A couple of follow-ups to my pre-trip posts about packing: Travel Tips - Preparing for a long trip and Test Pack and Tips.
The best change I made was to use the travel size squeeze pouches that were a last minute purchase on Amazon. In additon to being lightweight, they are compact...especially when empty. Total win!
The colored carabiner came in handy when I wanted to attach my BAGSMART Electronic Organizer,Travel Cable Organizer to my suitcase without stuffing it into my personal bag. And the zipper clip theft deterents came in handy not only for securing the zippers on my luggage but for acting as a zipper pull when the one on my Travelon Anti-theft Classic N/S Crossbody broke.
Speaking of breaking...the handle on my [older] Tumi bag broke between Bordeaux and Barcelona. I bought a new Tumi bag in Barcelona. The Tumi Store wouldn't ship it for service so I ended up lugging with with me for the rest of the trip. While a pain, it proved useful when I found gin in Lisbon. Also since I was already carrying a second suitcase, I really stopped worrying about how efficiently I packed. I'm still a carryon only girl.
Other items I loved: Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes and compact foldable fans.
What I wouldn't bother with again: Collapsible Water Bottle - it is easier to just get a bottle of water and refill it.
