Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Better safe than sorry
|
While women are scoffed at for overloaded suitcases, men seem to forget even essential items needed for a journey
|
BAGS AND MORE BAGS Women are known to pack for every eventuality
Men have always been bemused by the amount of clothes women pack into their suitcases, be it an official or pleasure trip. And it has also been confirmed by a random survey that a good portion of the items in the suitcase may not even be used during the journey. Most of the couples end up fighting over this issue ever so often. But this can be attributed to the fact that women are planning for every eventuality. They also think it is better to be safe than sorry, whereas men do things on the spur of the moment.
In comparison, men underdo their packing. A majority of them admit to have forgotten to pack even essential items such as socks, toothbrush, razor, and tie while going on a trip. The contributing factor is that women spend a considerable amount of time deciding and packing. Most women make a list or a memory list of what they should pack at least five days before they leave. Whereas men don't even think of it till a couple of hours before a journey. But most of the men get their suitcases packed by another female family member.
"I always make a list of things before packing but most of the items are fed in my memory and are the routine things. I end up doing a lot of shopping before setting out. Once at the destination, shopping only resumes. Invariably I pick up a fight with my husband on the return journey, as we end up buying an extra suitcase to bring the entire luggage back," says Smitha Joseph.
Extra suitcase
A good number of women admitted to packing extra clothes and that they would come back without having used them. This means an extra suitcase. Whereas men have a history of even forgetting important files and documents and later calling home to thank their wives for couriering them. Men say it is easier to buy clothes or use the laundry service of the hotel. But when you are travelling in expensive countries, it is not financially feasible to buy clothes at random and use the hotel laundry where you would end up paying the price of a dozen underwear just to launder one.
"My wife packs at least six pairs of slippers for every tour of which three come back unused. All the six pairs have to be specially packed. And she would buy another three-four pairs on her shopping spree which she would refuse to wear while abroad. I think it would be practical if she took just one good pair along with a pair of walking shoes and then used the new footwear she bought on the tour," says Feroz Ahmed about his wife's luggage.
If you are on a pleasure trip to a beach resort and the resort organises a cocktail party, you will be surprised to find your female companion turning up in an apt outfit from her suitcase whereas you will just have shorts, T-shirt and cap. Women are natural planners and do not like to be surprised with regard to dress code.
"I have difficulty in deciding what I might want to wear once I reach my destination. So I pack a variety that I can choose from. If I am visiting relatives I make sure I pack salwar kameezes. Usually my husband ends up buying things on the first day itself as the indispensable items have been conveniently forgotten at home. Toiletries occupy a good amount of space in the valise. I do not wear what I buy on the same trip as I like to bring it back as new so that I could flaunt it before my friends and relatives," says Sajna Feroz
Some men have even had the experience of washing a pair of socks or underwear in the washbasin of the hotel room.
But it is official that women pack more for a trip than men do.
JESSINA ABOOBACKER
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
|
