Packing is a challenge for most of us. But imagine squeezing in several spangly costumes and ice skates.
Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medal champion ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White, who have skated together since 1997, when she was 9 and he was 8, have got it down. Good thing. With skating shows and appearances all over the world, they aren’t even aware of how many travel miles they’ve logged. Except they know they have achieved platinum status on Delta Airlines (at least 4 million miles).
This year they’ve made a couple of trips to Japan; a first-time visit to Hawaii, where they skated with Kristi Yamaguchi in “Golden Moments”; and a trip to Italy, in addition to engagements all over the U.S. The two were in the “Stars on Ice” tour, and Davis just wrapped up a gig in “Sway: A Dance Trilogy” in Miami, with a cast that included an appearance with her 18th season “Dancing With the Stars” winning partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy at the “Sway” show in Miami.
Reached by phone in New York, they seem to pretty much roll like most of us — they dress for ease and like creature comforts on the road. It’s not all about packing efficiently, necessarily, though they do have techniques for that. But it’s also about taking bits of home to feel comfortable on the road.
Q: Let’s talk travel outfits.
White: I wear sweatpants and the least fashionable bright green hoodie. It’s like being wrapped in a warm embrace. And basic tennis shoes — Nikes. Being comfortable is very important, especially if you’re sitting in the same spot 14 to 16 hours.
Davis: My mom recently picked up this long, cozy flannel dress. It’s basically like a robe. I stick it in a suitcase and change as soon as I’m in the air. Nikes. And I like to wear a knit hat. I pull it over my face when I’m sleeping.
Q: Besides “very long skating bags,” what’s the go-to traveler?
White: The largest hard-side (luggage) created. One of my birthday presents is a Tumi bag. My wife (Canadian-American ice dancer Tanith Belbin White) had one, and I got jealous.
Davis: Hard-sided —Tumi. My smaller carry-on is Vera Bradley. (Davis recently launched a collection of handbags and scarves she designed for the Vera Bradley brand.)
One more thing: They bring their own mattresses. The two are spokespeople for Travel airweave, a Japanese mattress cover company that has partnered with the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Davis: I like to get a good night’s sleep. Getting rest is the most important thing, since travel can be exhausting. I roll (the airweave) on top of the bed in the hotel.
White: Sometimes I’ll forget using a pillow and fold up the end a bit. Or I use a blanket and build up a little nest for my head.
Davis: I like to use as many pillows as possible — one on top of the other. And one at my feet. Before I go to bed, I sit up and answer emails.
Q: Toiletries?
Davis: Always face wash (Neutrogena), shampoo and hair spray (Pantene products) — I’m afraid I’ll run out. Dove lotion; I have really dry skin. Perfume from Jo Malone (Peony & Blush Suede). Lots of hair screws — I twist them together for when my hair is up in a bun. And a makeup bag full of Dior, Stella and Kimiko beauty.
White: My hair is shorter these days (remember those signature voluminous curls?), so just shampoo and conditioner. But I do have a fancy Gillette razor that vibrates for a really close shave. I always struggle to not cut myself — that’s embarrassing when on camera. And my contacts solution.
Q: Any special clothes?
Davis: I love airy dresses for spring/summer and cozy boots and leggings and chunky sweaters in the colder months. I always take way more than I need, because I don’t know what we’re doing. Dinners out. Sightseeing. Good thing about that, half are clean when I return home.
White: Over the years, I’ve learned to think ahead. So I don’t bring brown dress shoes with a black suit. Of course, jeans. Safe bet. Good skating pants. Comfortable and casual.
Q: Any packing tricks?
White: Actually, I created my own rolling process that seems to work pretty well.
Davis: Also rolling, in my amazing suitcase with lots of pockets. But even if I don’t buy anything, the same amount of stuff doesn’t seem to fit in. I have to jump on the suitcase to make it close.
Q: Overweight charges?
Davis: Oh, yes, we’ve paid anywhere from $25 to $100.
Q: What do you pack that makes you feel at home on the road?
White: My Microsoft Surface Pro — my media — so I don’t get bored. It’s amazing. If it’s between that and my clothes, I still may pick it.
Davis: Little things. Candles — like the (citrusy) volcano candle by Capri Blue from Anthropologie, which I burn at my house all the time. It makes me feel more homey. Food — like granola bars.
Q: Cool shades?
White: Usually I’m wearing regular glasses — but ISO Polo in black tortoise frames.
Davis: Chanel — definitely an investment. But I really love them and pretty much wear them all the time.
Q: And that fab Ralph Lauren Olympic gear?
White: Someone recently asked if I wear my Olympic gear at home. Yes! Sweaters. Fleeces. Winter hats and boots. We really earned it. And they’re warm and fuzzy.
Elaine Markoutsas is a freelance reporter.
