TRAVEL TRAVEL
Packet of wet wipes, (handy for freshening up during long-haul travel, and for body hygiene in absence of washing facilities). Lightweight brolly or pocket rain mac with hood – store in the gap beneath handle for quick access while disembarking in heavy rain. Pack heavier items at the “wheel end” of the bag. Wheelie bags are easier for travel, unless on rough ground or on the back of a motorbike … or camel! Multi-socket adaptor plug – very useful to share at airport/cafés when everyone is clamouring to use a single outlet. Charging cables neatly coiled and secured into bag(s). Also consider taking a car charger and USB charger (even some TVs have USB outlets you can charge from.)
Medications plus prescriptions, painkillers and travel pills (check with local Ministries of Health to see what is permitted, particularly if entering or transiting Arabian countries). Valuable jewellery – unless essential, it’s generally a BAD idea to take this – a cheap watch tells the same time as a Rolex and you’re less likely to get mugged. Even fake diamonds can resemble the real thing, so try to avoid unwanted interest. Magazines and paperbacks can be swapped, donated or discarded when read.
A LENGTH OF CORD – HANDY FOR USE AS A WASHING LINE A pack of playing cards is a good icebreaker and can relieve boredom during unexpected delays.
TIPS FOR PACKING A SUITCASE: An expandable, light-weight suitcase with wheels is a good investment for ten years or more. Check latest size/weight restrictions and number of bags allowed for each carrier ensuring you’re within limits for the minimum allowance (especially important for us Islanders connecting to UK hubs or whenever using a budget airline!). Invest in lightweight portable luggage scales to avoid a shock at Bag Drop desks, particularly on your return journeys. Remember NO valuables, medication nor should important documents be in here. You might be able to claim around £300 only for loss of contents depending on airline and your own insurance. Either roll or fold items (depending on personal preference), heaviest at the bottom. Or use vacuum bags (NB: this can add surprising weight).
DON’T TAKE JEANS; THEY’RE UNSUITABLE IN HUMIDITY AS WELL AS IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES Take underwear in separate plastic bags with large plastic bag for dirty laundry. Consider investing in non-iron, quick drying clothing such as the Rohan range. Don’t take any pure linen clothes; they’re a nightmare for creasing. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
For women: eschew one-piece dresses/ bodysuits and take separates instead. Pick three colours that go well together and stick to them – e.g. black, white, and tan – and you’ll end up with dozens of combinations! For men: Fold a jacket with lining outside vertically, then in half horizontally to help avoid creasing. Pack it on top of all other clothing.
DON’T FORGET TO LOCK YOUR SUITCASE AND, IF YOU’RE TRAVELLING TO THE USA, USE TSA-APPROVED LOCKS OR BELTS (WWW.TSA.GOV) Most establishments lend irons or you can hang items by a steamy shower and reshape by pulling periodically. Remember layers are practical for most climates; you can add or take off as necessary. Pack light and clothing is much less likely to get crumpled. If you’re travelling with a partner, switch a couple of items of clothing in each case so that if one bag goes astray you’ll have additional back-ups to those in your handluggage. If you’re taking a bottle of wine, use bubble wrap or inflatable armbands, sealed in a plastic bag in the middle of the suitcase for extra protection.
THE ONE ITEM GIVEN TO ME THAT I’D NEVER, EVER TRAVEL WITHOUT? A SARONG!
Take a sarong (or an extra-large scarf) and wrap it around your neck for the journey. It can be used for various purposes: as a rug, pillow, curtain, shawl, skirt, dress, baby carrier, holdall, sunshade, beach mat, towel, sling, and many more as you’ll discover.
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