I travel as an author about 12 times a year: overnight jaunts, long weekends, week+ writing retreats and 2-4 wk international jaunts. In addition, I travel to visit friends and family (generally longer drives and stays of 3-4 days). I didn’t realize how many packing foibles I had developed until the AB and I packed together for Comic Con. The AB is a well traveled beastie, but there were a few moments of shock on that adorable face as I twirled and stuffed, rolled and folded, tucked and pocketed. I whipped out checklists and specialized zipper baggies. I produced shoe holders and book sock strategies. Items were shelled in sequences by weight, fragiles inside shoes and other odd occurrences.

Quick Pick – My 14 Favorite author tech bits for travel

1. Roost – to be ergonomic on the go I use the original roost, there are lots of knock offs now but my first gen original is still going strong
2. Wired keyboard – I suggest wired over wireless because without the batteries it’s smaller and easier to pack (this and the above travel together inside a neoprene case)
3. Wired micro mouse – same as above to pack as small as possible no batteries
4. Thin mock-leather computer sleeve that is also a mousepad
5. Travel power strip – plug set up for writing retreats and international travel
6. Universal power adaptor – speaking of international travel, one universal converter and the above plug combo works for all my needs
7. If I’m working on a project but not taking my computer I use my iPad + a wireless rechargeable keyboard + Scrivener for iOS
8. USB octopus (and other tech adaptors)
9. Long all port USB cord
10. Earbuds – wired & wireless
11. Tech travel accessory bag that drapes over the seat back & has buckle
12. The beast backup battery (for longer trips) can charge itself and others while plugged in, but for short trips I just have a lipstick charger
13. Rechargeable wireless clicker for presentations
14. The squid (USB drive) loaded with the presentation to transfer to on site computer if the one at the hotel/convention center is refusing to talk to my Mac

And no, I thought I might share some packing tips with you Gentle Reader.

Packing Tips & Luggage

I have a lot of luggage, and if you don’t travel as much as I do you probably don’t need it all, but here’s what I keep on hand.

1.) 3 piece cheap rolly set

Mine are grey pinstripe I purchased at Ross for c. $30 each. I suggest buying an actual matching set (thus they shell into one into the other for storage) and NOT BLACK (easier to spot on the conveyer belt). I don’t believe in shelling out for expensive luggage unless I’m after specific features ~ it’s bound to get destroyed in transit eventually. Also, while avoiding black I also avoid pale colors ~ they get dirty fast. I go for plastic-ish lining or simulated leather outer, to protect my stuff from moisture.

Small
The small is my least used because I already own one of a similar size from my archeology days. Stefano is a black (I KNOW) Eagle Creek that converts into various different backpacks but is also a rolly. By far the most useful and adaptable piece of luggage I have ever owned. Not pretty, but if you only get one, this is the one I suggest.

Thus, the times when I do use the small grey are when I want to take two small cases because one is for events only and will, essentially, go into storage for half the trip. I did this when I went to New Zealand and Australia. It isn’t ideal, as it’s hard to pull two rollies at once. Ones that stack are better.

Medium
I use the medium for most events where I’m not going to carry-on only. It holds just the right amount of shoes along with one hatbox.

Large
The large I use mostly for steampunk events, because I tend to have big boots, multiple hat boxes, and floofy skirts. Also, I don’t like to crush my gowns. However, I have to make certain not to pack it too heavy or I have an overweight fee. I prefer a hard sided spinny for this case these days. It’s durable and waterproof and just satisfies all my needs. I only check a bag once or twice a year.

2.) The perfect carry-on set
Years spent hunting and I finally settled on this burgundy basket weave set, again cheap from Ross. It’s not ideal, but it does the job admirably.

• Both are semi waterproof.
• The tote stacks on the rolly for running through airports.
• Both have “handle sleeves” on the back so that when I meet up with my checked suitcase the carry-on rolly can stacked on it and the tote thrown over my shoulder.
• I suggest tote/carry-on/both with outside pockets for toiletries and computer, if possible, for easy access at security. However, outer computer pockets can be dangerous when bag is banged.
• Bonus points for a shoulder strap on both, see later major tips.
• Both should have a zipper top for security. No flaps.
• I tend to pack one with all the things I’ll need during the flight and the other with all the things I can’t live without once I land. Thus the second can go safe up in overhead for the duration.

