What I Pack: Ray Columbus

Ray Columbus. Photo / Dean Purcell

Do you travel light or heavy?

Prefer light. Depends where I'm going and who with ... if with Linda, my wife, she always likes to be prepared for anything.

Cattle or first class?

I've done it all. First, business, cattle - mostly the latter as I age. When a board member or entertainer, it is the first two most likely. I love it all.

I can't travel without ...

My iPad.

What type of suitcase do you carry?

Suit bag, strong pullman type and smaller carry-on.

What's always in your hand luggage?

Meds, notepaper, reading material and a shaver.

Are you a planner or last-minute packer?

Usually a planner ... been doing it so long now.

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

Mostly clothes! Clothes that I am certain I will never see anyone else wearing. For stage or personal.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

Returning home to Auckland. Always a pleasure.

Best packing tip?

Too many clothes? Roll them up, it takes less room.

Most memorable trip?

Honeymoon with Linda - LA, New York, New Orleans, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, San Francisco and home to Auckland. Snow on Christmas Day in New York ... special.

* Ray Columbus has just released a biography, Ray Columbus: The Modfather - The Life and Times of a Rock'n' Roll Pioneer ($42, published by Penguin)