the french girl's suitcase...

Overheard at the Mas this morning...

Me: Today, I think I will write about travel and how to pack. I have been thinking about how best to pack a suitcase and what are the essentials for a bon voyage...

Lulu: without a moment's hesitation...That's simple. A swimsuit, a beach towel, sarong and sun cream....and maybe some soap... that said with a smile....

That is the difference between a French girl from the south and me....She dreams of baring her all by the sea; I think of ways to cover up my all inside...

Travelling is hard work, whatever the destination or reason and it is best to attack the packing with a systematic approach.  I believe that the secret to successful travelling is in the packing and the secret to the packing is the weight. The more we carry, the more tiring the trip; the more tired we are the more fraught we become. Travelling is no longer about luxury, relaxing and being pampered - travelling is about getting from A to B as safely as possible. There are many obstacles to be conquered on a journey... getting to the airport, negotiating check-in, undressing for security, dealing with crowds and in particular impatient people, finding airport lounges and getting to the gate on time...without being weighed down to breaking point. Wherever I venture I travel light with the exception of skiing...that is impossible..

I wear the same thing when and wherever I travel. Jeans, long sleeved teeshirt, converse or ballet flats depending on the season, a silk scarf and black trench-coat. I carry an oversized handbag (the Longchamp travel bag is my choice - they fold up and are both light and weatherproof) because I am joined at the hip with my laptop, ipad, camera, current read and extra pashmina for the airplane. As fabulous as the ipad is I always carry a book for those delays when electronic equipment is not allowed. The extra cashmere scarf means whatever thermostat system on board (they are never consistent, always too hot or too cold) I am prepared. For long haul flights I always have an extra teeshirt to change into on arrival or for those spilt drink emergencies. On top of all this there are the requisite wallets, passports and make-up kit that can't be lived without...that's why the big Longchamp works so well... it is light enough to throw over the arm or sit on top of the wheelie bag and be dragged along.

What goes into the suitcase? That's the tough stuff to decide and obviously changes depending on destination. Generally speaking, I try and think like a man when I am packing. I have always thought their ability to wear a suit to almost any occasion one of the great advantages of their sex. So that's what I do...I choose my version of a suit...I pack a jacket, skirt, pants and or dress that is colour co-ordinated and that will take me anywhere. The pieces must be interchangeable and wearable with shirts and tees, flats or heels. My rule is one pair of heels and one pair of ballet flats - this footwear can take me from day to night, from appointment to party. My alternative handbag other than the Longchamp is a small clutch that fits my phone, a credit card and cash. In winter I add a couple of cashmere sweaters, in summer extra tee shirts. Two silk scarves, some Aurélie Bidermann jewellery to glam up the night time and that's it...I'm done. I have the trench-coat for wind, rain and cold and the converse if I am walking miles. It is not the most exciting or varied of wardrobes but it works well for business trips and those holidays that are on the move and about the sightseeing.

What would the French girl think of my packing tips? I am not sure I should ask... I suspect she would think them all about work and nothing about play....xv

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