The Festive Season is upon us. To celebrate, MyTravelroom (MTR) has put together a few handy tips to help you keep your luggage light for trips away. These ideas will give you the freedom to enjoy your travel knowing that all you’ll need is packed in a handy carry bag right above you in the overhead compartment.
MTR Fun Fact: Research shows that we wear only 10% of our clothes. So fear not, reducing the contents of your bag will only enhance your travel experience. Because knowing you really don’t need all that “stuff” to lug around will provide mental relief from the angst of wheeling a weighty suitcase everywhere.
So first, what to look for when buying the right bag.
1. Always buy a bag with wheels and a steering handle. Not only are they more mobile, but it’s such a better look, whisking yourself in and out of your chosen transport hub with a light bag on wheels pulled effortlessly behind you. Rather this, than lugging a bag over your shoulder or on your arm, immediately restricting your movement, potentially causing injury (enough to ruin a well-earned break!) and tiring you out before you even start your holiday!
2. Choose a bag with plenty of internal pockets. The pockets are great storage spaces for miscellaneous “stuff” such as your glasses, phone and computer chargers. Being internal also means your belongings are safe once zipped inside the bag.
3. If able, buy a good quality bag with sturdy handles, zips and double wheels on a double axle. We all know how beaten up luggage becomes when being toted around terminals! You want your bag to last and not let you down by splitting open or popping a lid that won’t close just as you hear your boarding call!
Now that you have chosen your “bespoke” cabin luggage, here are some helpful tips on what and how to pack.
When packing your travel wardrobe, think :
Multi-purpose natural fabrics such as:
Merino – a great crossover fabric offering options from underwear to outerwear. Covering all seasons. And never needs ironing!
Cotton – Rolled and flattened to avoid creases.
(Some) Silks – Choose items that allow hand washing. You don’t want to be bothered with the expense or inconvenience of taking clothes to a dry cleaner.
Clothes made from natural fabrics have the advantage of being able to be aired out. So having to change and/or launder every day is a thing of the past. Which equals less clothing required!
MTR Suggested wardrobe menu as below:
2 longsleeve tops
3 short sleeve tops (tees)
4 pair of shorts
1 pair of long pants
A scarf or “throw” for added style, warmth and very handy for wrapping a laptop instead of carrying your computer in its own bag.
1 lightweight dress – for those “pretty” occasions
1 x Swimsuit /Bikini
1 pair sox – I like wearing socks on my feet in an aeroplane.
Underwear
A lightweight rain jacket or if you’re going to a colder place a fold-up downfilled jacket that fits into a tiny space of your bag.
2 pairs of (think comfort) shoes. One for walking, one lightweight pair of sandals or similar for evenings, casual dining and accessing some “upmarket” venues.
Such as enjoying, if you happen to be in town and the mood takes you, a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel in Singapore, where they don’t allow sneakers.
Measure your quantities so you’re not having to pack full (think heavy) bottles of stuff. There are some great sets of travel bottles (over the required size limit), available in many shops selling toiletries and cosmetics.
Take all makeup but reduce quantities. Such as 1 eyeshadow instead of more.
Some basic first aid items such as a few plasters, a topical antibiotic cream, and a packet of Panadol. Remember, most places have a pharmacy for top-up requirements.
Pack a lightweight water bottle
Buy a good-quality passport holder to store your passport. This will avoid curled pages, delamination or other damage that could see you stopped at immigration for questioning why your passport is damaged. At best, an intimidating experience; at worst, declined entry in the country.
It’s worth investing in a special lock handbag to carry while strolling through interesting sites, streets, restaurants, cafes and other venues.
The bags look like shoulder bags but have double-zip locks, so no one can unzip the bag. And the straps have wire inserted in the shoulder strap so it can’t be cut.
Most good bag shops have a selection, or most airports have a shop specialising in travel accessories. A swipe-free wallet could also be added.
MTR Tip: Pack some zip-lock plastic bags to store clothes that need laundering and for belongings that need to be found quickly. Such as ear buds, eye mask, etc.
If you would like to know more about this story or any story on the Mytravelroom website, please contact me directly at janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
