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8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On :-

Travel is one of the most rewarding and educational experiences. By venturing outside of your comfort zone, it allows you to learn about yourself, as well as the world around you. Travel affects you in multiple ways, both directly and indirectly. Here are some of the incredible benefits of travelling that will make anyone want to go explore the world.

1. Personal growth

Travel helps expand our visions and knowledge of the world. It teaches us how to make the most out of life and appreciate every moment. When you are on the road, you’ll see and experience new things that you never thought you’d ever encounter. It opens doors of opportunity and gives us a broad perspective and point of view.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

2. Life–changing experiences

Travel has the power to change our lives in profound ways. It has the capacity to positively affect all aspects of life. It helps us find our passions, view the world with an open mind, and do things we never dreamed were possible. It can also provide us with significant and unforgettable life lessons.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

3. Discovering cultural diversity

One of the most incredible benefits of travelling is gaining an understanding of the cultural diversity that exists in the world. It gives us the chance to learn more about different cultures, lifestyles, and values. It is one of the best ways to broaden our cultural perspectives and appreciate the diversity of the human race.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

4. Learning Independence

Travelling on your own can be an incredibly liberating and rewarding experience. It helps you become more independent and teaches you how to take care of yourself in unfamiliar environments. It also teaches you how to avoid risks, as you are the only person you can rely on.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

5. Enhancing problem–solving skills

Travelling requires us to make decisions and solve problems on the go. With no one around to rely on but ourselves, we learn to be resourceful and think quickly. Being exposed to strange and unfamiliar situations teaches us to come up with creative solutions to difficult issues.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

6. Making new friends

While travelling, you’ll meet people from all walks of life. They can be locals, fellow travellers, or even permanent expats in the region. These people add life and colour to your journey, and teach you about their culture and way of life. They also eventually become close friends, encouraging you to keep traveling and explore more of the world.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

7. Exploring different foods

Travelling is a great way to find and try different types of cuisines. Instead of just dining out at the same restaurants in your hometown, travelling gives you the opportunity to learn more about the foods of the world. From local street food to fine dining, trying out different dishes can help you experience a new culture in its most authentic form.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

8. Creating lasting memories

Travelling provides us with memories that will last a lifetime. Every journey is unique, and each adventure has its own highlights packed with remarkable experiences. Going on an incredible journey not only gives you something to look back on and remember, but also something to look forward to. These are just some of the benefits of travelling.

8 Incredible Benefits of Travelling You Should Not Miss Out On

 

There are still many more incredible experiences that come with travelling, such as the chance to better appreciate nature, gain confidence and perspective, and make personal connections. Whether it’s with friends or family, taking a trip can certainly be a once in a lifetime experience that will be remembered for years to come.

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6 Essential Types of luggage

Types of luggage:-

Luggage has come a long way since its 12th-century debut, when the Knights of Templar used custom-built wheeled cases to transport arms during the Crusades. The advent of stagecoaches, steamships, locomotives, motorised transport and aviation has driven its evolution in the modern era.

Numerous kinds of luggage now compete for consumer attention, each with unique pros and cons.

1. Carry-on

The name says it all: you carry this luggage with you onboard the aircraft and stow it in the overhead locker. The broad term encompasses all luggage styles, from suitcases to leather backpacks and everything in between.

A carry-on should generally measure less than 22” x 14” x 9” to comply with airline-imposed size restrictions. However, every carrier has different regulations, so it’s wise to check their website before you fly.

The other crucial consideration is weight. Airlines usually impose a weight restriction, which may or may not include your personal item (a small bag that slides under the seat).

Pros

For penny-pinchers, the big bonus is avoiding airline check-in fees, which add up over time. A carry-on bag also streamlines the arrival and departure process, as you no longer need to queue at the check-in desk or wait at the carousel. Moreover, you’ll never have to worry about lost luggage again and get a nimble, lightweight pack to whisk around town.

Cons

On the downside, limited space makes carry-on a struggle for habitual over-packers. With approximately 40 litres at your disposal, you’ll need to be washing clothes more often and forgo bulky items. Staying on top of airline luggage restrictions can also become a chore.

6 Essential Types of luggage

2. Check-in

Check-in luggage, as the name suggests, must be checked-in upon departure as it’s too bulky to squeeze into the overhead cabin. Once again, check-in luggage spans the full baggage spectrum — the term refers to size rather than style.

As a general rule, check-in bags should be no bigger than 62 linear inches, which is the combined length, width and depth. Most airlines impose a strict weight limit, though restrictions do vary. Some airlines (and cabin classes) allow two check-in pieces and/or more weight.

Pros

The main advantage is check-in luggage allows you to carry more. The average size of 60-80 litres lets you travel with a respectable wardrobe and abundant accessories, ideal for style-conscious wanderers, families, and tech heads. You also won’t have to lug it around the airport (at least not once it’s checked in).

