Flying Fly
My impromptu dressing-for-travel-guide.
On Boxing Day (December 26th) I charged myself with cranking out one more newsletter before the year’s end. Today I sit with an empty suitcase in front of me, staring down the barrel of my deadline. Call it laziness, call it efficiency, but while I pack for my return to Montreal, let’s get two birds stoned at once. 2024 has been the most travel-heavy year of my life. Before the day is done, I’ll have taken my 30th flight of the year and choked out at least one penguin (sorry). Throughout the year my travel anxiety has slowly melted into apathy, giving me time to nitpick over details that can make my airport endeavours smoother. Be it outfit choice, travel accessories, packing order, or wardrobe configuration, I’m going to detail my most useful travel tips I’ve amassed over the past year.
Airport Outfitting:
To start off, I’m going to run through a few different outfitting principles I like to follow in my travels. Starting from the bottom up, rubber soled shoes are ideal, as a lot of different airport security protocols let you keep shoes on if the soles are rubberized. Generally I avoid boots altogether, unless I’m travelling in the winter (as I’d rather wear my bulkiest shoes rather than let them take up space in my luggage). Whether they’re boots or shoes, the best pairs to wear will be comfortable, breathable, AND have some form of quick lacing closure incase security asks you to remove your shoes. This could be BOA, speed-hooks, slip-ons/loafers, cinches, or even velcro. For socks, something breathable and not too hot. American Trench makes some solid options, I do also like William Ellery’s rec socks for travel (wearing them right now).