To pack, or not to pack: that is the question:
Whether tis better days before or with moments left to spare
To pack with folds or rolls – both have fans devout,
To take the kitchen sink or go light and purchase air side,
And by foresight or fortune survive?
Be a travel-savvy packer
In today’s era of modern life styles and relentless lists of duties and jobs to do, don’t let packing become ‘just one more chore’! It can be so much more than running around gathering up passport, keys, money, itinerary, and foreign currency – instead take inspiration from the latest cyber farm game – and know the joy of harvesting your own home grown crops and produce by turning your in-flight bag into a cornucopia of your favourite tastes and treasures. Never again look at in-flight packing as a necessary evil. Whatever your trip’s duration you will find ‘happiness is in the bag’ as you search for the holy grail to packing, providing you follow these 5 simple rules:
1. Focus on size!
Getting ready for your flight
Ensure you have ‘big and baggy’. Travel bags from Mulberry, Kipling & Radley are roomy and plentiful. This provides for extra cupboard space – critical for storing those last minute entertainment products, just in case a lightning storm hits the airport kicking out the electricity; leaving it with emergency lighting only; forcing the shops to shut, restaurants to close and a very long wait for flights to board!
2. Go For “bags inside bags”
This turns your in-flight bag into your very own sanctuary: a hideaway of treats tucked inside pretty pockets; bright fabric folders; and soft to touch ‘pochettes’ of different colours. Tumi has great travel packs and Cath Kidston more prettier ones. Going inside leaves you delighted with the surprise of what’s in store.
3. Follow your dreams!
An in-flight bag is your permission to follow your passions. If you have an unquenched thirst for writing; or, aspire to draw; want to learn to speak French or renew the art of writing love letters – let your bag be your pathway. Pack your favourite note book (a Smythson travel journal is a must-have investment) for capturing your thoughts; take travel size water colours; pack the French tapes or CDs and bundles of organically grown flower pressed note paper. Indulge fully in your passions for this uninterrupted time you have ahead of you.
4. ‘Know and be true to thyself’
Telling yourself you’ll feel better for reading your outstanding e-mails or writing that presentation during the flight – is only true if you actually do it. Making such promises but knowing deep down you would rather read that book you’ve been eyeing up; indulge in a nap, or chat to the people sitting around you – then forget the laptop, stop making false promised to yourself and be ready to follow your instincts!
5. Be your own best friend
Your carry-on should be a piece of the life you wish you could live every day! Pack a pashmina for that gentle softness and snuggle factor around your neck and shoulders: take two good novels so you can dip in and out of different lives in search of escapism; have L’Occitane or Molton Brown lip balm, and hand cream to cosset your sense of touch and taste; family photos to awaken your soul as you run your finger tips over their faces; and a small travel candle from The White Company or Kenneth Turner to inhale the scent (unlit of course) – with its promise of ‘green grass’ or ‘sandalwood’ for your nights away from home.
By letting these 5 principles become your in-flight mantra packing can be a joy – Happy packing!
