When you are about to go on a trip/vacation(5 days or more), what is the one thing that you MUST have above anything else? (Please specify in comment)

It would probably have to be my hairbrush. I'm very particular about my hair and if I forgot my hairbrush I would go crazy.

If you had asked me six months ago, I would have said food (I have a food allergy that can make finding something to eat in an airport a real pain in the ass). But I've been travelling a lot this year, and I've discovered that the one thing I MUST have is MONEY: lots of cash and at least two credit cards. If you meant something other than money, I'd have to say that earplugs are pretty important. I never go anywhere without earplugs.

Clean underwear.

Clothes, or is that a given?

Comfortable shoes. That's the only thing I can't count on finding wherever I'm going. Ooh--money's a very good answer.

my lucky socks.

um, money?

contacts...

Well, I'm gonna sound really pathetic here, but if I'm going by myself, I'd probably have to take the little teddy bear my girlfriend gave me about a year and a half ago. I've slept with it most every night since then when we're apart, and it cheers me up and helps me sleep.

Uh...Clothes?If that and money are givens then it would have to be cosmetics and stuff.

socks and underwear (then toothbrush and toothpaste, then shampoo and conditioner) ***Yup, money beats my answer cold.

Clean clothes help a lot

Hmmm... I can't tell you!

It really does depend on where I am going. If I were going to Key West next week (which I am) I would be sure to bring ample bathing suits & sarongs & sunblock. Of course toiletries go without saying.

I don't go on vacations that are 5 days or more

shaving kit

A good book to read.

$$$

How 'bout a companion? Nobody said that.

cd player + etymotic headphones

Disc-man. and of course clothes

$$$. and for a five day trip, two good books.

Money. The rest can be bought, if you have money.

A couple good books. *** ah, nbarone, aren't we perfect for each other? :)

Can't choose one thing -- or, I guess if I had, to, it'd be the dumb 'money', since that can get me most anything I'd need...

I am not sure what we are answering here.... I feel I need my passport and wallet with those you can get ,ost things you need....

Money. I can always wear the same clothes, and I'm content just wandering around the countryside, but somehow I must get myself food and a place to stay, even if it's a hostel.

Music for the car ride. (I've only ever flown once, you see. :)

Money. ("Take half the clothes and twice the money")

new undies

underwear. There is little more important than underwear. Of course currency for the area is a good choice too.

I used to be much more uptight about packing, but now I figure that as long as I have a credit card, I can pick up another one of whatever I forgot.

a clue. no, really.. this means that you will have taken care of all the details that need to be taken care of before you do this thing. other than that, there is no one thing that must be had, all the little things add up.

allergy medications

A good, long, book.

Sufficient cash for the trip.

Money.

Money.