From touring nine months a year with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Glenn Allen Sims, a principal dancer, has learned a few things about traveling. To maximize his limited time in a city, he rises early, getting in his sightseeing before rehearsal that afternoon and eating dinner before his performance so he can turn in right after it.

"So you have the greater part of the morning to get out and explore cities," he said. "That’s a good thing."

When he joined the company 18 years ago, though, he followed a slightly different schedule: out all night and sleeping all day.

"That’s how I missed the Berlin Wall," he said with a laugh. "I was too busy clubbing, so when they had the trip, I slept through it."

Recently, Sims shared some of the traveling wisdom he’s accrued. Following are edited excerpts.

QUESTION: What do you pack for your tours?

ANSWER: I stick to a few basics that I can work a variety of ways for a long period of time: a couple of pairs of jeans, long-sleeved Henleys, T-shirts. On the road I wear a plain Thomas Pink white shirt, semi-cutaway collar, along with a navy suit — a navy suit because I can dress the blazer down with a pair of jeans. I bring a pair of loafers, usually my Church’s. A loafer is casual, but it can be dressed up enough to where it is elegant.

Q: I assume you take workout clothing.

A: I’m a Dri-Fit fanatic, whether it’s Under Armour or Nike. That material wicks away the sweat, so you’re not soaked. You can wash that stuff in the hotel sink, with even the hotel shampoo, then hang it, and usually by the next day it’s dry.

Q: What luggage do you use?

A: My mighty big blue — that’s what I call my Delsey trolley case. I like the medium-size one, because with the large and extra-large you feel you need to fill it up. I’ve also invested in the Eagle Creek packing bags. One bag is specifically for my T-shirts and dress shirts, another for my jeans and sweatpants, and a smaller one for my underwear. Everything is compact and neat — I’m a neat freak — but I never leave anything behind because I’ve put everything in compartments. Also it helps me eliminate things. If it’s too big or bulky to fit in one of the bags, then I shouldn’t take it. Instead of a huge cable-knit sweater, how about bringing a Lululemon jacket that’s lightweight and layer up?

Q: What about toiletries?

A: I’m a big product guy. Clinical-strength Degree deodorant, clean scent. Bond No. 9 cologne. Neutrogena moisturizer for combination skin, which is so amazing. A glycolic acid face wash from my aesthetician, Lia Schorr, here in New York. That helps regulate my skin, with all the traveling and makeup. At night I do a vitamin C serum on my face.

Q: How do you manage to get your beauty sleep?

A: If we’re traveling abroad, I make sure I exhaust myself the night before we travel, so when I get on the plane, and I start reading a book, I’m knocked out by the time we’re flying. When we arrive, I go experience the city, and when I return to the hotel that night, if I don’t do cardio in the fitness room — cardio really helps wear you out, even though you have just flown — then I take a hot bath. Then a nice glass of wine, if not a good whiskey or scotch, then crash and wake up the next day.

Emily Brennan, New York Times

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