SANDIEGO

I agree with the extra bag idea, but with a twist. I always make sure mine is stored in outside pocket of my carry-on suitcase. If I'm checking in luggage, and over the weight limit, I can grab it quickly and pull a few heavy things out of my suitcase and throw them in the extra bag. (shoes, books, laundry, jeans are usually the weight offenders). This embarrassing thing has only happened once, but I'll always be prepared.

My extra bag is an old duffel with no pockets, just one roomy compartment and a zip. We never used it because it's not a nice, structured, quality duffel. It was just a freebie many years ago. But because it has no features or shape, it folds as tiny as a 3x5 card.

Now airlines are starting to charge for a 2nd bag, this large shapeless bag comes in handy, cuz you can put the bag you had planned to carry-on into it, or it into your carry-on. And shapeless means it can be squeezed into small leftover overhead space, or made to be a foot pillow for you.

Traveling is all about flexibility: if the airline says your overweight, but doesn't charge for a 2nd bag, split your stuff up and check this as a 2nd bag. (or your travelling partner's 2nd bag!) If the airline says they'll charge you for a 2nd bag, it can be your big carry-on.

Many people don't realize that the carry-on rules for most American carriers is TWO bags. They say ONE carry-on, but that means one carry-on small suitcase. AND each person gets a "personal bag" like a ladies purse or a mens briefcase. Ladies choose a large tote that is malleable to maximize this.
Also small food bags don't count since the airlines changed the food service.

kbmoo

I always put my purse in a bigger tote to get more mileage out of the purse idea. My favorite thing to bring on a trip when staying at a hotel is a night light that has an extra plug in so I always have an outlet to plug in my cell phone charger. Also I love shout wipes when traveling. They have saved me many times.

VonS

My Bijoux-Turner travel blanket bought at the airport for $10. It folds up and zips into itself. Washes and drys quickly and can double as a pillow in-flight.

pawtim

When I go overseas, I always bring old clothes I'm only going to wear one more time, then ditch after I wear it there...I don't come home with any old socks, tee shirts, underwear, etc. It prevents me from having to keep clean and dirty clothes apart in my luggage (somewhat) and makes space to bring back cooler stuff.

wharvey

Glad to see we are not the only ones who do this.....

When we went to Egypt.... we were able to bring back about 30 handmade dress shirts.... and no extra space was needed as we threw away what we took along the way.

KTW

557 Duct Tape.

Piabelle

I never travel without my camera and my iPod!!! Just can't live without them!

fORD

One thing I do before I go on a vacation for travel is print out the WikiTravel page for the city I'm headed towards. The price is right (free) and normally the advice is excellent -- for the most part, it's written by people who have lived there and know the ins-and-outs. It's typically quicker to read and a better summary than a thick guide book, and you can read it in-air.

Yarhead

For budget travel, I'd say my favorite items are a shirt, shoes and a readiness to enjoy new experiences. A passport helps too!

3galsontour

I thought I would mention Thorn Tree on the Lonely Planet website is a great tool to use when budget traveling. For my recent trains, planes and automobiles adventure it was very useful.

Middle_Seat

I have found that I sleep better on a red-eye if I can lay my head on something. The lightest and smallest "something" that I have found, by far, is an inflatable beachball. They come in two sizes at Wal-Mart (summer) and party supply stores (winter), and the larger size works better for me.

Mine cost about a dollar, weighs less than 3 ounces (approx 80 grams), and inflates (by mouth) in a minute of two. I place the airline-supplied pillow on top of it so my face isn't directly touching the plastic.

When she is not using it as a pillow, Mrs. Middle_Seat uses her beachball as a footrest.

A roll of scotch tape can be handy for securing the ball to your tray-table when you are not using it. On my last redeye I set mine on the floor in front of my seat, and later noticed it had rolled to the aisle where people were gingerly stepping over it.

IrishRed

Cool...sort of like a poor mans version of this? I will certainly give it a try!

Middle_Seat

Yes, I bought and used a Sky Rest pillow before I got the beachball. The Sky Rest is sturdy and functional, but much heavier and bulkier (even when deflated) than a beach ball.

About a week before travel, I took the beachball out of its package and unfolded it to let the plastic smell dissipate.

IrishRed

Thanks...I'm off to look for beach balls today!

Middle_Seat

At this time of year they may be gone from the big-box retailers, but I have found them at party-supply stores. Actually, I didn't find them...had to ask the staff.

Good luck!