Your comment about the med kit made me smile, as I use it infrequently at most… but having said that, I cleverly cut myself shaving while in NY a few days ago and actually used the styptic pencil. Wonder of wonders.

As for the headphones, most trips I opt for the Shuffle and earbuds – but if I’ll be on a turboprop/commuter or regional jet, I’ll bring the headphones as long as their size/weight won’t be too much of a hassle.

Thanks again for a great comment and safe travels to you and your family!

I don’t think you really need the head phones and none of us have ipods,we prefer a little headlight for our flashlight and we never have used our emergency kit in 3 years of our open ended world tour as a family. Well, few band aids for kidlet…mostly for fun.

We have a top of the line global phone, but hardly use it. We do everything on our laptops which we do find essential for extended travel…even took one to the Sahara. We end up using Skype often for local or long distance calls.

We easily travel for a month or more ( often in 3 season climates) with a small day pack each and that includes at least one laptop and homeschooling supplies & books for our kidlet.

You are right…pack light..the only way to go.