This week on our dedicated travel podcast, the travel team launch an exciting new Packing Series to help you pack smarter, travel lighter and say goodbye to any luggage-related woes you might come up against when packing. For the first episode of the new series, Stephen Scourfield, Penny Thomas and Megan French discuss their packing essentials for long-haul flights, and the practical tips they've learned during their travels. Throughout the show, Stephen explains why ultra long-haul flights — like Qantas’ new direct Perth to Paris route and Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flight between Singapore to New York — are on the rise.  We also hear about the one item Stephen thinks is a game changer for people prone to back pain, and we get his thoughts on jet-lag.  Megan shares a comprehensive list of all the items she takes in her carry-on bag for longer journeys. While Penny tells us about the travel mishaps she’s endured during a long-haul flight. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.