It's in the bag

THE average carry-on bag is not something to be lost lightly. According to a survey from Hotels.com such pieces of luggage contain 12 items on average, with a combined cost of almost 1,500 ($2,340). They are:

Apple iPad 699
BlackBerry Torch 9800 464.95
Moleskine ruled notebook 15.00
Travel pillow 5.99
Mont Blanc Rollerball pen 230
Adaptor plug 3.99
The Economist [yes indeed] 2.00
Colgate Total Toothpaste 1.45
Oral B toothbrush 2.99
Sure roll-on deodorant 1.69
Marks & Spencer pure cotton non-iron shirt 25
Marks & Spencer lambswool socks 10
Total: 1,462.06

If the average business traveller has a Mont Blanc Rollerball (as opposed to a biro from the stationery cupboard), then things really are looking up. Compared with this selection, Gulliver's carry-on has more by way of underwear, rather less by way of pen.