Choice of luggage is important to me because I rarely ever check a bag. So I carry a Samsonite luggage set—an over-the-shoulder tote that fits neatly on top of a harder bag on wheels with a pull-up handle. On the plane, I put the wheely bag in the overhead compartment and the tote under the seat in front of me.

If I’m carrying my laptop, I forgo the tote and use my backpack instead, the LapPak by Respect. It is stylish, ergonomic, can act as a lap desk if I need it, has a removable wrist rest, and doesn’t look like a computer bag, which is safer at airports.

When I arrive at the airport, I avoid checking in at the counter because I usually book with an E-ticket or Electronic ticket, which means I can go straight to the gate.

On the way to the gate, I always stop by a magazine stand or gift shop for the following must-have items:

1. Two to three current magazines that I don’t subscribe to which have articles of interest. I usually pick up something like Inc. magazine for work and Us or Latina for entertainment.

2. A pack or two of sugarfree gum (Trident Freshmint is my favorite).

3. A package of crackers with peanut butter in them or peanut brittle (I reason that peanuts are good energy protein snacks).

Note that some airports in certain countries do not sell chewing gum so make sure you have a few pieces in your fanny pack, even if they are old.

Oh, that’s another thing I always bring: a fanny pack so I have quick and easy access to my tickets, identification or passport, cash and Palm Pilot with contact info. I never carry a purse so either things are in my luggage or in my fanny pack.

If I have to check a bag, I make sure all essentials are in the carry on bag in case my luggage gets sent to another part of the universe.