[Sable99]

I have taken several trips over three week and have always taken just one suitcase and a carryon. I always try to take clothes that have the same colors so I can switch them out and take fewer shoes. I also like to travel with fabrics that wrinkle less and clothes I can wash in a bathroom sink. It saves a lot of hassle. I only take one gown for formal nights on a cruise. The most important thing is to take comfortable shoes. This is not a time to be fashionable!

My suitcase has an extension that you can open when the suitcase gets full. I try not to use the extension when I leave for the trip so I can open it up on the way home for the things I bought. I have also shipped some purchases back to the states and it wasn't that expensive. My aunt is a retired airline employee and she uses those space bags when she travels and she loves them. I haven't used them.

I hope one of your stops in Turkey is Istanbul. I haven't been there in years but they had a great underground mall full of 18k gold and all kinds of carpet when I was there. And, I think the palace we went to was the Dolmabahçe Palace -- all I remember is the crystal staircase. I wished I could have spent more time there but my boss was ready to go!!