How I See It...
This week one of the topics on my mind, since I’m a born optimist, is packing, or the “art” of packing.
It’s a subject I take very seriously. In fact, I will go as far as to say I’m a professional packer. For many years it’s been part of my job to arrive on location with the right clothes, toiletries and activity accessories.
Horse riding in France, rock climbing in Wales, a city break in New York, a sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands, skiing… the list goes on. When you arrive on a location, time is money, so preparation is everything to be camera ready.
However, when it comes to my own holidays and trips do I throw all that away, relax and put a suitcase together the night before my flight? No way!
LUGGAGE HEAVYWEIGHT
For my last holiday to Greece I must have started sorting my outfits out a week before leaving. Do I pack light? A big, fat no – I book in the heaviest suitcase weight I can and fill it, then make Mark do the same, knowing he won’t use it all, which means I’ve got space for shopping.
How do I react when I hear the sanctimonious say, “I can do hand luggage for a week.” Well, bully for you! My case has wheels, hotels have lifts and putting together outfits is part of my holiday enjoyment. I revel in the opportunity to wear clothes that I don’t wear at home, like my bright green
Juliet Dunn harem pants – I’d get strange looks if I wore those on a London street!
I can easily live out of a rucksack if I need to, but still challenge anyone to get the amount into one that I can!
HAVE HIGH STANDARDS!
Essentials are: see through toiletry bags; mesh washing bags so I can pack and unpack easily; laundry hand wash; e-cloth and dish liquid in a travel bottle; bin liner; scented candle; incense sticks; matches and my Swiss Army penknife.
For safety, a photocopy and a photo in my phone of my passport, tickets and other bits that might be useful. In case I lose my phone, a notebook with emergency numbers, passport number, and anything else that could possibly get me out of trouble.
My last and final rant is, when travelling, why do some people dress like they’re devoid of standards? If you want good service and extra niceties, be charming – and dress the part!
Love, Anthea X