International Travel Tip #4: FLATS, LADIES!

 When I was coming home from Rwanda, a security woman in the Belgian airport almost called the security dogs on me, because she couldn't possibly believe that I had two weeks of clothes, shoes, and unmentionables in a tiny rolley bag and backpack. If she'd realized half the backpack is a camera and lenses, she would have been all the more shocked, no doubt. I got a more favorable review of my light packing genius from a male friend who said I should teach classes....specifically to his wife.

So here's a tip for the ladies on packing light: Flats. This may sound dumb or obvious, but heels just do not pack well. There is no way to squeeze anything around them efficiently enough to make them worth bringing. The shape is as impractical for packing as it is for, well, walking.

Now, I am a massive fan of heels, and when flats started becoming popular again I swore I wouldn't wear them. I even wore heels the year I was writing my last book-- a time I didn't get haircuts, wear much makeup or wear a single dress if memory serves. Once I was clomping into brunch with Jay Adelson wearing my favorite black heels and a homeless woman stopped me and said "Are those actually comfortable?" "What do you think?" I answered. They weren't comfortable. But sleek black heels have always made me feel like I could take on the world.

Oh well. At least there are a bevvy of cute flats on the market. I only take one pair per trip and swap them out each time so I don't feel dowdy.

That's right, I have become a full-on flats convert with this book. Well, almost. I keep packing one pair of Tory Burch shoes just for when I want that heels boost. But it's a sacrifice. Look how much more room they take up!

I told them they could come on one last trip to London, but it's all flats to Brazil!