Packing for a Trans-Pacific trip

Luggage can be a headache for those who will be gone for weeks, even for months. Important considerations must take place, although the ultimate result will vary as we have each our unique preferences. Yet, alone or traveling with a companion, impose discipline on the weight of your luggage. It must not be heavy enough to cause you back pain when you lift it. I know of some relatives and friends who have suffered spinal problems, sprained wrists and the like, when they lugged along a heavy bag during a long trip.

Use a medium size luggage of a well-known brand. You don't want your bag starting to break open in the middle of your journey! (The smallest size should be ideal, but...) Choose the soft as against the hard case, as the latter is already heavy even when empty. Then, what to put in and what to leave out will be the next consideration.

The season at your destination determines the bulk of your luggage. Going into autumn or winter will mean that you will need certain clothing to protect you from the cold. However, the bulky items need not go into your bag. You can carry the overcoat or wind-breaker with you, and put the gloves and scarf into your handbag. Next, invest in long johns and winter underwear with thick socks. You can then use regular sleepwear and do layering when you go outdoors.

Never wear jewelry that you can't afford to lose when on a long trip. If you must bring along jewelry pieces, they must be worn at all times, not placed in your bag. X-ray machines clearly show these items and your check-in luggage may "get lost." That's why I always but costume jewelry that I buy for gifts to relatives and friends back home in my cabin luggage. The x-ray does not identify real or faux jewelry.

Shoes: wear comfortable loafers (when going during summer or spring) or soft boots. Then bring a pair of more formal shoes, for dinners in restaurants. No more. Hence, it is best to be color coordinated in the wardrobe you pack.

Be sure to have a big plastic bag where you can separate your soiled clothes from the clean ones, in case you will not be able to do laundry on schedule.

Now, you are ready for that trans-Pacific trip...bon voyage!

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Something to consider: high speed trains are now being built to connect Asia and Europe. One rail system will soon connect Berlin with Beijing! And from there to India and Pakistan. The Swiss Alps is being bored open to connect Switzerland with Italy.

The new mode of travel within the next decade will be through high speed trains. Air travel may now just be another option in people's travel agenda. Hopefully, carbon emission will be considerably lowered. And the airline luggage restrictions will be a thing of the past...soon!

Train compartments are being designed for the ultimate comfort of the passengers. Luxe dining on board will make train travel the choice for the rich & the famous who dress up for dinner and want to be seen.

Perhaps the orient Express will make a phoenix-like reappearance in all its grandeur....hmmm, Agatha Christie may have a new readership following.

Train ride, anyone?