Packers (of the suitcase kind)
November 29th 2006 14:08
I’m getting on a plane tomorrow. I’m looking forward to my mini-break (from doing nothing) to Melbourne, I only wish I didn’t have to fly on a germ-infested metal tube to get there. And worst of all, I have to pack. Even though I lived out of a suitcase for all those years, packing for trips was always a huge headache. Unfortunately, there’s no secret formula for successful packing. Everyone has their own system, and amongst hosties I have observed the following types of suitcase packers:
*The obsessive packer arranges, and then rearranges, the contents of their suitcase as early as possible before the flight, according to a carefully devised list. The need to be prepared for all social situations, weather conditions and ailments, places them in a constant state of anxiety.
*The last minute packer factors in luggage packing time when they set their wake-up alarm, so they can pack just before they have to leave home/ the hotel. I preferred to get the extra shut-eye.
*The forgetful packer without fail manages to leave at least one important item at home or in the hotel room. I’ve seen so many hosties go sightseeing in their work trousers or work shoes because of their forgetfulness- not a good look!
*The fashion parader packs a collection of outfits for every occasion (ie.sightseeing, shopping, dinner, clubbing) on a layover. The fashion parader completes each and every ensemble with matching accessories. That’s a lot of crap to bring on a work trip.
*The compartmentaliser puts a pile of shirts in a shopping bag, trousers in a different shopping bag, underwear in another shopping bag, and so on, to create the closest thing to a wardrobe on wheels- hostie style.
*The minimalist packer packs as little as possible because they just can’t be arsed lugging a heavy suitcase around. The days when porters carried everything for hosties are history.
*The 'Playstation' is the only essential item packer never leaves for a layover without his beloved 'Playstation', packed away in his suitcase with TLC. Sad really.
I would have to say I was a combination of the minimalist and obsessive packer. This isn’t as contradictory as it seems, because although I kept my travel belongings to a minimum, I also had a list of Always and Never packing rules, which I followed religiously;
*Always pack Dettol wipes. There are germs lurking around everywhere in a hotel room.
*Always pack makeup- a female hostie without make-up is frightening.
Always make sure the no. of undies you pack= the no. of days of your trip plus 1 back-up pair (in case you get stranded at a destination because of a technical problem with the plane, typhoon, terrorist threat at airport etc. What did you think they were for?)
Never pack any items that would make your face turn the colour of beetroot with embarrassment if ‘customs’ asks you to open your suitcase. Passengers tend to stickybeak if they see a hostie’s bag being inspected, and you do not want them to catch a glimpse of a pair of well-worn, disintegrating knickers as your suitcase is being ransacked by a customs officer who doesn’t know the meaning of discretion.
...Enough procrastination. I’d better get started on the dreaded task of packing. Will return to Orble when I get back (from my trip that is, not from packing).
*The obsessive packer arranges, and then rearranges, the contents of their suitcase as early as possible before the flight, according to a carefully devised list. The need to be prepared for all social situations, weather conditions and ailments, places them in a constant state of anxiety.
*The forgetful packer without fail manages to leave at least one important item at home or in the hotel room. I’ve seen so many hosties go sightseeing in their work trousers or work shoes because of their forgetfulness- not a good look!
*The fashion parader packs a collection of outfits for every occasion (ie.sightseeing, shopping, dinner, clubbing) on a layover. The fashion parader completes each and every ensemble with matching accessories. That’s a lot of crap to bring on a work trip.
*The compartmentaliser puts a pile of shirts in a shopping bag, trousers in a different shopping bag, underwear in another shopping bag, and so on, to create the closest thing to a wardrobe on wheels- hostie style.
*The 'Playstation' is the only essential item packer never leaves for a layover without his beloved 'Playstation', packed away in his suitcase with TLC. Sad really.
I would have to say I was a combination of the minimalist and obsessive packer. This isn’t as contradictory as it seems, because although I kept my travel belongings to a minimum, I also had a list of Always and Never packing rules, which I followed religiously;
*Always pack Dettol wipes. There are germs lurking around everywhere in a hotel room.
*Always pack makeup- a female hostie without make-up is frightening.
Always make sure the no. of undies you pack= the no. of days of your trip plus 1 back-up pair (in case you get stranded at a destination because of a technical problem with the plane, typhoon, terrorist threat at airport etc. What did you think they were for?)
Never pack any items that would make your face turn the colour of beetroot with embarrassment if ‘customs’ asks you to open your suitcase. Passengers tend to stickybeak if they see a hostie’s bag being inspected, and you do not want them to catch a glimpse of a pair of well-worn, disintegrating knickers as your suitcase is being ransacked by a customs officer who doesn’t know the meaning of discretion.
...Enough procrastination. I’d better get started on the dreaded task of packing. Will return to Orble when I get back (from my trip that is, not from packing).
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