Casey’s secrets revealed

With a whip of the zip, Casey’s secrets are revealed.

Yes, the lid of my faithful suitcase is flopped open for his guests at Coffee with Casey, our event at the Pagoda Resort and Spa in Como last week.

Guests were served a splendid morning tea on a tiered stand — the table-clothed tables laid out with pretty cups, saucers and plates. Some had stayed overnight, and made a real outing of it.

And Casey had invited me, Leyanne Baillie, Christine Sutherland and his carry-on colleague Justin (Case) along.

And our sellout of more than 100 guests are given comprehensive notes listing what I carry in Casey.

For example, there are Pacsafe locks with a cable that extends. The big ones are particularly useful on trains, when your seat is a long way from the luggage racks. The small ones are useful for camera bags at street cafes.

His toolkit includes Kintsuglue, which forms into plastic and is handy for repairs.

And his first aid kit includes F size tubular bandage and EDP powder.

There’s a DJI Nero drone, in a Decor 900ml flat plastic container.

Oh, and there’s a travel mug with Yorkshire tea bags (my luxury).

That’s just the tip of the iceberg — but despite all that, Casey weighs in at 18kg, fully laden, as his contents have been fine-tuned by me over decades of hard travelling.

Over two hours, packing and general travel subjects were discussed — and lots of questions answered.

Thanks to all who came, and to our friends at Pagoda Resort and Spa.

There will be more West Travel Club events soon.