My list takes three blog posts, starting here:

http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/what-to-take-part-one/

Very comprehensive and interesting, thanks thursdaysd!

I don't have a list - what I take depends on where I am going and what I am doing. I do always pack for about a week with the intention of doing laundry as needed. I take clothes that mix and max and resist showing dirt so i can wear things more than once, esspecially pants/jeans and sweaters/sweatshirts. For this trip, layering will be important to handle different climates.

Depends where I am going. A trip taking the train around Europe to various cities is a completely different "pack" than going to the beach in Mexico or Hawaii for a couple weeks.

For me, it really depends on how long is the trip for and where I go. I would bring these things below for sure beside some basic stuff:

- At least two camera!
Old school one: Canon AE1 Digital one: Nikon D90
- Travelary journal. I love taking journals and Travelary is a really awesome one for traveling!
- A book. Usually a novel.
- Ipad. I can not travel without music!

Your list probably isn't too far off from what you might want in cities.

Ditch the cotton towel, yech! If you really want to take a towel for some reason get a fast drying towel from a camping store/site. Wring it out and it'll dry within a few hours or overnight.

Instead of hiking boots and trainers, why not go for a pair of walking shoes and a pair of comfy but slightly dressier shoes? Both good for walking but one for in case you need to dress up a bit.

Instead of a hiking backpack, I like to use a convertible backpack from eBags. It's a very similar idea to a hiking backpack but without the frame and you can open it like a suitcase rather than just from the top. I'm debating taking that or their rolling duffle bag (basically a rolling suitcase with a duffle bag top to reduce weight) on an upcoming trip. You might want to stay to carryon size if possible.

Unless you're going to the desert a light rain jacket is a wonderful idea. Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched rather than outfits (all tops go with all bottoms, etc).

Don't forget a camera and memory cards!

I always pack duct tape and have pretty much always had a use for it (fixing a bag strap that broke, packing a poofy item into a small bag and compressing it, wrapping my ankle as an ankle brace, bandaid that would actually stay on, etc).

Small flashlight, clothes w/ many pockets (northface, columbia, etc)husband wears black Scottevest which carries everything and keeps us handsfree

There are things that live in my suitcase much like aliced's list and my immersion heater for hot water and tea.

I always bring a couple of paperbacks that I buy used and can throwaway.

Always bring cameras and cards.

Washcloth, washcloth, washcloth!