Today the airlines are getting very smart, issuing cheap tickets. However, the’re a catch: less baggage weight is allowed. First they said 15 kg and mind you the suitcase itself weighs 5. So that leaves you 10 kg and trust me that accounts for four sets of clothes, nightwear, under clothes, slippers/sandals (one pair only) and evening bag or alternate to the large tote you will be carrying anyway and make-up. Incidentally make-up weighs a lot. So if you are going for a four-day trip, it means two sets of day clothes and two sets of evening clothes. If you are going on a longer trip one is advised to take only black and no one will know that you are wearing the same clothes over and over again. In fact one read of a woman who wore only black tee shirts and the game was given away by the tooth paste stains on said t shirts. One also heard of a man who dared to go abroad with only his laptop. The idea is you buy shirts and underwear on arrival and throw the same away on departure.
Actually if you are travelling from place to place then only three sets are enough and the only person to tire of your clothes is yourself. Reminds me of people who go to great pains to choose different kinds of post cards to send friends not realising that different people are receiving the cards and it would make no difference to send the same card!
Indian women buy more and more saris as they are not accessorised and will never be outgrown. Unlike our foreign counterparts who know how to wear the same skirt or trousers in six different ways; that is the secret to travelling light.
It is so very elegant to see a woman traveller really travelling light; with one slim handbag and at most a laptop. She walks better, is more cheerful and elegant to boot. Compared to the rest of us who are carrying two overstuffed bags apart from the famous trolley which is twice its permitted seven kgs weight and then you sneak in a kala mandir type of jute bag which is stuffed with food and which will get consumed hours within your arrival.
The trick is also not to wear your walking shoes (ungainly sight unless the rest of you are in walking gear) and a cardigan under a jacket making you look like a stuffed animal.
Stick to the original list and be strict with yourself and only substitute; don’t add on. Make a last minute check list: cell phone, charger, adapter plug (most important if you are travelling abroad), medicines, hair brush and make up as these cannot be packed ahead. For those using sleep apnea gear please double check everything one last time as you don’t just make yourself but everyone else around you suffer on arrival.
Bon Voyage and no more sucking up to airline officials who will not be sucked up to.
