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Fit your holiday into a bag

TRAVEL LIGHT
Last Updated 21 October 2011, 13:09 IST
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Afriend of mine recently called me to ask how many handbags I carry when I go on a holiday. I was a little surprised, because when we plan to do a lot of sightseeing we just carry a backpack rather than several handbags. That is when I started wondering if we even understand our travel as well as we should.

A measure of a good and seasoned traveller is when he/she is able to have all the things, he/she might need and still be able to fit them in one bag. It is pretty easy to do because a seasoned traveller knows what he would need from what he may need.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you pack for a holiday.

*Choose the right suitcase. Although a hard luggage is more durable, many times they become too heavy and the trolley or the handle comes off. Invest in a good light luggage which can provide extra room when required, with the opening of a zip.

*The colour of the suitcase actually matters! In a recent study it was noted that most lost luggages were black in colour. A red case may not really go with your personality but who cares, you can easily spot it when the suitcase is on the luggage rail.

*Always try and restrict yourself to the one-bag-per-person logic. These days, many airlines charge you for every second baggage that you carry.

*Travel light and make your travel hassle free. Don’t be afraid to repeat clothes. You are not going to a place to make an impression nor are you immigrating to another city.

Understand the destination and calculate the number of days you will spend there and then pack accordingly. It is always a good idea to carry two pairs of jeans and a couple of T-shirts to last a week’s travel. That way, you will not be lugging a whole wardrobe.

*Carry clothes that are in solid colours, so that even if you stain them it won’t show. Choose clothes carefully before you pack. If you think you will wear something just once, it is a good idea to put it back into the wardrobe. Choose colours that you can mix and match with your clothes.

*A good idea would be to carry clothes that are made from material that will dry up over night, and can be washed over the sink. Cotton clothes take longer to dry up and may require your own clothes line.

*If you are travelling to a cooler destination carry layers of clothing rather than heavy coats and jackets.

*Carry easy toiletries not your entire make up kit. A toothbrush and paste will do. If you are keen on not changing your soap or shampoo while on a holiday, carry them by all means but don’t carry the entire shampoo bottle. You can always refill it in smaller containers or carry sachets! Take a small bottle of moisturiser and your hair brush. Also, we need to understand that the world is getting smaller. We can always get our favourite moisturiser or deodorant at a local shop.

*Pack some deodorisers in between the clothes you’ve packed so that the clothes come off smelling fresh and good.

*Roll up clothes and pack intelligently so that you get extra space in between the bundles of clothing. Also, mentally decide on the clothes you will be wearing on each day and pack accordingly, so that you don’t have to rummage through the suitcase every day.

*If it means you’ll have to do a lot of walking on your holiday, just wear good shoes. Many people carry at least three pairs of footwear and that takes up a lot of space. If you are adamant about carrying many shoes, then wear the heavy ones for travel so that you don’t have to carry them in your bag.

*Instead of a huge ladies handbag, you need a good backpack — so that you can carry the things you need on your back, especially if you are going to be on the move doing a lot of sightseeing. Ideally, both you and your partner should carry a bag in which you can fit some tissues, snacks (especially some breakfast cereal bars), your cameras, phone numbers, phones, wet wipes, sanitiser and a pair of clothes for the kid if you are travelling with one. A thin poncho that will fold inside a small plastic pouch if the place expects to see rain, or umbrellas as the case maybe. Most people forget to carry wipes or extra clothes for kids. Remember even a kid of eight can throw up or dirty his clothes.
It is always advisable to have something handy.

*For those tech freaks — for once leave your laptops behind. It is OK not to be connected to the world all the time. Besides, most phones let you do that now.

*Lastly, pack your bag only up to 80 per cent of its capacity and leave some room for souvenirs you’ll be carrying back. Also, remember that while on holiday you might end up buying some T-shirts that you can wear during the trip. Travelling light is not really a myth. It is a practice you can follow through with some planning. So, go on and have a light and happy holiday.

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(Published 21 October 2011, 13:09 IST)

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