ONLINE EXTRA

As an Online Extra, we shared some of the items Travel staffers can't travel without (books, sound machines, candy bars, etc.), then asked you to share yours. Here's a list of some of your must-packs.

* My squishy little travel pillow to support my back in those lousy airline seats.· Vacuum-insulated water bottle, crossword puzzles, enough jewelry for full ring-earring-necklace-bracelet change every other day.

* A compass and a flashlight on a short lanyard.

* Two packages of Handi Wipes, in different colors, usually blue and, say, yellow.

* My beanie-bag lemur, which we photograph wherever we go. It's become such a talisman for travel that if I forgot my meds, my toiletries or my iPod, I would not be nearly as upset as if I forgot my lemur.

* Half a dozen safety pins, so I can make sure the curtains will close out the light, and a small stuffed tiger to hug when I miss our cats.

* Bathrobe slippers so I can relax and be comfortable in the room.

* Earplugs! Earplugs!

* An adequate supply of Snyder's hard pretzels.

* A pair of soft, flannel, well-worn pj bottoms.

* Flip-flops for hotel floors.

* A bathing suit: You never know when even a cold-weather trip will have pool or hot tub opportunities.

* A simple sarong/lungi/kanga -- works as an airline blanket, coverup, yoga mat, curtain or towel.

* I live/travel in Asia and always bring my own sheet to cover the bed.

* A night light so that I don't walk into a wall on the way to the bathroom.

* A tiny alarm clock. I hate relying on unfamiliar hotel alarm clocks.

* A Swiss Army knife -- in checked luggage, of course -- is an essential tool.