I like to travel light and if I can only take hand luggage, I will. Waiting for luggage is one of my major pet hates, it does my head in ha; my suitcase is guaranteed ALWAYS the last bag out haha. Because I usually travel with hand luggage, it means I can only take toiletries that are 100ml or under; which isn't usually a problem as I always buy perfume, deodorant and make up that is 100ml or under. The only issue is that bringing things back can be a problem. If I'm fully kitted out for two weeks in a hand luggage case, it means I can't shop and bring things back; so you need to find a balance that suits you, I guess.
I've always wanted to go travelling/ backpacking. I'm not particularly a materialistic person, so I would never bring any 'expensive 'possessions, but I just worry about where you would put your stuff if you wanted to go exploring. If anyone has any tips, they could come in very handy for the future.
One thing that I have never had, in all of my years of toing and froing between countries is one of those comfy travel pillows. I suppose I never saw the point of them, especially when I was younger because I never slept while travelling; but now that I am older, as soon as I'm on that plane, that's it, I'm asleep; especially if there is a bit of turbulence, it always rocks me to sleep. But finally, I gave in and got one because I was sick of having a bad neck because I'm a freak and can only sleep curled up like a baby, luckily I'm small enough to be able to do that. I have to say, it was totally worth it, it did help and the cool bit is that it clips around your bag so you don't have to carry it or shove it into a bag.
A little thing I like doing, purely for the comfort, is bringing fluffy socks. Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE fluffy socks. So I just take my shoes off, stick them under the seat in front and put comfy socks on. Happy feet, happy soul.
Leading on from the previous point, I have now learnt it is not wise to travel in my 14 hole doccies as they always, without fail, make me take them off. It is much more convenient to wear my converse, it saves all the faff. Another time saving tip I have learnt over the years is to just take all of your jewellery off beforehand and just stick it either in a little bag or a compartment in your bag. But as anyone would, I just leave all of my piercings in, if you're going through the full body scanners and it shows up, the airport security usually understand anyway. So the aim of the game is to be able to just stick your bag and your coat into a tray and just walk through without all of the hassle of taking off your jewellery, boots, coat and already have all of your toiletries in a zippy bag.
When I was younger I used to be really insecure about my skin and how I looked without make up on. So I used to get up an hour earlier than necessary just to do my make up, even if it was a really early morning flight. Make up and hair always gets ruined while you're travelling, so I stopped bothering completely. at a push I might do my brows, stick on a bit of mascara and braid my hair and that's it. Its all about comfort and the freedom to sleep and rub your face without a care in the world.
Another thing I do is putting all of my travel paperwork, tickets and passport in a sealable plastic wallet; this helps with organisation so much. This way everything you need is in one place and there is less of a risk of losing it. I didn't start doing this until I started travelling alone and had to keep hold of ALL of my own paperwork. I know most people do this but, in case you don't, it's a good idea.
I have a few handy little bits I tend to keep in my bag most of the time - not just when I am travelling.
Portable chargers are a no brainier really, if you run out of charge, you're not going to be a happy bunny, also, mine has a torch on it, which is cool. I always have my diary in my bag in case I need to make notes or plan things. moisturiser and lip balm in your bag is always a lifesaver, I hate it when I'm travelling and the aircon on the plane gives me dry skin, hands and lips. Next time I am definitely investing in a good quality eye mask and ear plugs; I hate it when all I can do is close my blind and not everyone else's and the plane is still really bright and there is nothing worse than being stuck on a plane with a screaming baby for 6 hours, so I'm opting for earplugs next time ha.
Last and definitely not least, snacks! When I'm not sleeping I'm eating. I usually like taking a bit of variety. If there is a Pret at the airport i'll get a sandwich, some fruit, a smoothie, a breakfast bar of some sort (my favourite are the Trek cacao and coconut bars), a bag of crisps and a couple of bottles of water because I get so dehydrated when I am travelling.
My list will be forever expanding and changing, I'm still figuring a lot of things out, but for now, this is what my journey usually consists of. Any tips and tricks, please let me know!
