My girlfriend has her clippers and other metal items attached to the outside of her under the seat carry-on with caribiners so security doesn't have to go digging through her bag if they have questions about them. Have you had any issues with TSA?

I'd second the sewing kit idea. We do several week trips with carry on only, soft-sided convertible backpacks. When you limit the amount of clothing you bring, you need it all to work. Sure, you can always stop by a dry cleaners or laundrette and get something fixed up. But a few buttons, some thread and a couple needles have come in handy more than once.

We also take at least one or two of those hand wipe packs, probably similar to the Delta wipes or antibacterial wipes you mention. They are extremely valuable when traveling.

We also pack multiple sizes of zip-top bags, some of them quite large. They come in handy for any number of various things.

Bendryl, for the newly discovered food allergy, etc. and doubles as a powerful sleep aide.

Always bring pens, and maybe a mechanical pencil.

We've found small MP3 players to be a great toss in. We use them as a plane distraction, sleep aide (play looping static or rain noise at night) and downloadable audio guides for large attractions.

My goodness, Howie. You sound like a girl with all these towelettes and wipes and cleansers.

A couple of extra Ziplocs, quart and gallon sized, are always packed in my togo along with a granola bar and eye drops. Did not used to have any of these, but over time added them when I needed them and did not have them with me.

duct tape always useful

Somehow my response didn't post … apologies for the delay folks.

@ Charles Clarke – I haven't had any issues with metal items. My biggest problem is always forgetting those small dasani bottles I collect on Delta flights going through TSA.

@ Anonymous – About 2 pounds. Weight isn't an issue for me except in some intra-european flights when the rollaboard goes over the 12 or 16kg limit on carry-ons.

@ Anonymous – I don't have a sewing kit; I fear even having it I'd be useless. Maybe it is time I learn!

@ Anonymous – I've got Band-aids in the small first aid kit. Clothes pins are now added to my bag; can't belieive I never thought of that before. Great recommendation!

@mberlew – You bet! I listen to my wife. Clean my face every night and moisturize too. We're 31 and 32 and regularly have our ID checked when purchasing alcohol. If I can do something to be proactive to keep the fresh / young look, especially this easy; why not?

@ Anonymouos – Stay tuned next week. Let's just say I used to travel with 2 – 9lb laptops … down to one now