What I Pack: Eveline Harvey

Eveline Harvey. Photo / Michael Harvey

Do you travel light or heavy?
My aim is always light, but I invariably pack too many clothes... and shoes.

Cattle or first class?
Generally cattle, though my husband and I splashed out on Air New Zealand's Skycouch seat for our honeymoon.

I can't travel without ...
A credit card and my pounamu necklace.

What type of suitcase do you carry?
Just a common-or-garden travel duffel bag for weekend trips. For longer overseas jaunts, I've got a large Victorinox suitcase or the ever-reliable Kathmandu tramping pack from my OE days - depends on the type of holiday.

What's always in your hand luggage?
A good book, moisturiser and my toothbrush.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
A fabulous blue glass necklace from a market stall in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, and the official print from last year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, featuring a young Jimmy Buffett busking.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?
The first time I flew into London, I was on a night flight heading from Basel, Switzerland to Gatwick. The airport landing itself is nothing to write home about, but flying in over the Thames all lit up in the darkness was quite magical - the city looked serene and beautiful from up there.

Most memorable trip?
In 2004 I was lucky enough to travel to Slovenia, Italy, Hungary and Russia with the NZ Youth Choir. Being a tourist is one thing, but being able to perform concerts in some of the world's most beautiful buildings was something else altogether. It's an experience I'll never forget.

Eveline Harvey is travel editor at nzherald.co.nz.