So you are almost ready to go, and the rucksack is full to bursting with all those come in handy travel accessories.
But, if you had to be mean and remove everything bar the minimum amount of clothing necessary (which would be a whole new topic in its own right) and your passport, small washkit, and first aid kit - what 3 items could you NOT bear to leave at home or travel without? And why?
A special photo? A penknife? Wooly knitted monkey? Camera? A certain food - a taste of something familiar if you are ever at a low ebb?
No matter how ridiculous or quirky they may be perceived to be by others, what are your top 3? After all, some may scoff, but then maybe they are missing out on something! Enlighten us!

www.ubertramp.com

-Something to read
-Condoms
-Hot sauce

Nice suggestions Felix, although now I'm conjuring up some rpetty disturbing images of someone using all three at the same time in some bizarre, sordid ritual.

And I must say, it's quite unsettling...

Keep sendin 'em in, people!

well, the three things i use the most and couldn't imagine not having are

camera
journal
compass

i don't usually need all that extra stuff.

pocket knife
moleskine notebook
hand sanitizer
bottle of ciproflaxin

1) Journal definitely tops the list.
2) Playing cards.
3) This isn't going to be a popular choice, but... my travel-size hair straightener. I have horrific hair (very curly, which gets frizzier as the day goes on) and it actually significantly cuts down on the total amount of effort I need to put into making myself halfway presentable.

The thing I bring every time, but have only used once in years of travelling, is a deck of cards.

It´s the same farking pack since the nineties. Only opened that one time!

I bring a jackknife all the time. Never use it. Have the leatherman.

I don´t have a third...Though, I guess I brought a Spork this time and I don´t know that I really need an indestructible Spork. Though it maybe could save my life one day.

-something that i might be embarassed to wear at home (legwarmers, beret hat, etc) for fun
-a guide w/ restaurants, events to read on the plane and use as a reference/ideas, but not as a an actual 'guide'
-lip balm/chap stick, whatever you call it. climate changes always make me chappy

*Camera (Sheesh, I can barely leave the house without it, let alone go on a trip!)
* Paper/pencil (Does that count as two?)
*Something to read

All the rest, pish.

if it's a longer trip (ie, more than 2 weeks), I learned the hard way that I need to bring a loofah.
also, Pepto Bismal.
and.... I guess who goes travelling without a camera? I figured that was a given.

Well, I have three items that are uneccessary that take with me always:

1. Harmonica
2. Journal
3. Hopi Flute.

Journal, in my opinion, does not count as unnecessary. Ditto paper and pen. You go on these things so you have incredible things to remember. The journal is your nmemonic device. If you need an address, you need to write it down, paper. Although I haven´t factored in total recall. So maybe, as usual, I am just a mouthpiece....

Hopi Flute....now that´s interesting.

1. sewing kit - it's a mini one and I've yet to use it...ever. ..however it offers some odd sense of security that far overestimates its potential usefulness.

2. camera

3. journal

1. Books
2. Journal
3. Hand cream

Numbah 1 - My new Camera!! - no more disposables and O.P.'s for this black duck! Daffy eat your heart out!

Numbah 2 - Every time I pack I usually end up throwing in the sewing kit. It doesn't take any space and oneday it may even get used.

Numbah 3 - nail scissors and diamond file - I absolutely need to keep the talons in check, it's purely a matter of hygiene!!