That’s why these travelers are the leaders of the pack

I enjoyed Alex Golden’s “10 Tips Before You Pack” [Jan. 8]. However, instead of carrying a photocopy of my passport, I make a copy of it and all other important travel documents, including credit cards, and put them on a password-protected thumb drive that can be easily slipped in a purse or pocket. I also put all of this in a cloud-based file as further backup.

Rick Stack

Pacific Palisades

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I very much enjoyed Golden’s article. We just returned from our annual two-week stay in Mexico and followed many of her guidelines.

I have one suggestion that I’ve found to be mutually beneficial. I pack gently used clothing that I wear during our stay and launder frequently, as we stay in a place with a washer and dryer, then leave most of the items with the housekeeper.

This last year’s contributions included two pair of shoes, pajamas, workout togs and casual items. I come home with a much lighter bag and the local women benefit.

I’ve done this for several years and believe it’s a win-win.

Becca Burns

Chatsworth

High time for high tea

Although it would be lovely to take tea in any of the exotic places Rosemary McClure writes about (“Take Tea in High Style,” Jan 8), you don’t have to venture so far from home to enjoy tea in Los Angeles.

I have indulged in scones, dainty cucumber and watercress sandwiches and other delicacies while sipping fine tea in places as disparate as the Chado Tea Room in Little Tokyo and the ornate lobby of the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel downtown . From Pasadena to Beverly Hills, you can enjoy the delicacies without the need of a passport, often overhearing other guests speaking foreign languages.

All this serves to underline the sense that for an afternoon you may well be far from home.

Ruth Kramer Ziony

Los Feliz

May I recommend tea time at London’s Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge? The hotel is small and charming. Service is impeccable.

It’s well situated between two tube stops, and it makes a lovely stop after a day at the Victoria and Albert Museum or shopping at Harrods.

Oh, and the tea service is fabulous. Sweet and savory goodies of the highest quality. Reservations a must. (Check out the beautiful bar while there.)

Amy Huggins

Los Angeles

It pays to be nice

Regarding “A Meal Tray Leftover Led to a Trash Hunt” (Fly Guy, by Elliott Hester, Jan. 8): It never ceases to amaze me how unreasonable people can be.

I have flown more than 1½ million miles, and I find the behavior of some people daunting and rude. I’ve always found that when in a position where the employee in front of me can help me, whether it is their fault or not, the adage of catching flies with honey, not vinegar, works most times.

Even if there is nothing that person can do, why raise both your blood pressures by treating him or her badly?

Paul Brown

Santa Ana

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