What I pack: Cameron Leslie

Do you travel light or heavy?

Light.

Cattle or first class?

Whatever is booked by Paralympics NZ, usually cattle though.

I can't travel without...
My laptop. Sports trips have a lot of downtime so you need the entertainment.

What type of suitcase do you carry?

Depending on the length of the trip it'll be either a small, knee-high suitcase or a massive hip-height one. Usually a knee-high one because I've got packing down to an art now days.

What's always in your hand luggage?

Headphones. Travelling with your own set of headphones makes a huge difference. Oh and my passport.

Are you a planner or last-minute packer?

Bit of both. I'll plan what I need and put things aside in the weeks leading up but won't throw it in a bag until the day before usually.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

A Paralympic gold medal from the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

Singapore airport because it has showers to use during a stopover. And the wide variety of duty-free shopping.

Best packing tip?

Put things aside in the weeks leading up to your departure as when it comes time to pack you will have probably forgotten. If you have your suitcase in the cupboard just throw the items straight into it and pack it properly when you pack your clothes and other staple items.

Most memorable trip?

Thailand last year with a couple of mates from wheelchair rugby. Incredibly relaxing yet exciting and action-packed if you wanted it to be, going from relaxing by the pool to partying in the city where street market stalls were selling knuckle dusters and knives.

What do you do while on a plane?

Write emails so that when I land and have internet I'm all up to date. Also it's a great chance to watch movies you've been meaning to for a while.

* Cameron Leslie represents New Zealand in swimming at the Paralympics which run from Sunday to September 9.