With all the choices of luggages out there, picking one which would ‘go-the-distance’ can be quite a task! Purchasing a piece of luggage is an investment. It’s just as important as the trip you’re about to embark on. Here are some travel luggage tips and tricks:
Buy several sizes: If you’re an avid traveler, having luggage in several sizes is beneficial. I have a set of luggage that I use for my my short weekend getaways (2-3 days) or long-haul trips (1 week or more). I have 2 standard sizes that I frequently use (Medium: L: 38cm x W: 21cm x H: 55cm and Large: L: 50cm x W: 32cm x H: 75cm). Try this one on for size: 1. American Tourister – Astrono Light Upright luggage in Red. Additionally, it helps to checkout the luggage restrictions for airlines as they may differ. (Here are basic luggage guidelines from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Air Asia (AA).
Choose luggage with durability & maneuverability! 2. American Tourister – DC Superlite II Spinner in Purple. (Spinner wheels make for easy maneuverability!) If you’re like me, I prefer luggage that has a hard outer shell. The ‘boxy’ type with a metal frame which I find easy to pack. There are several materials to consider such as nylon, leather, plastic and more. (Here’s a site that discusses further on the available types of durable materials for luggage). Luggage with ‘spinner’ wheels is an added plus, (especially if you’re rushing to catch a flight and running through the crowds at the airports!)
Pick vibrant colours: You can make your luggage standout in several ways, through overall colours or luggage tags. I’ve moved away from purchasing monotone luggage in the standard colours of Black or Brown. Nowadays, there’s a variety of luggage available in bright, punchy colours! See these options in Red, Blue or Purple. If you don’t have a luggage tag on hand, a quick way to make your luggage standout, is to tie a brightly coloured ribbon on your luggage handle (fluorescent coloured ones work well). This will help you spot your bag easily when it’s on the luggage carousel.
Pack your toiletries right: Carry miniatures of your toiletries in a compact toiletry bag, such as this one : 3. Samsonite – Travel Folding Toiletry Kit bag in Green. This toiletry bag is foldable with spacious compartments, and the nylon material is suitable in case of any liquid spills while traveling.
For all ladies, my basic travel make-up essentials are: Bronzer: Adding a subtle hint of colour to your cheeks can help ‘awaken’ your look after stepping off a plane | Mascara: Quick touch ups are good to freshen up your eyes | Lip Balm: Avoid dryness or chapped lips in flight by keeping your lips always moisturized with a good lip balm | Eyeliner: If you skip the eye shadow when you travel, lining your eyes can make them ‘pop’. *Currently make-up and beauty brands make products in convenient travel sizes*.
Opt for non-bulky laptop bags: Sometimes you can’t escape work (or is it the other way round?) While traveling, make sure your laptop is safely packed away. Laptop bags should be padded and sturdy enough to protect the laptop from any harsh impact. Check out this one 4. Bagman – Laptop Carrier. If you’re more of a tablet user, stow away your favourite gadget in a tablet bag : 5. Terminus – Tabletslicker Messenger bag.
Lock up your luggage: It’s important to keep your belongings under lock and key! I try to make sure to lock my luggage after going through all security screenings. Make sure to use the universal locks such as the 6. Samsonite – Travel Link TSA Travel Key Lock. (Read this for more info on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Quick Tip!
In case you lose your luggage, be prepared! : Pack extra pieces of clothing in your carry-on bag. Last March, I had the horror of reaching my destination, without my luggage! Luckily, I had stowed away several basic clothing items that ‘saved’ me during my 10 day ordeal. Pack away several basic clothing items, such as undergarments, T-shirts, a pair of pants and shoes as well. Packing these extra’s will save you, at least you have some basics to hold you off until you get to the nearest shopping mall or in my case, the closest market!