There was a time when I would have packed the heels and left the down jacket behind. However, I’ve learned a few things over the years and have wised up just a bit. For example, I am going on a trip close to the North Pole and while the ship has a few formal nights I’m no longer of the age where I could impress anyone. Comfort now wins every time.

I pack everything in carry-on luggage only. There are too many opportunities to have my luggage lost if I check it. I fly one airline to France and then another to Longyearbyen . There is a slim chance that my suitcase would catch up with me before I embarked. Wearing the same track suit for 7 nights might indeed “leave a mark”.