There's lots to unpack here

Movies make travelling light seem effortless. But with a little adjustment, you can learn to let go of stuff you don't need

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

There are many things that are completely unrealistic about movies and TV shows: How the hero/heroine always finds a cab cruising by conveniently when they need to follow someone; how all the women wake up with perfect hair; how the children never ever get truly messed up no matter how long they play in the garden.

But the one thing that strikes me as most unrealistic of all is when I see people packing to go on vacation. Without fail, they take one small wheelie bag and a tiny carry-on, which in itself is not worthy of comment. But once they get to their destination, they unveil a wardrobe that could not possibly fit into even two large suitcases. They never repeat an outfit; they have matching shoes and bags with every change; they show off more costume jewellery than you can shake a cocktail ring at. And if it is winter, they manage to pack more than one overcoat and a range of jackets, thus defying the very laws of physics.