Unusual things you take with you.

My DMiL always took a round of ham sandwiches with her when she went on holiday. I do not think she brought them home with her, but she would certainly replace them with another round of sandwiches or similar for the return journey.

Purpledaffodil I didn't think of that! We haven't taken any abroad!

Better two pairs than none Starling. I always hope my case doesn't get searched by customs. A pair of rubber gloves amongst the holiday clothes would look VERY odd!

Purpledaffodil I am our dishwasher! After spending a couple of holidays searching for washing up gloves in local shops (luckily one town had a Lakeland shop!), I now remember to take a pair with me. In fact last time DH remembered too, so we had two pairs!

Thought that was just me Starling. I took a pair of those gloves to Thailand when I went to visit DS and family. I needed them too as dishwashers were not considered necessary since the maid would be doing the washing up. Left them behind for DS when I left as he is the dishwasher in that family.

If self-catering, Lakeland moisturising hypo-allergenic washing up gloves.

Oh you have made me laugh Pogs about cocking your leg up.

Has anyone else noticed in Crun's long list of items there is no mention of a pair of PJs. I wonder if he just has a dab of Old Spice behind his ear at night time.

Answers on a postcard please.

One of those small collapsible stools and a block the size of a house brick made of balsa wood and filled with something, I know not what but it's lightweight to to take my heavy weight.

I have mobility issues and I can't 'cock my leg high enough' to get up the steps of a coach so I use the above. It works but I look a proper Charlie but needs must as they say .

Always loo paper, a spare pair of knickers, tooth paste and brush in the same bagbag.

Used to be a spare bikini, jewellery, make up and the pill in my personal belongings. Those were the days pack and go and not a care in the world. .

Everyone is very practical and organised, I'm very impressed
My unusual thing is a small hand-made fabric dog given to me the week I was born, he is 63yrs old. He is the first item to go in my case and because I'm so afraid of losing him he doesn't come out of the case when we arrive as I have a tendency to leave things in hotel rooms. He doesn't have a name, just Dog, and we have travelled to many different countries together.

I have lists on the computer for various trips away. I shall now add head torch (which I got for Christmas) as I often read in the middle of the night. Thanks for the tip Nina.

I always take a large pashmina shawl (charity shop £3) it makes an extra blanket if needed and is cosy to snuggle up on a flight or in a cold house.

I take that too, Brenda and, just as importantly, my glasses prescription.

Your repeat prescription script in case of emergencies or running out of medication. Useful also when crossing some borders and they want to know what different medication is.

Always take Earl Grey tea-bags and a good corkscrew on any holiday. Also my memory foam mattress topper, which means I can sleep on any bed, no matter how hard! Take those things even when we are flying somewhere.Also, an umbrella, and a light coat or jacket.

If going by car I take my pillow. If we are self catering, my veg peeler and my tin opener plus black sacks dish cloths, brillos, and Tea-towels.
DH has a pen knife in his pocket nearly all the time. Also a 'head light' as often bed side lights are rubbish for reading.

Am not keyboard savvy.........!

"Crun that must be a record for longest post "

Or the shortest: Ctrl-C, Ctrl-P.

Would hate her excess baggage costs Grannyknot!
Am definitely trying not to take everything 'just in case' if we have a holiday abroad again, I usually end up not wearing 3/4 of it , and it drives DH mad....... Not sure if could ever restrict myself to 'carry on' only though....

I always take a multi-tool, and husband makes fun of me for doing that, until he tries to borrow it ...! I have a bit of thing for multi-tools, mine looks like a bug, I call it my Transformer.

Other than that, I don't take anything other than as little as possible, because mostly, anything you need can be bought where you are. I know this for a fact because our luggage was lost on a 3 week trip to Canada and the US and was returned to us the day before we left. I made do on that trip with a few outfits hurriedly purchased from Costco!

I've got a SIL who lives in the US who drives us all mad because whenever she arrives for a visit, she brings more luggage than I have ever seen for just one person, she carries her own pillow and duvet and goodness know what else. She has been known to ask people to come to the airport with 2 cars! I kid you not. (She does also bring golf clubs).

KatyK definitely Hotter shoes and sandals, only ones ever bought that I can wear straight from the box, and that goes for their walking shoes or boots too, blissfully comfortable x

Crun that must be a record for longest post and most comprehensive packing list ever seen!
Be Prepared in spades!

J52 - Thank you I will seek them out.

KatyK, invest in some Hottor shoes/sandals. Walked around in mine for 10 days on holiday, no blisters! x

...and a ball of string...

I always take a raincoat, no matter how good the climate is supposed to be where we're going. The only time I didn't take one was when we went to Kefalonia, and I've never seen rain like [and they charged a fortune of rain gear there]. And lots and lots of imodium.