I've finaly done it!
I've been considering starting a travel blog for quite some time, where I'll share tips and products I've gathered over the years. My travels began at a very young age, but at 16, I went on my first round-the-world trip. Since then, I've explored over 80 countries. Even now, I maintain my passion for travel, embarking on at least four trips annually. Mostly, I visit Africa, where I have the privilege of working for Life Support, but I also continue to visit other parts of the world. I have a deep fondness for exploring new countries and immersing myself in diverse cultures. My journey has led me to remote desert islands, bustling cities, and unconventional accommodations, like sleeping in the bush, on airport floors, and even park benches. Although I must confess that as I've entered my mid-40s, my sense of adventure has slightly mellowed, and I often lean towards the comfort of hotel beds nowadays. Nonetheless, I've come to realize that with a few key essentials, even the most uncomfortable places can be made surprisingly comfortable. A little preparation goes a long way in making a trip a success rather than a disaster. In my blogs, I’ll recommend a few items that might be helpful to pack, places you mustn’t miss, and places to avoid.
Bags and Packing Tips
I have a confession to make! I am a packing nerd! I love knowing where everything is, and it drives me mad when I can’t find my things. So over the years, I’ve found some items that I consider essential for any trip. I’ll share what I do and offer some items that are perfect for any traveler. We will look at carry-on bags and then consider packing ideas.
Cabin Bags
Not many men would admit to this, but bags are my thing. I don't fuss much about new clothes, but I'm always looking at bags, haha! Traveling with a good bag just makes everything feel better. The type of bag I need depends on the nature of my trip and the destination I'm heading to. When selecting the right bag, it's essential to consider the activities you'll be engaging in during your journey. Will you mainly rely on car transportation, or will you need to use public transport? Here are some links to bags similar to what I use, depending on the specific type of trip I'm embarking on.
Backpacking or public transport
When backpacking, hiking, or traveling to destinations that involve
carrying luggage, I always opt for a lightweight backpack. I find that a
30L capacity suits me well due to my preference for minimal packing,
and it's easier on my back since I'm not a fan of heavy loads.
Additionally, a smaller backpack often meets airline carry-on
requirements. Last year, I utilized a backpack from Decathlon during a
two-week Camino journey in Spain. This bag served me well through
scorching heat and freezing mountain passes. I realized I packed more
than necessary, as I always had the essentials at hand. On a recent
trip, I tried a new bag and constantly wished I had my pack with me
instead.
Osprey are a well respected brand but way out of my budget.
A much more reasonable price for what looks like a good pack.
Its not beautiful but hey what do you expect at this price?
Holiday and buisness trips
During regular holidays or business trips, I personally prefer using a
wheeled suitcase in addition to my other luggage. While some individuals
may choose to bring a backpack, if you're considering an alternative,
here's what has proven effective for me.
Cabin Max Narvik (40x20x25cm) £40
Cabin Max Evos (30x30x15cm) £50
To be honest, when traveling on a budget airline, the simplest approach is to bring a compact backpack that can easily fit within their ridiculous size limits. I recently observed a fellow passenger resorting to smashing up his cabin bag, removing its wheels and handles to make it fit within the tiny metal measuring box – all because it was just about 3cm oversized. It's worth considering the frustration and stress involved in such situations. Sometimes, it's a better idea to save yourself the trouble and opt to pay for checking in a bag. If that isn't a feasible option, consider something like these CabinMax bags. I am a big fan of CabinMax and own a few of their bags.
For airlines worth traveling on: Cabin Max Manhattan Hybrid (45x36x20cm) £50Well, I did mention that I'm a big fan of CabinMax. Among all the cabin bags I've used, this is the one I would buy again. It's versatile, stylish, and, most importantly, it has pockets. If you prefer a hard case, there are loads of options available out there.
Onboard packing tips
Even though I'm a light packer, I do tend to carry a lot with me on the plane. This practice has proven helpful, given that more than a few times, I've arrived at my destination only to discover that my checked baggage didn't make it. I've developed a routine of packing a spare set of underwear, socks, and a T-shirt within a packing cube. It's a smart approach to pack some essential toiletries and any required medications in your carry-on bag. Additionally, I always ensure I have my power cables, plugs, and an international adapter handy. This strategy has contributed to a more convenient and worry-free travel experience.
Lately, I've incorporated a new strategy into my travel routine. I bring along a compact bag that can be hung on the tray table. This serves as an extended pocket, allowing me to avoid frequent trips to my main bag. It's a convenient way to have essential items easily accessible without the need to repeatedly get up during the flight.
Packing Cubes
Ever since my sister gifted me some packing cubes for Christmas a few
years back, I've become quite fond of them. While there are plenty of
options available, I've settled on using Cipway Packing Cubes. They
might not be the cheapest choice, but their quality and ability to
compress my clothes with their zippers make them worthwhile. I make sure
to include one in my hand luggage for the change of clothes, while the
rest are utilized within my packed luggage.
Cipway Packing Cubes £22
Well worth the investment.
Wires Organiser
Maintaining easy access and organization for wires, earphones, and other
accessories is crucial, especially for those of us who adore gadgets.
Being able to swiftly and effortlessly locate what you need is
incredibly advantageous. I've tried two types and have found value in
both of them.
I like this case because you can see everything at one time.
Great price!
Passport Holder
I have two passport holders: one is a beautiful leather gift from my
wife and kids that I use when traveling alone. It features my children's
handprints engraved on it. When traveling as a family, I use a family
passport holder that allows me to keep all our passports and cards in
one place.
dayday® Travel Document Organiser £15
While there are more affordable choices available, it's worth investing a bit more for the added benefit of RFID blocking to protect your bank cards.
I trust that these ideas prove useful. I plan to create more posts about travel before introducing additional blogs. Please let ask if there is anything that might be helpful.
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