packing tips

Lots of people travel lots these days, and I suppose everyone has their own packing strategy, but here are a few things I've learned over the years of repeated journeys.

-roll your clothes instead of folding: this allows you to get more in a smaller space, and reduces wrinkles

-always take a toque (woolen cap): even in the warmest climates, cool weather can make things uncomfortable, and the benefit:volume ratio of a toque is high

-no caffeine on a travel day: there's about a half dozen good reasons for this, but just try it and you'll see

-don't wear a belt with a metal buckle on travel day: makes getting through airport security easier

-do wear clothes with lots of pockets that zip or velcro shut: on a long flight things have a way of working their way out of regular pockets, plus you can have one pocket for your passport, one for your pen (which you will inevitably need), etc--such pockets are also great when you're out on the street since it reduces (but does not eliminate) your vulnerability to pickpockets

-take a small roll of good quality duct tape flattened down: we all know how useful duct tape is--one of my favourite uses when travelling is to seal holes in window screens to keep mosquitoes out of my bedroom

-invest in some quick dry clothing: it packs lighter and smaller, and washes easier than cotton--the quick dry feature is just an added bonus