The evidence The travel writer's hand luggage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Simon Calder is travel editor of `The Independent' and presenter on BBC1's `The Travel Show'
"I have taken my bike (1) as hand luggage several times, although it usually ends up in the hold and gets put on the wrong flight on a regular basis. Flights often go horribly wrong so I keep my schedule guide (2) with me at all times. It's a bit trainspotterish but incredibly useful. The joyous thing about my job is that I get to go to very interesting places and meet people with all sorts of intriguing views, which I record with my Minidisc (3). I always carry my upgrade tie (4) so I can look like a member of the fare-paying public. I first went to Cuba 10 years ago and noticed there was no guidebook, so I wrote one (5). I always carry dollars in my wallet (6) as almost every country knows how much their currency is worth in dollars. I bought my laptop (7) in Chicago two years ago. The man said I could drop it out of a window and it would escape unharmed - I've done the equivalent and it's still OK. I always bring my radio (8) as the BBC World Service is a great solace. They often know what's going on in strange parts of the world better than local sources."
Interview by Aoife O'Riordain
Photograph by Darren Regnier
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments