Travel tips and gadgets guide
The dream of carefree travel shouldn’t become a nightmare of heavy suitcases and lost luggage. We take a look at some great ideas to lighten your load so you can say ‘yes’ to more adventure and less packing.
Start with a plan
Few things set your holiday off onto a bad start than the last-minute panic of tossing things into a suitcase before a trip.
Start by making a note of the expected weather at your destination. Taking a couple of lighter layering items may be worth more than packing one heavy jacket.
Write down your travel wardrobe to see what you have that can do double duty. A shirt, for instance, can be buttoned up to wear with jeans or worn open over a t-shirt.
It’s a match!
Mixing and matching offers you the ultimate versatility. Choose a neutral colour palette as your base – for example, black, navy, grey or tan and choose enough tops and bottoms to coordinate with your foundation colours.
According to fashion styling website The Vivienne Files (theviviennefiles.com), 13 items of well-chosen clothing is all you need to take on an extended holiday that will offer you 80 different clothing combinations without repeating the same outfit twice. You can see an example at the website: bit.ly/44ipxZv
Become ‘pod’ people
Packing pods or packing cubes are a great way to keep clothing compact and organised – which is essential if you are planning to travel with carry-on luggage only. For many airlines carry-on has a 7kg limit.
Make a list and check it twice
Ensure trusted friends and family have your overseas contact details including phone numbers, flight details, hotels and other destinations for peace of mind should something unexpected happen while you’re away from home.
Travel tips and accessories
Packing cubes
Kmart offers an inexpensive packing cube kit made of seven items conveniently labelled to help you organise clothes, toiletries, electronic devices and shoes. The cubes are made of antimicrobial fabric which is also odour resistant.
Price: $15
Purchase from: bit.ly/45A9Pd9
Organised electronics
This cable and gadget organiser gives you one place where everything from flash drives and memory cards to charging cables and adaptors can be stored neatly and safely. Its soft inner lining keeps your devices protected and safe from scratches, while the durable cover prevents any accidental damage.
Price: $9.99
Purchase from: bit.ly/47xhPgO
Sleep kits
Don’t sacrifice a good night’s sleep when you’re travelling. A sleep kit is essential. Comprising a sleep mask and earplugs in a slimline case, this handy accessory can be slipped into a personal bag for use on flights.
Price: $8.95
Purchase from: bit.ly/3KNH98I
Worldwide power adapter
This handy device from Samsonite means you’ll be able to plug in at 150 countries including the US, UK, China and countries across Europe. It also comes with two USB charging ports which means you’re always fully charged for your holidays.
Price: $40
Purchase from: amzn.to/47CiYDY
Digital luggage scales
Don’t get caught out at the airport with heavy baggage penalties. Keep your packing under control with these handy electronic scales that will make sure you’re always under the weight limits imposed by airlines.
Price: $14.95
Purchase from: bit.ly/3slqumB
