What I Pack: Melissa Harris

Melissa Harris. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

Heavy, but in a small suitcase. My rule of thumb is if you can't carry it, you've probably packed too much stuff.

Cattle or first class?

Cattle. Long after the trip you forget the flight, but you'll never forget the experiences you had.

I can't travel without ...

Bose noise-cancelling headphones are the best travel gadget I have ever come across. They block out just about everything, including screaming babies and noisy snorers. I couldn't be without them on a long flight.

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

A hand-drawn black and white rendition of Venice's landscape that I was lucky enough to watch being drawn. And friends - now I have places to stay for free all over the world.

Most memorable trip?

When I was 18, I flew overseas to live in America. It was the first time that I had travelled that far alone and I had nothing solid planned for when I arrived and very little money. The experience was life-changing - it pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to try new things. I've been hooked on travel ever since.

What do you do while on the plane?

The first thing I do is set my watch to the destination time, which helps avoid jetlag. You'll also find me with my head in a map or reading a guide book researching the "must do's" for a new destination. Although, I have also been known to unexpectedly fall asleep with a mouthful of food after taking sleeping pills. Not a good look!

Melissa Harris is the marketing manager at Adventure World.