ok ok, I am going to discount things like camera, journal, alarm clock, sunscreen and tissues(if travelling somewhere where they are not provided at public places) because that to me is necessary.

my list:
1) hairdryer- I don't call myself an extreme girly girl, but I easily get head colds if I go out with wet hair...
2) earplugs- great for adjusting to different sleeping conditions (loud fans, insects, or snorers in your hostel room) and jetlag
3) granola bars- I have found them to be invaluable if I am super hungry and can't go out to eat

I always have some small things to bring when traveling, the followings top the lists:-
(1)Sunglasses- the glare can be so strong up 37,000 feet in the plane when the window shades are not closed. A snowy day in the winter is another good reason for the glasses.
(2)Eye drops - for dry eyes naturally!
(3)Baseball cap/hat - a must for all seasons!
As I grow older, the lists may get longer!

journal
camera
jewelry (small and can really dress up an outfit, if need be!)

Hmm... good question! I would have to say:

- Credit-card sized calculator
- Lip balm (I can't live without it!)
- Ziplock bags

~ Jenney

1. Camera: Absolutely essential for posting trip reports. Makes sight-seeing more enjoyable IMO. Ideally small enough to be carried in a pocket, yet with manual controls (shutter / aperature priority) and video recording capability.

2. Radio: This might seem like a strange one, but either when traveling either domestically or internationally I love to be able to scan the dial and see what stations I can pick up, both on FM and AM (medium-wave). There's nothing like tuning the AM dial on a cool, quiet night in remote upper elevations of Costa Rica and checking out what you can hear.

3. Cell Phone: If in U.S. or Canada and travelling solo (or not), this is very nice. I loved being able to get in touch with home from New York at any time that pleased me, and I'm sure my mother (the first time I've been away from home solo) appreciated it as well.

Of course, U.S. cell phones are practically useless in Europe, and planning a possible trip to Spain and Morocco I don't think one would be worth the expense. Phone cards should do the trick.

Jacob, I like the idea of the radio. I travelled with a tiny radio for a while and loved it. I know what you mean about twiddling the dial and waiting to see what you can find - it truly can and another dimension to the place you are in.

1. makeup
2. mobile phone (I have an unlocked GSM phone)
3. ipod

But, then again, you can find a lot of things in my purse (nevermind my backpack!) that most people consider unnecessary! I'm that person who always has the random thing you need when you don't actually expect someone to have it... paperclips, needle/thread, tiny saline samples, utensils, compass, flashlight, tp, clothesline... you name it!

I know this will sound bizarre, but I can't imagine traveling with my beads. I'm a bead artist and derive an enormous amount of pleasure from my itty-bitty seed beads. I carry with me a small container with about 15 different kinds of beads and really, really enjoy hanging out in our tent on rainy days, or relaxing in the evenings after a hard day of cycling with my beads.

and of course - a camera and journal are essentials as well.

my three things, hmm.

1. my keyring swiss army knife. I've had it with me everywhere I've been, (including many many post 9/11 planes,) and I never leave home without it. It's the most useful thing I've ever owned.

2. Hammock. Once you start sleeping in one, you'll never go back to camping on the ground.

3. I guess my walkman phone. Even if I don't get a sim card for the country, it's still a MP3 player, camera, alarm clock, calculator, notepad, and many other little things that are very useful to just have around.

And about the sewing kits, I always have one with me as well, but I've used them countless times. you never know when a needle and thread will come in handy.

1. Mascara and eyelash curler

2. Travel clothesline

3. A little teddy bear that is about 10cm tall. I got given it as a going away present when I went off on my first solo trip overseas. It's my little mascot now and I take a photo it in every country I visit.

Here goes:

1. 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac

2. My digital SLR

3. Black and white checkered Palestinian keffiyah

Cheers!

quote:

Originally posted by Nickyps:
1. Mascara and eyelash curler

2. Travel clothesline

3. A little teddy bear that is about 10cm tall. I got given it as a going away present when I went off on my first solo trip overseas. It's my little mascot now and I take a photo it in every country I visit.

if you can engineer your teddy to have detachable ears, then you'll negate the need for either of you to carry earplugs...just stuff his (or her) ones in yours at night. Dual purpose bonus! lol

This really made me rethink what I consider unecessary but still vital to my mental well-being on the road.

1. Thin cotton towel.

2. Silk sleep sack.

3. Copy of The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams.