What I Pack: Danielle Cormack

Danielle Cormack. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

Heavy on the lightness.

I can't travel without...

For years it has been my personally engraved Leatherman (pocketknife), but now it can only travel with me if I'm checking my luggage - which I seldom do.

What type of suitcase do you carry?

A black tote bag that was given to me by the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross. Small enough for cabin, big enough for all my clothes.

What's always in your hand luggage?

All my luggage. And it is now imperative that I have a bottle of drink at Auckland Airport. I like the sci-fi looking bottle.

Are you a planner or last-minute packer?

Still packing while taxi is waiting.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

Two big bags of mint-condition vintage clothing that were sitting outside a store in the East Village, New York. The store was closing down and they were throwing out bags of clothes. I hailed a cab and threw in the bags before getting chased away, as it was illegal to go through the "rubbish". I arrived back in Aotearoa with a whole new wardrobe, without spending a cent.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

Bangkok, because it means that I will be heading to one of the islands for great food, fine beaches, affordable accomodation and utter relaxation.

Most memorable trip?

Vietnam. I have just returned from visiting all the communes that Childfund NZ supports. All the children and their families I met were truly inspiring - courageous, resilient and hard-working.

What do you do while on the plane?

Usually have some work to do but end up watching movies. I always cry watching inflight movies. Is it something to do with the altitude?

* Danielle Cormack plays the main character in Top Girls, at Q Theatre, February 23-March 17. Tickets $25-$59, qtheatre.co.nz/top-girls.