One of the challenges I encountered while preparing for our journey across Italy was the necessity to minimize my hand luggage due to the use of a rickshaw for traveling through the country. My usual packing approach involves including everything I need and then adding a bit extra. (I always carry at least one extra pair of socks and underwear).
This time, space constraints inhibited my ability to engage in overly meticulous packing. Additionally, I had to consider that I would be carrying my luggage everywhere since leaving it in the rickshaw was not an option.
For your information, I usually pack more items than depicted in this photograph, including cameras, socks, etc.
Luckily, just before my departure, I obtained several new products from my rucksack to evaluate. As I have previously mentioned, I favor large bags with numerous pockets, and although I appreciate my current selection of backpacks, none felt sufficiently spacious to accommodate both my camera bag and personal belongings. The rucksack effectively fulfilled this need. It is ideally suited for hand luggage and for moving around. Furthermore, it boasts a multitude of additional straps and features to provide the necessary support for my back, which I greatly value and require!
Moreover, I acquired a convenient toiletries bag as well! I must admit, in the past, I used grocery store plastic bags (such as those from Tesco or Sainsbury) to contain my toiletries. I resorted to this once I comprehended the likelihood of leakage, but I had never owned a proper spill-proof bag until now.
We have a designated page on the Cabin Max website highlighting the bags we have chosen for our journeys.
So, what constitutes my regular packing routine when I travel solely with hand luggage (which, by the way, is most of the time)? Here is the process:
1.) Conduct the Obvious – ensure all devices you intend to carry are fully charged—Laptop, iPad, phone, camera… whatever it may be. Everything requires charging prior to your departure.
2.) Amass Entertainment Options. Travelling light implies no physical books or magazines, thus utilizing devices such as iPads, Kindles, or MacBooks becomes essential. My usual travel entertainment comprises TV series, films, and music. I typically reserve reading material for leisurely beach holidays, often accompanied by cocktails.
3.) Create aPacking List. Rather than packing directly, compile a list of items intended for inclusion. This can be divided into four primary categories: clothing, toiletries (including medications), accessories (of which I have just one — sunglasses), and electronic devices.
4.) Cross-Verify the Packing List. Assess the necessity of each item based on the duration of your travel. If it’s feasible to minimize any non-essential items, this is the appropriate time to do so!
5.) Next, Approach the List Like a Shopping Checklist and Retrieve All Necessary Items from Your Wardrobe. You will find that having your list significantly streamlines the process compared to trying to recall everything mentally as you search for your belongings.
6.) Include a Water Bottle in Your Bag. Although you’ll be unable to carry it past airport security, a disposable one is useful. Having access to that water will encourage you to stay hydrated, even if you overlook it until you reach the security checkpoints. If traveling by other means, you may carry your water with you! Staying hydrated is essential for several reasons, one being it alleviates potential constipation from dehydration, which is an unpleasant way to commence a vacation.
7.) This point relates not to packing but reinforces the importance of arriving at your airport, train station, or bus terminal with ample time. Should there be luggage restrictions, it is beneficial to ascertain this with sufficient buffer time to address any issues that arise. Additionally, even in instances without specified luggage restrictions, allowing extra time alleviates any stress regarding missed connections.
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