Wow, Larry - I do all the things you metioned when I travel as well. I travel a lot (we lived overseas for a long time) and so I have what I call my "brainstorm" list which is the master list of every possible thing I can imagine wanting or needing for a trip to anywhere. I have this on my computer. Then, before a trip, I print it out and put checkmarks by the items I think I would need on that particular trip. When it is time to pack. I just pull out the list and pack only the things I need for that trip. (So, for example, even though passport is on the master list under the "document" category, if not traveling overseas, it doesn't get a checkmark). Sounds obsessive, I know, but I. too, have repeatedly bought traveling essentials I forgot over and over and over until I started this list thing. This has really helped me becasue I travel for different reasons. For example, we used to go on 14 hour flights with our two small children. Then it was remembering al their stuff. But I would also find myself traveling alone on business. Different things to pack! There are a few things that I have bought seconds of so I don't have to remember to pack them at the last minute. For example, I have a hairbrush that stays at home and another one that is permanently left in the suitcase. Not only does this make it a sure thing that I won't forget my hairbrush at the last minute, but it alsoo means that when I get home (usually a late flight and maybe tired or jet lagged), I don't have to immediately unpack my suitcase to find these essential items for the next morning.