Travel socks  and travel underwear  are great for people who don't mind doing a little laundry every other night of their trip in exchange for carrying less luggage. They are easy to wash in a sink and dry overnight, ready to go in the morning!

A good pair of zip-off pants  may not be the most stylish item in your wardrobe, but it will be the most versatile! Great for climates prone to quick weather changes and all-day adventures; pants for cool mornings and evenings, shorts for midday!

Shirts  with sleeves that can be rolled up or down are also a good bet for quickly changing climates. They're also handy if you plan to be touring in a conservative, religious area; many historical houses of worship require covered arms.

A lightweight rain jacket  -- preferably one that can fold into its own carry pouch  -- is great to toss in a backpack, whether you're just going on a day trip near your house or a three week trek along the Appalachian Trail.

Whether you're headed to Costa Rica, Cairo, or Canada, a hat  is a crucial piece of travel gear. It will keep off the sun in the desert, protect you from rain in the tropics, and conserve body heat in the frozen north.

Sturdy shoes  are a must for any vacation. You don't want to miss the sites because you were plagued by blisters! Close-toed shoes  provide more support than sandals  and are usually more comfortable, but you need to judge for yourself.

For the ladies: make sure you have a good bra!  Poor support can cause back pain and fatigue, especially if you're well endowed. Pick out two or three sturdy bras in neutral colors -- white, nude,  and black  are classic.

If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors in a cold area, silk thermals  are a must! Soft, comfortable and warm, silk thermals  will keep you cozy for hours out in the snow. Many are even machine-washable. 

Luggage is where you stash all your stuff for the trip. Most people need a suitcase  and a carry-on bag  or backpack. 

Inflatable neck rests, travel pillows,  and blankets can make your trip more comfortable and sanitary.

Motion sickness remedy  is good for people prone to seasickness, while travel air purifiers  keep you from getting sick! Jet lag remedy  is meant to help you cope with shifting time zones.

Travel alarm clocks  are important -- you don't want to miss your flight back home or your shuttle bus to your next destination!

Nothing feels as good as a hot shower after a long day of travel, so don't forget travel-sized toiletries  to make the experience better!

Soap leaves  and hand sanitizing gel  let you "wash" your hands in restrooms where even running water is hard to find.

A small bottle of multi-purpose soap  can be shampoo, toothpaste, and even laundry detergent in a pinch.

If you're going to need to do your hair, bring a tiny, foldable travel hair dryer  instead of a full sized one to save weight.

Personal audio and video devices can keep you entertained on even the longest flights.

PDAs are all-in-one gadgets to help you stay connected on the road.

Books, magazines,  and book lights  give you something to do when you're tired of LCD screens.

Cameras are better for capturing memories than any souvenir trinket.

Combination locks, passport wallets, money belts,  and ID holders  keep your valuables safe and protected.

Electronic dictionaries and translators and pocket dictionaries  can help you get around most foreign countries.

Travel guides  contain maps, recommendations, and tips on acting like the locals. Whether you're traveling within the U.S.  or throughout Europe,  maps and guides will keep you heading in the right direction.

Maps, digital compasses,  and GPS devices help you navigate new places. Make sure you have the right map card  for your GPS before you leave!

Travel games  are miniaturized versions of your favorite games from home.

Handheld Electronic Games don't take up much space, but be sure to pack batteries  or chargers! 

Scrapbooks  are souvenirs that you make as you go, pasting in ticket stubs, menus, etc.

Music helps everyone chill out after a long day of travel. Travel speakers  let you share!

Books on tape  let you close your eyes and enjoy a book at the same time!

First Aid kits are an absolute necessity. Don't get caught unprepared in an emergency!

Emergency kits are important for any road trip, and can be used as general tools as well.

Sewing kits  help you mend your clothes so that they last the whole vacation.

Snack foods  keep everyone in a cheerful mood. Chocolates  can melt, but nuts, jerky  and dried fruit  are great for travel.