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Not many of us can remember way back to the days when commercial flying was a dress-up affair. I can recall seeing news footage and publicity photos of glamorous Hollywood couples in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, all ready for their close-ups, as they emerged from their flights.

They could have been just arriving in Hollywood on a flight from London. Dashing Laurence Olivier was in a snappy grey fedora, camel's hair coat, suit and tie. The lovely Vivien Leigh ascended the metal stairway in a slithery dress, silk stockings and high heels. It was almost a requirement for a major woman movie star to be draped in a large, furry animal skin that today would drive PETA people absolutely nuts. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Ms. Leigh's Lily Dach hat was topped by a dozen fluffy feathers plucked from the tail of a now-extinct tropical bird?

Such famous celebrities never had to worry about paying extra for their checked bags. And, of course, it was absolutely essential for them to travel with at least a dozen of them, all stylishly matched leathers, of course. Did they have wheels on their bags? Who needs wheels when you have a squad of porters to lug your luggage around the airport and into your stretch limo?

Today's travelers are just a wee bit less formal in our outfits in the air and on the road than those icons of the silver screen. Of course, we are, and we prefer practicality over style. For the day of the trip, comforable clothing and shoes are an absolute must. If you'll be on a long flight or train journey, a pair of soft slippers can help your feet get some needed rest. A large, loose-fitting coat can serve as a mini-tent, blanket and/or pillow.

One trick members of our family practice is to wear our oldest clothes on travel days. When we'll be away from home for a week or more, we take our most ragged underwear, shirts, pants and other ready-to-toss items. Then, throughout our trip we wear each of them for one day and put them into the trash that night. In that way, on our return trip we have enough room in our bags for souvenirs, gifts and any other new purchases we've made.

Another essential for traveling day outfits is a cap with a visor or a sleep mask. It can blot out light and it will allow you to snooze as the miles go by. Along with keeping unwanted glare away from your eyes, take along a pair of noise-reducing earphones to mute unwanted sounds. If you prefer, your earphones can be attached to a portable CD player or other music devices for your own private concert.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
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