What I Pack: Hamish McKeich

Hamish McKeich. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

I'd say light but I usually end up with that orange "heavy" sticker on the suitcase. Concert clothes and orchestral scores are the culprits.

Cattle or first class?

Well you know, if I had the choice ... However, given the current financial position of the music industry (and its sponsors), cattle class is usually what's offered these days.

I can't travel without ...

My in-ear monitors, headphone amp and a Frankenstein 160GB iPod.

What's always in your hand luggage?

A small baton at the bottom of my bag. I usually conduct stick-free these days, but I can change my mind at any point.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

I don't find airports exciting, though a favourite is Hong Kong. So much easier in transit than LA, plus around-the-clock yum cha.

Best travel tip?

Don't drink beer unless you have an aisle seat next to the toilet. And always sleep on the plane - take whatever help you may need for that.

Most memorable trip?

Just last year, thanks to a cancelled flight leaving New Zealand for Europe. I finally got to Milan two hours before my first rehearsal day started. Amazingly, it went well.

Hamish McKeich is a conductor who works regularly in Australia and Europe and conducts major orchestras in New Zealand.