Just looking for peoples thoughts on taking a couple routers overseas?
I learn better with the equipment in front of me seeing the cable/connections.
I will supplement with a virtual router later but to begin with i want a couple small cisco routers with decent functionality.
any suggestions?

If you insist on having them in front of you, the smallest are the 800 series. The 870 series do ADSL2+, wireless and have a few switchports. If you want real routers, not just SOHO, some old 2500 or 2600 series are fine - get a few WIC-2T's and serial cables and you'll be right. 1700 and 1800 series aren't too bad either. 3600 series are getting a little too big.

funnily enough i have two 2500 but i wasnt sure if their was anything smaller that might be a bit easier to get around. Maybe i just need to suck it up and use the sims.

This is sad but true ( can't wait for benno to comment on this )

But back in 2007 I did some work in Sydney for a fortnight while I was studying for my CCVP and took two 2600XM's and a voip phone with me.

In my defence, I was sitting for an exam a week after that.

For me that would be the only way to learn. To have the gear setup and in front of me.