Carry-on Rolly

• The carry-on rolly design is a matter of preference. Mine is a wide, rather than tall, with tons of pockets both inside and out. I went with squat for stacking reasons, but it means I can’t roll it through plane isles ~ a bit annoying.
• Some way to strap a jacket to the top is good.
• I use outer pockets for weather-safe needs: umbrella, gloves, hat, scarf and the like. This also adds outer padding.

Tote 

• I require a tote big enough for my purse, reading material, and food plus any extra items like a head pillow.
• I prefer a tote that has some shock resistance and structure to protect my computer, but I’ve sacrificed that because this one is so very big and floppy. Deceptively big. We like that.
• One strap is better than two, grippy leather-like material is better than slippery.
• I’ve since upgraded from the above the a pet carrier tote that has everything I desire. Despite Lilliput’s feels on the matter it is not actually used to carry my pet.

Major tip:
When checking in or boarding I make certain to shell everything: pillow (don’t latch it on the outside of bag), purse in tote, and any other items like computer tucked away. Also, if it doesn’t fit in either bag, I wear my jacket and scarf no matter how hot. I want to look like everything is in place and that I really only have two carry-on items. These days I can’t tell you haw many times I’ve seen people stopped while boarding to have items taken away.

Even more major tip:
I PICK UP AND CARRY my rolly as I stand in line to board the plane. I shoulder my tote firmly under the opposite arm. Psychologically, these items look smaller and lighter if I am carrying them. Ergo, they are much less likely to be taken away from me. I also keep a neutral face, if I look weighed down, authorities will be suspicious.

3.) Modular packing
In addition to all the pockets in various suitcases, I’m a believer in keeping everything else modular as well. I picked up this set of clear purple zipper tops, 13 different sizes, from Marshalls for $10. I find them endlessly useful.

If you have very valuable jewelry I suggest a proper jewelry roll, but mine is all costume so I just pop it in a baggie or two. To keep necklaces from tangling I’ll wrap them in tissue paper twists. Then I put the baggie in a sock, down the toe of a shoe, or in the center of my clothing roll for protection.

I also like to use the largest baggie for my itinerary and magazine and class notes to review on the plane. I find it works better than a folder, nothing falls out.

Makeup
I have a hanging roll. I got it free with a magazine in England some 25 years ago and I will be CRUSHED when it finally dies. Most of my makeup lives in this at all times. It hangs in my bathroom at home, rolls up, travels, and then hangs in the hotel room once I land. The hanging feature is invaluable. Before flying I remove all liquids (like base) and put into my toiletry kit. Everything that remains is solids, that way I don’t have to worry about taking it out at security. So far no TSA has every asked me to unroll it. All about vintage make for travel here.

Toiletries
I have three kits: long haul, on-plane, and short haul.

• The black long haul stands up on its own, great for hotels, and gets wrapped in a plastic bag inside my checked luggage, so it doesn’t have to be clear. The others are for carry-on.
• The littlest one is for on-plane long flights when the long haul toiletry is already checked. It is comprised mainly of solid state products and sample products in tiny packages so it gets through security without having to be removed. But it’s clear just in case. Eye drops and and chapstick are a must.
• The larger clear bag, for weekend short haul trips, does have to be taken out at security, so it lives in the outside pocket of my tote for ease of access.

Emergency kit
Here’s a blog I did on what to take to conventions. This includes what I mean by “emergency kit.” This always goes in the carry-on.

4.) Author related items

I have a leather envelope bag for panels that is long enough to hold everything, but if I’m traveling carry-on I don’t often take it. It’s decorated with an bike brake for a steampunk look but gets suspicious looks at TSA. I had a employee put the strap on for me back in my leather working days.. I also tend to bring my own name tent. It’s just easier.

Standies

Fortunately for me, Orbit kindly sends me completed cover art proofs, without the pages, which I can use as standies at events. They are light, pack easily, travel well, and don’t get stollen. Although my Soulless one is currently missing.

The Creature

I have a cannibalized “creature” reading copy. Which is all the sections of my various books that I like to read out loud, glued into a Frankenstein’s monster book. Ugly, but useful and there’s the weight issue when traveling to consider. This is way better than carrying 8 books! (FYI I no longer read at conventions but I’m keeping this here in case it will help future authors who do.) 

