Packing help needed!

Frankly, I need some expert advice about packing on-the-road school visits. So bring on the tips. Anyone?

I recently came across Marybeth Bond's blog "The Gutsy Traveler." Here's what she brings when she's traveling internationally:

* Silicon ear plugs

* An eye shield

* Lots of zip lock bags, all sizes

* A rubber door stopper for added security in hotel rooms.

* A large safety pin or a clothespin to fully close the hotel drapes.

* A washcloth because most hotels do not provide them.

* A bottle opener and corkscrew. Although I can find these in almost all countries, it’s nice to have one ready for picnics or in my hotel room for a drink before dinner.

* Individually wrapped chocolates, unless I’m going somewhere really warm. Chocolate or candy is a nice gift to offer to a desk clerk or someone who has been especially kind or helpful. If I am going to be hosted by a family, I always take a gift box of fancy chocolates.

* Photos of my family, pets, garden, holiday celebrations and home.

* Doubles of any item I “really” can’t live without — like prescription glasses or sunglasses, and a copy of my passport, driver’s license, fingernail files, Chap Stick, and money.

Read the rest of Marybeth's post here.

I could have used ear plugs and a rubber door stopper for hotel I recently visited. There was an adjoining door to another room with a flimsy lock. It felt unsafe and I could hear everything.

The main issue for me is that I never seem to sleep well the first night I'm away from home. So I'm frazzled the next day when I'm supposed to be presenting. OR I get so worked up after doing a presentation that I have trouble getting to sleep at night. It's frustrating, and makes these trips much more exhausting than they need to be.

Help! Tips? Anyone? What do you bring to make your business travel easier?