I was away for a while, sorry for that. But this is because I moved to London.
Yes, London :) Great place to live for a while and everybody should be here for at least few weeks if not months of their lives.
Today, I want to to tell you a little bit about how you should pack your stuff for the journey. Or rather the way how I do it.
In the beginning you should think about advantages that come from travelling only with hand luggage. This means bag of dimensions around 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (depending on the air company we use). First of all it is smaller than regular, check in bag. So you are more mobile.
Second thing is time that you save. No need to wait in check-in queue when getting in to the plane. This means that you can arrive later at the airport. And you are first to walk out of the airport without waiting for you bag being transported from airplane to luggage claim.
Next thing, of a big importance is money. Almost every fly company that offers cheap tickets charge for any check-in bags. Hand luggage is always for free (at least for now).
Moving to the suitcase. First of all, no matter where and what for you are going. If it is just a weekend journey, euro trip or a world tour, it is all the same. The very first you should do is a list of things you want to take with you. In the beginning, just put everything you like on the list . The sooner you start making one, the better. It will give you more time to delete unneeded things from the list and add important ones. This way you will be sure that you take all that is needed and nothing more.
Almost everybody is asking me when I say that I'm making the list, what to put on that list. So here is my example:
Netbook + headphones + charger
mobile phone + headphones + charger
watch + charger (I use Pebble watch)
Shaving machine + charger
Sport camera
Powerbank
External hard drive (for data backup)
T-shirt x4
Long sleve t-shirt x2
Shirt x3 (everyday and elegant)
Sweater x2
Hoodie
Jeans x2
Belt
Shorts
socks x5
boxer shorts x5
swimming shorts
shoes x3 (everyday, running, elegant)
T-shirt for running x2
Slippers
Medium jacket
Sunglasses
Towel
Bedding
sleeping bag
Shower gel
Nail file
Nail clipper
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Dental floss
Deodorant
Perfumes
Painkillers
Books x3 (the ones I really need for myself)
Flair bottle + 2 tins
Tupperware set of three containers (600ml each)
This is the list I made, when I was moving to London. It's all I need for everyday, for work and even some holidays. Everything else you can get on the spot.
There would be even less things if this was just a holiday. But I moved here for about a year. So you can see that there is not a lot of things.
When making list always think smart. Most of the items can be used for multiple purposes. For example shower gel (for body, face and hair) can be used as a soap, and a detergent to wash your clothes. However I would recommend to take regular, antibacterial soap that can be shower gel as well as all above. Less weight. Plus it is not a liquid - so no problems in the airport at the gate.
The same time remember, that you can buy most of the things after you get to the place for almost the same or even lower price. So why should you carry it on you? Another thing is that if you are shopping in foreign country you never know if the tube you just bought is really a toothpaste. But we are traveling for adventures, aren't we?
Same thing goes to cosmetics that are in bigger bottles. Let's say 300-400ml. If you are going only for a few days or up to few weeks, put into smaller bottles the amount that will be enough for this time. Remember that airports have limited liquids to 100ml per bottle up to 1L per person in total.
Once we have the list, the best solution is to put all the things in one place (on the bed, or on the floor). This way you can see everything, and it is easier to pack it to the suitcase or the backpack (about backpack will be part 2). When everything is in one place, take every single item into your hands and think if you really will use it enough to carry it with you. Always pack for the best-case scenario. Instead of taking heavy coat, bring layers. Think in terms of what you can't do without - not what will be handy on your trip.
And believe me when I say, there is just a few things that we really do need when we are far from home.
When it comes to the clothes here is diagram on how to fold them so they take as little space as possible.
I use it every single time, when I'm travelling with a suitcase. Also, this way they will stay stretched and with no folding. Ready to use instantly. As a core I usually use socks and underwear in a plastic bag or some equipment that I need to make sure will not be damaged during travel.
In general I try to put everything that goes inside the suitcase into plastic or zip bags. Making them as airless as possible. One reason is for more order and space, another - in case of the rain or some damage all the stuff will be more protected.
If you are taking any belt with you, put it around the suitcase walls from the inside. This way it will not brake, and will take no space.
If you are taking second (or more) pair of shoes, make sure to put something inside them. For example socks or some electronic devices that will fit (telephone charger, camera cables etc.).
Remember that you want to use all the space we have. So all the small stuff should fill the spaces between bigger things. Just like the sand fills the space between the rocks if you put them into one container.
When you will start traveling light you will never want to stop it. For more you will be wondering why didn't you do that earlier.
So from now on travel only with hand luggage :)
Thank you for reading. I hope this information will help you. Remember to share this with your friends and to leave a comment below :)
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