5.) Clothing

Shoes

Generally I don’t believe in adding weight except when strictly necessary but I do think shoes need to go into bags or pockets, unless they are heels I know I’ll only wear inside. This is to keep other things, including the bag itself, from getting dirty. My pin stripe set came with shoe bags so I use those, but a plastic bag works too. Shoes are one of my heaviest things so they go near the bottom/back of any case.

Garments

I roll most of my clothing in logs with a scarf like so:

I’ve had some questions on packing hats. If I can’t use and hat box for space reasons, I shell the hats into the biggest and softest, fill them with stiffer items, like bras and such, and then use the wrap method with a smaller scarf as above.

Wrapping items in scarves has the added bonus of offering a token protection in case one’s burrito leaks (see bellow)

When I’m doing a carry-on only trip the roll of garments goes in my big floppy tote, because it’s longer than my rolly can take. And then I fill the rolly with all the heavier bulky items like shoes, makeup, books etc…

I have also taken to using packing cubes for longer journeys and check luggage.

The Tote Read to Fly

Includes my purse, a magazine, and the roll of clothing.

The Carry-on Rolly Read to Fly

The clothing roll is on the bottom net to shoes. Everything in its place and a place for everything. Room to transfer the toiletries in once I’ve cleared TSA. Water bottle will then take its place in outer pocket. This bag is still awaiting computer, computer kit, and food. But otherwise it’s ready.

Usually it takes me about an hour to pack. Time well spent, if you ask me. It’s taken me three times that to do this blog post!

What to wear to fly?

• These days, I choose clothing that has no metal or applied thicknesses to it.
• No belts (not even cloth ones), no shirts with embellishments, no large jewelry ~ some machines alarm at thicknesses as well as metal, so I avoid it all. I often opt for a sports bra instead of one with underwire. I never know what excuse TSA will find to pat me down.
• I tend to travel in wide-legged cotton stretch trousers that don’t wrinkle easily but still look formal
• Close-toed slip-on flats with socks I don’t mind getting dirty
• A nice jersey blouse.
• No jewelry.
• A light jacket with pockets
• Extra sweater, lightweight, cashmere, within reach but packed.
• A scarf.
• This outfit morphs if I have to wear something heavy or bulky, like boots or a winter coat, to limit my packing.

Last Thoughts

• I always plan on getting stranded. It happens at least 1/4 of the time. So I take the most vital things for my event and life (extra glasses, itinerary, money, emergency toiletries, make up, medical needs, computer and charging cords, corsets, emergency kit, jewelry) in my carry-on. I also include one full event outfit and extra socks and undies. (When traveling carry-on only this isn’t a problem.)
• I suggest printing out a piece of paper with name address and contact information, plus the words “reward if found” for every piece of luggage and thing of value.
• Food for plane: Good protein is always hard for me to find as I don’t eat a lot of meat, so I like to hard boil eggs to take with. My best plane food is a veggie heavy burrito from (ah hem) Chipotle. I know, but hear me out. I can supervise them making the burrito and get them to do it as dry as possible. I can get lots of veg and beans, no dairy or avocado (goes bad easy), and the fresh salsa (drained as much as possible) and it actually keeps well in the fridge overnight and packs easy for the flight the next morning. It doesn’t matter if it gets squished. And I don’t know about you but one of those suckers feeds me three meals if necessary.
• Drink : I travel with a carbon filter water bottle.

Moar!?

• 10 Convention Packing & Attending Tips for Authors (from a NYT bestseller)
• 10 Best Packing Tips For Authors 
• Here’s a good article on choosing what events to attend.
• And another On the Pros and Cons of Comic Cons
• Primrose’s Packing List for Fashionable Victorian Dirigible Travel
• Victorian Travel Times
• Here’s one of the few YouTube travel hackers I follow, occasionally she has surprise information and tips even I’ve never heard before (and I am a total travel wonk)

Yours (destined to be killed in transit, or at least stuck in Denver),

Miss Gail 

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BOOK DE JOUR!

Probably my most travelly book series is the Custard Protocol, starting with Prudence.