These were very useful for organizing my suitcase for the trip over and especially in my pack while backpacking. I used the 2 smaller ones, one for socks and underwear and the other for tech stuff (chargers, power cords, internet cables, webcam). They are very helpful.

A great invention! All of your toiletries go inside and then the pack folds and zips up into a convenient hanging pack. There is a mirror inside and plenty of room for your toiletries. When you reach your destination, just unzip and hang on the door and you have easy access to everything.

My pack for backpacking. I did a lot of research before buying it and it seems like a great pack for short travels (1-2 weeks). It is very roomy and features a detachable day pack so you don't have to carry all of your stuff around (assuming you have somewhere to stow you pack safely, like in a hostel locker).

It doesn't have to be this one (it's the first one I found) but you'll want one of these to keep your toothbrush from getting icky. I brought 2 toothbrushes, one in my Toiletry kit and one in my carry-on backpack for airport brushings.

This is the closest model I could find to my Columbia coat. They make great, durable coats. Here are some features to look for: An outside chest pocket for things like your Subway card, hand pockets that zip up to keep things you don't want stolen safe and to keep your gloves from falling out, inside zip chest pocket (to keep camera/wallet in because it's concealed but easily accessible)

I do not own this particular set of mittens, but this is the kind that I recommend. The mitten top flips up to reveal the finger less gloves which are great to use when it's a bit warmer and you need to be able to use your fingers (opening things/zipping zippers, etc) and you can flip the mitten down when you're cold and just walking about.

Not much of a description needed here...great product and very necessary for long plane and train rides.

Best watch I have found. It is a nice smaller version of the Timex Expedition, perfect for women. The band is a comfortable combination of leather and mesh and withstands a lot of abuse. The only downside is that it is not the most attractive watch out there and so cannot be worn as a dressy option.

Once again, just a way to tell you about something else. Go to Carphone Warehouse in London and buy a pre-pay phone for 4 pounds ($6) and put as much as you like on it. On the Virgin network it's .20p a minute to call the US and .15p to call in the UK.

A wonderful travel companion! I carry this notebook everywhere to jot down my thoughts and adventures. It is a sturdy Moleskine product and I recommend that you get one. Keeping a diary of your adventures somewhere else is a memento that you will treasure for the rest of your life!

Again, not necessarily this product (the one I have I bought from Walmart for $10) but a fleece blanket is really nice to have on the plane ride when it gets cold (and it will). Make sure that you have one that folds up very small or you won't be able to fit much else in your carry-on.

You'll need a sleep sack if you're going to be staying in Hostels because many of them do not provided linens (or make you pay for cheap scratchy ones). Silk is nice because it feels great and is lightweight. The cons are that it gets staticky and it's a bit hard to get back into the pouch it comes in.

It never hurts to be prepared! The classic Swiss Army knife makes sure that you're prepared for whatever comes your way. And, if you can figure out a purpose for all of those functions...let me know.

This is another safety device that is great to carry with you. It's legal everywhere (unlike mace), it can be activated with one hand, and it's harder to turn off than the pin-activated one and while an attacker tries to turn it off, you can run.

These are nice because you can just throw them away when you're finished. Also, after a shower, you can squeeze out the water in a towel and store it in your caddy (in a plastic bag) and it dries MUCH quicker than a washcloth. It's still good to bring a small washcloth for you face, though. Or, if you're not finicky about stuff like that, you can always use a corner of your towel.

Don't forget to bring something to keep track of your keys! I like the snaps better than the key rings because it's easier to get the keys on and off if you need them.

You're going to a new country with different food and different bugs in the water...and no matter how hard you try it will have a negative effect on you at some point. Just suck it up and be ready to deal with it.