What We’re Reading: One Thing You Should Never Pack

This week, we’re reading a lot about packing, but not all of the advice we’re getting is necessarily practical. Here’s the scoop on the hottest travel stories we came across this week.

One Thing You Should Never Pack

According to a story in The New York Times, “people in growing numbers are showing up at airport security checkpoints with guns in their carry-on bags.” In 2011, more than 1,200 firearms were found at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, says The Times. Compare this to five years ago, when the TSA found just 500 firearms at checkpoints. Reporter Joe Sharkey offers an explanation: There has been an increase in “right to carry” gun laws in several states, as well as a recent upsurge in gun sales in the U.S. But, says Sharkey, “Anyone who forgets that he or she is carrying a gun into an airport checkpoint is a knucklehead.” We concur.

Possibly the Most Useless Packing Advice Ever

In more packing news, Travel + Leisure offers advice from Patricia Urquiola, an architect and designer from Miami. Says Urquiola, “The less I pack, the more relaxed I feel.” That makes sense. So what do you pack, Ms. Urquiola?

The designer’s key travel gear includes “a reversible silk and wool scarf by Pierre-Louis Masci” and Prada heels.  Oh, and she never forgets her Rolex watch, noting “Telling time using my cell phone just isn’t as reliable.” Thanks for the tips, Urquiola. We will remember to pack our Rolexes and Prada shoes next to our diamond-incrusted inflatable travel neck pillows the next time we travel.

Want some useful packing advice for the 99 percent? Check out  10 Things to Pack That Will Save You Money.

Billionaire Doesn’t Tip, Makes Headlines

The Telegraph reported that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg didn’t leave a tip at a restaurant on his vacation on Rome. A billionaire didn’t leave a tip? How appalling! Let us gather our pitchforks and torches!

But hang on just a minute. According to travel expert Rick Steves, tipping isn’t obligatory in Italy in the same way it is in the U.S.  So Zuckerberg was just following that old “when in Rome” adage. Why is this news again?  

Should Zuckerberg have left a tip? Share your thoughts in the comments.