bon voyage, part II

Behold, my travelling outfit. The outfit I will be in for at least 14 hours as I cross oceans and continents. The outfit I may be trapped in if there should be any delays, or if my luggage goes missing when I land, or if I miss a connecting flight, the list goes on. Picked for maximum comfort should any of that happen, with consideration for the need to look presentable.

And what's in that big blue bag of mine, you ask? (I'll assume you're asking.)

1) A zipped pouch, compartments optional.



One that fits your passport and boarding passes, forms, departure cards, pens, bits and pieces of paper confirming your bookings, directions etc, passport photos, some cash, and other miscellaneous things you always need to fish out whenever you're making you're way through an airport. I like having all this stuff together in one place, within handy reach - it drives me crazy to root around for things while balancing luggage and trying not to look vulnerable in a foreign country. My phone is usually in here as well.

Chicer types than me may like a plain leather one - like those Comme Des Garcons ones - that can double up as a clutch?

2) Reading material
I like forcing myself to choose something at the airport bookstore - you surprise yourself when choices are limited. That's how I picked up my first Iris Murdoch book.

3) Sweets
Many a ruffled feather - usually having to do with missing a train and trying to sort out an alternative - have been soothed by introducing a sweet at an opportune time. Bonus if it's a mint that can freshen that sick feeling in your mouth after an overnight journey without a clean bathroom at hand to brush your teeth.

4) Face-care for long journeys



For me this usually means some face wipes and a travel-sized portion of my favourite facial moisturiser. Even if a shower isn't available to me, I usually feel better if I can wipe clean my face and neck. I try to save sachets of samples that sales assistants dole out, and I always ask for a few sachets whenever I'm buying moisturiser. They are perfect for overnight flights. The little tubs Sephora gives samples in is also useful for these things.

And concealer. Self-explanatory.

5) An inexpensive watch
I don't always know for sure what kind of neighbourhood I'll end up living in when I travel, and for the most part, I think it's glaringly obvious I'm a tourist. Wearing an expensive watch is just setting myself up to be mugged or scammed, so usually I usually opt for something basic and water-resistant, plus it wouldn't kill me if I damaged or lost it.

6) A snuggly scarf that you won't worry about dirtying
Keeps you warm, and adds instant flair. It's awfully handy to a big piece of cloth to cover up when you need to (in conservative countries) and if you're feeling gross about whatever bedding you're stuck with in some dodgy accommodation, it's something to lie on. This doesn't happen often, but it has happened to me so I guess you can never be too prepared. Anyway, it's more convenient to keep warm on a plane in a scarf than in a sweater, in my opinion.

7) Music
When that baby in the next row starts wailing.

8) Camera
Because I can't check it in, for fear of damaging it. A heavy, cumbersome drag.

If I sound a bit grumpy, it's because I hate flying. Only little people, who fit comfortably into airplane seats, or people who fly business class minimum, or people who magically fall asleep at will, could love flying.

Well, off I go.