I wasn’t joking when I said I could be a packing consultant. It combines two of my main passions in life: putting items into small containers, and adventure.
I pack under the assumption all I really need are my passport, wallet, and iPhone. Anything else can be bought along the way. Overpacking is the pits, especially when you’re travelling by yourself.
Following one trip I discovered at the airport my suitcase was several kilograms over my check-in allowance. I had to buy a backpack, empty my case onto the airport carpet, transfer about 10kg into my new pack, then shoulder that home. Never again.
Now, I make a pile of clothing, then remove five items. Line up shoes, remove a pair.
My toiletries are almost all samples. (Thank you, David Jones opening night.)
I also hoard travel-savvy bottles. When I landed in New York, more than a year ago, one of the first things I sourced was face moisturiser. My skin was parched. Anyway, I based my choice not on the product but the jar it came in, which was clear plastic with a solid screw lid. It travelled home with me where it then sat in the bathroom drawer.
Occasionally I would unscrew the lid and inhale the scent which to me had become synonymous with New York. Sigh. Moving on. It’s now full of conditioner on its way with me to Nepal.
Things you can’t pack too many of:
– Snaplock bags
– Small gifts (essentially potential space)
– Wet wipes.
This isn’t as insightful a post as I hoped it would be, I’m sorry. The truth is I’ve completed one out of four flights this evening and I’m bored.
I don’t even have any photos to share with you because the sky was dark when I left Wellington.
Things you might not think to pack but should:
– Nail scissors
– Power adaptors
– A light robe to wear over pyjamas if you’re staying in shared accommodation.
Forget the packing, let’s talk destinations.
One thing I’m worried about in Nepal is getting invited to a local’s house and accidentally eating with my left hand. I’m left-handed, you see. And in Nepal, I’ve read, it’s custom to eat with your right hand. Toilet paper is a bit of a luxury so when you go to the bathroom you use your other hand, with water.
More immediately, I’m worried my flight, because it’s Cathay Pacific and not Air New Zealand, won’t offer free alcohol.
This is the real dilemma when travelling long-haul: sleeping pills or wine?
My advice: wine. Drink enough wine and sleep will follow.
Katie Kenny 