Be it for business or pleasure, travelling is not without its challenges. The goal is nearly always to feel as comfortable when away from home as you do when you are in your own house. But given the restrictions that are placed on luggage, it is not always easy to take all the things that you need. Seasoned travellers know that there are plenty of workarounds that can be made, and that by packing smartly and packing the right things, that it is very easy to be both comfortable and a light traveller. So, what are these simple hacks that the seasoned travellers know? Here are a few tips to help you travel light and smart.
Designed to travel
People who travel often make a point of buying items that are specifically designed to work in a suitcase. Items like Akubra’s traveller are a great example of this. It is a lovely wide-brimmed hat that is made of felt but designed to be compressed and packed in a suitcase. No need for a fancy hat box or to keep it on your head the whole time. This is an amazing item that looks just as good on your head before or after a stint in the suitcase. And it is just one example of a travel-friendly garment that has been designed to go in a case. Seek out these items and you will be amazed at how good it can be to look good when you head out at your destination.
Get down
Down is light and compressible and it travels well. A down jacket might look bulky when you are wearing it. It certainly provides plenty of warmth if you are wearing it. But it compresses down to almost nothing and is a great item to squeeze into the luggage if you are going somewhere cold. If it is not going to be too cold, then a gilet is the way to go. Whatever you chose it will fit easily into your luggage – potentially even hand luggage!
Adaptor or die
If you don’t want to be frustrated, then you need to think about the electronics that you are taking. Firstly, you need to take a universal adaptor to ensure that whatever plugs you find at your destination you have a solution that is compatible with yours. Secondly, you should look to pack a power bank or two. These are small items that have the ability to make the world of difference to your comfort levels. Phones tend to run flat quickly and when you are travelling abroad you use your phone a lot. Taking pictures, sending messages home and using apps like Uber and Google Maps. You don’t want your battery to run out and leave you stranded, so remember to back a power-bank – it’s a game-changer when abroad.
Iron man
Whenever possible try to pack items that will not need to be ironed. This doesn’t have to mean denim and a t-shirt, there are plenty of items that have been designed to crease-free. Look out for these and make them part of both your wardrobe and your packing routine.
