Knitters Treat Exchange / SP Questions

The other day I was tagged by Ruth for that 8 random things meme. I'll do it, but not yet - I can only think of 3 random things just now....

Instead, I'll show you the fab parcel I got from my Knitter's Treat Exchange pal, Aileen from Knitting neels.
Two skeins of Tivoli aran weight yarn, which is apparently perfect for dyeing and felting, a skein of Fusion, and two skeins of a very squidgy purpley-red (more red in real life, actually) yarn that I think is destined to become a winter scarf or hat because its so soft. Two knitting mags, some tea, hand-made soap, some yummy toffies (these won't last long!), two shrug patterns (one of which was written by Aileen herself, and is available here), and a very fun silk bag that looks like the top of a kimono.

Thanks Aileen, this is a great package!

Now, before I forget, here are the answers to my SP questions:

Assuming that I will be gone for ten days to someplace "foreign" that is known for having great knitting locations:
1) What do you pack to knit?
I would take something small-ish, so it doesn't take up much space in my bag. But I don't think it would be socks because after I finish the pair that have been on my needles for 2 months now, it will be quite a while before I knit any more. (I just can't seem to catch the sock-bug for some reason. Maybe I need to knit more interesting sock patterns). It would likely be a little summery-top of some kind, so I can actually hope to wear it sometime soon.

2) What do you hope to shop for?
Shoes. oh wait, you mean knitting stuff. ;) Um, nice yarns that I can't get at home, yet aren't super expensive. Yarns that call out to me and say "Make me into a ____". that way I don't have to feel guilty about buying yarn for no specific purpose.

3) Where would you go on a "knitting holiday"?
I'd go to Italy (in the warm, yet still off-peak season months!) and buy gorgeous Italian yarns for cheap... my friend Tiffany lived in Florence for several months (on 2 separate occasions, lucky girl!) and came back with loads of super soft yarns which she picked up for almost nothing, compared to what they'd sell for back in the US/Canada. Plus, think of all the great knitting you could do in the piazzas of Rome or in Tuscan villas! :)