What I Pack: LeeAnn Yare

LeeAnn Yare. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

My suitcase is only about a quarter full on the way there and on the way home it's virtually overflowing so has to be strapped up!

I can't travel without?

Baby wipes (I do not know how I survived without these magical multipurpose gems pre-babies!), sunglasses, Band-Aid blister block, a non-crush black dress, a pair of my favourite jeans, my GHDs, my faithful black Havaianas and my credit card.

Are you a planner or last-minute packer?

Pretty much last-minute. When you pack your bag multiple times a month you get pretty good at it - I strive to come home from a holiday having worn or used everything I took, which still hasn't happened, so I am yet to reach the perfect pack.

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

Art glass from Murano in Venice and hand-painted ceramics from Portofino in Italy. Oh and a diamond engagement ring from a work trip I tagged along on with my husband (he's also a pilot).

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

From a pilot's perspective, the old Hong Kong Airport - the approach took you right alongside loads of high-rise apartments so it was pretty exciting at night. Queenstown is amazingly beautiful on a gorgeous mid-winter day and I almost had heart palpitations the first time I flew into Adelaide when I saw there was a huge Ikea right next door!

Best travel and packing tip?

Travel insurance, and always always pack whatever essentials you really need in your carry-on.

Most memorable trip?

It would have to be one day last year when I was piloting a regular flight to Brisbane. Before departure, one of the ground staff brought a passenger to see us who asked if he could possibly propose to his girlfriend mid-flight. We hitched a plan together and at 10,900m he took to the PA and made a very romantic proposal to his very surprised girlfriend, to which she said yes.

LeeAnn Yare is a designer on TV2's Trading Houses and an international pilot for Air New Zealand.