296. Efficient packing

One (possibly the only) good thing about budget air travel is that one small bag forces you to pack efficiently. There's that great scene at the beginning of 'Up in the Air' in which Gorgeous George is packing to go on another of his trips and everything is immaculately pressed and he only takes what is necessary and it fits perfectly into one small, wheelie suitcase. Twice, recently, I have tried to emulate his efficiency, with pleasing results - although I wasn't going away for very long! And I am helped enormously by my rucksack in a pouch, bought for me by my genius mother-in law. Because the real trick is not remembering to travel light, it's making sure that your things are stored in the best places to help you move through your journey with the greatest speed. So the clear pouch with the toiletries goes inside the case but into the separate liner in the lid, so the whole case doesn't have to be opened at security. Kindle, paper, notebook, pen, lip salve, hand cream etc goes in the front pocket of the case. Passport, wallet, boarding card, phone go into coat pocket, which can be closed by way of poppers or zip. Shoes are easy to get on and off. You'll feel so smug while all the others are waddling about holding up their trousers or trying to get their knee-high lace-up boots back on while 300 impatient travellers zap them with their eyeball lasers. And then you'll get to the front of the queue for the plane/taxi/bus and you'll be so smug you'll probably spontaneously combust. But it will have been worth it.