Last minute preparation

What does one do on the day before a huge journey?

Make a packing list, tweak the itinerary after realising that the route you planned on Giggle Maps was via Paris, Texas (see picture) - yes it really does have a cowboy hat on the top.

After years of overpacking we finally succumbed to Sally Kertzman's wise advice - only take 3 socks (you rotate them so each is worn a max of 2 days before being washed); cut off the handle of the toothbrush ( you can just chew the bristles); let the air out of the tyres (weight saving); leave your passport at home (they're overrated anyway and loads of people crossed the Channel without them over the last few years); only two pairs of pants (right way and inside out for each = 4 days wear). I even decided to leave my cuddly toy at home this time (weeping and gnashing of teeth sounds).

Off nice and early tomorrow, so keep an eye out on BBC News for the latest. Au revoir.Read more