Thanks for the packing ideas. I carry a little metal deal that you put in a cup of water to boil the water. Saves carrying a coffee pot. (I don't feel that heating water with a Mr. Coffee type machine is enough.) In many countries I boil all of the water I drink. Most hotel rooms now have a pot for boiling water and the basic needs for making tea and coffee.

I never carry more than I can handle completely on my own including getting on and off trains. One item that really works for me is a large tartan shawl. I use it instead of an airline blanket on flights, a way of keeping warm in chilly situations and as a swim suit cover up when need be.

Over the years I've collected some very good travel clothing. All is light in weight and can be washed out in a hotel sink. On a recent trip in Australia, it was raining so much I had a hard time getting things to dry, but my rooms did have both a hair drying and iron. I gave up on Woolite a long time ago. Prell shampoo works very well or a small cake of Ivory soap. When traveling within the U.S. I often take a Zip-Loc bag of a dry detergent such as Tide or Cheer, but I don't take that when traveling overseas. I don't want any white powder in my bag.

I am still looking for the perfect suitcase.

I can't offer marriage and free travel.