I've traveled quite a bit over the years, mostly for work. And while it's always exciting to go and visit new places, lugging excess baggage around isn't. So over time, I've learned what things I really need, and what things I can do without.

Discussions of essential clothing and toiletries we'll save for another day. Here, though, is my list of must-take electronics to keep this traveler happy.

Bose® QuietComfort® 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones.

I used to think that airline engine roar didn't bother me, until I tried a set of noise-canceling headphones. That's when I realized just how oppressing that continual drone was, and how it left me feeling really drained when we finally touched down again.

Sometimes I'll listen to music inflight, but most often I just like to turn the noise cancellation circuitry on and either read or doze (sometimes I start out doing one activity and then transition to the other). So I just don't get on an airplane without them. End of story.

Apple iPod classic 120GB.

OK, I'm a little old school here. I rely on my portable player mostly for audio, not video. In addition to my music, I usually have a healthy backlog of podcasts to get through. So this is my player of choice. Others might prefer something with stronger video support, like an iPod touch or a smart phone.

iLive ISP209 portable speaker system.

I like to listen to music in my hotel room, so a small speaker system for my iPod is a must. My old system's pretty much run its course, so I'll need to replace it -- probably with the ISP209. Although it runs on batteries, I'll use it's AC power cord. Once I get to the hotel room, I'll leave it there. The ISP209 can charge my  player, so I don't have to carry a separate charger. 

And one other thing about this particular model. It has a digital clock with dual alarms. That means I don't have to mess with the hotel's goofy alarm clock (and they all seem to have slightly different controls), nor carry a travel alarm.

Monster® Power Outlets to Go.

I became a big fan of this handy power strip when I had a chance to try it out. Between my laptop, portable speaker system, and cell phone charger, I usually have more things to plug in than I can find convenient outlets for. I used to take a regular extension cord, but that was a mess. It always got tangled in my clothes. The Power Outlet's made for travel; its cord loops around the body and the plug locks in place.

Canon PowerShot SD780.

Everybody has their own ideas about cameras, and I know several folks who wouldn't consider traveling without their SLR camera and lenses. I'm not a serious photographer, but I do want to take better pictures than I can get with my cell phone's camera. The SD780 is a good choice for simple point-and-shoot photography, and has a nice set of automatic features. What I really like about it, though, is the size. The SD780 is only 3/4" thick, and about the size of a credit card. I can just slip it in my pocket or travel bag and go. And as long as I refrain from wearing a fanny pack, no one will know I'm a tourist.

That's all that I need to get on a plane and fly across the country (which I'll be doing next week). What about you? What items will you turn the car around and go back home for it they're not packed?