity-savers on long flights. And favorite music always helps me forget that I'm trapped on a plane for hours and hours and hours...

On this site www.ricksteves.com, there is a suggested packing list for men and another for women.
Good place to start.

Go to: "Graffiti Wall > Planning & Packing > Tricks for Packing Light" for some good information.

As far as the flight is concerned. Bring some snacks, a small pack of wipes to wipe down your seat and tray etc. a mp3 player, ear plugs, extra batteries for your mp3 player. flights are chilly so have somethings warm to wear. have an awesome time!

I actually find it easier to pack for a long trip than shorter trips. Here's my philosophy: There no way to take two weeks worth of clothes and have them fit into a carryon. So I think in terms of three days worth of clothes for a couple of expected weather conditions. Since we tend to stay in one place for a minimum of two days, we wash out clothes the night we arrive at a new hotel. Quick dry travel clothes will certainly be dry in 24 hours, if not overnight, depending on temperature and humidity. Then I'm set with another couple of days, until we move on to the next hotel, where we repeat the process. The maids probably shake there head, but at least we don't hang out clean laundry out the windows.

On my last flight (from the States back to Europe), my cologne was stolen out of my checked bag, but a brand-new Kindle that I had in there was not! (Thank God - the cologne is cheaper to replace.) Lesson learned: pack things that are hard/expensive to replace in your carryon. Unfortunately, with all of the bag screening/opening that happens now in the airports, occasional theft happens. I'm just glad that what they took was my 2/3-empty $25 bottle of cologne!! In my carryon I usually bring electronics cords, netbook (I don't have an iPad), reading materials for plane, and a change of clothes. I put my toiletries in the checked bag, so that I don't have to worry about getting the travel-sized ones and anyhow, if the checked bag gets lost, delayed, or things stolen from it, usually toiletries are easy enough to get wherever you go. This also makes it easier to get through airport security, as it's one less thing you have to take out of the carryon bag for screening.

I think you got a good coverage from everybody so I will just add that once I have gone through security, I will make sure to buy a bottle of water to take on the plane. I get so thirsty when I am flying. The air seems so dry...it doesn't seem to bother my husband but I will drink all that the flight attendants serve and then usually finish the bottle of water before landing.