Cons

However, you’ll have to pay extra for check-in luggage on most airlines and queue at the check-in counter and carousel. Large luggage is harder to carry around town — you may even need to seek help from hotel porters and taxi drivers as you go.

6 Essential Types of luggage

3. Hardside

Hardside luggage — AKA hard luggage or hard-shell luggage — refers to its sturdy, non-flexible shell.

The ideal exterior material is polycarbonate, a thermoplastic polymer famed for its lightweight nature and impressive durability. Cheaper ABS plastics provide less protection at a lower cost, while aluminium offers optimal strength with added weight and expense.

This rigid outer shell most commonly adorns most types of suitcases. You’ll occasionally see it on backpacks, usually specialist cameras or equipment bags.

Pros

The durable outer shell offers excellent protection against inevitable bumps in the road — not to mention mistreatment from time-stressed baggage handlers. The virtually-impermeable casing also offers ample waterproofing and is easy to wipe clean.

The clamp-close design doesn’t rely on zippers to keep these suitcase types shut, thus improving their longevity. Sleek aesthetics, hassle-free manoeuvrability (most have multi-directional wheels), and a stackable design enhance the appeal.

Cons

The major downside is that hard-side luggage isn’t malleable, making it impossible to compress into confined spaces. In addition, reckless handling may result in irreparable cracks and most lack exterior pockets. Check out The Carry-on Pro if you’re after an elegant hard-shell case with a handy exterior pocket.

4. Softside

Also referred to as soft or soft-shell luggage, soft-side luggage has malleable fabric in the outer shell to contort into confined spaces. Softside spans a multitude of designs, including suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags and weekenders.

Manufacturers typically use durable high-yield materials like woven nylon. Cordura nylon has a stylish woven-like texture and soft, abrasion-resistant properties, while ballistic nylon is glossier but tends to fray. Ripstop nylon is your best bet for a tough, weather-resistant —albeit less stylish —finish.

Pros

Unlike hard-side luggage, you can squeeze these pliable fabric-encased bags into tight spaces, such as overhead lockers or the gap beneath your bed. The stretchable nature lets you store more inside, and most models include handy exterior pockets. A lightweight design aids mobility and counts less towards airline weight restrictions. You could also argue that the soft exterior is more durable, as it’s impossible to crack or scratch.

Cons

However, the pliable outer fabric offers less protection than hard-shell, exposing your delicate electronics (or souvenirs) to damage. Shady characters can slice through the material to steal your possessions and its porous nature makes it vulnerable to stains. Moreover, soft-side luggage only has modest water resistance, so you’ll need to stay well away from the rain.

5. Duffel

The duffel bag is an affordable yet heavy-duty, soft-side luggage type, sold with or without wheels. Both types have a tough outer layer like ripstop nylon or canvas.

The wheeled variety tends to be bigger, and often includes an assortment of zippers, pockets and straps. Extra compartments and multi-directional wheels make it a functional travel companion.

Non-wheeled duffels are somewhat simplistic, featuring nothing more than a top zipper, carry handle and shoulder straps. Originally designed for military use, the trusty cylindrical-shaped duffel is a hit among outdoorsy types — think gym sessions and camping trips.

Pros

Roller duffels provide a happy compromise between hard-side suitcases and non-wheeled duffels. You get the convenience of multi-directional wheels and ample compartments to stash your essentials.

The traditional cylinder-styled duffel, on the other hand, has a malleable design to squish into confined spaces. Abundant room allows you to carry equipment like diving and climbing gear.

Cons

As they’re more rigid, the wheeled duffel won’t squeeze into tight spaces. Roller duffels are also cumbersome to carry on cobblestone roads or up and down stairs.

A standard duffel generally has one compartment, which can make organisation a challenge. Although they’re fine to lug short stints, long-distance jaunts lead to sore shoulders and arms. Also, most duffels feature a rugged, functional design, which can be less appealing to style-conscious travellers.

6. Weekend bag

The weekend bag, or weekender, is a slick bag designed for short trips away. While the rugged canvas-woven duffel prioritises function over fashion, a smaller weekender boasts sleek aesthetics to appeal to fashionable urbanites.

The top-end options come in high-quality leather, though more affordable materials are available. Due to their smaller stature, these stylish soft-side bags comply with carry-on restrictions.

Pros

Compact, stylish, and malleable by design, the weekend bag is ideal for quick, hassle-free stints away. Most come with interior pockets to optimise organisation and a stain-resistant exterior to protect against spills.

Cons

The big drawback is limited space. The weekend bag, as the name implies, won’t hold more than a few days’ worth of clothes. While integrated shoulder straps improve comfort, the bags can still be difficult to carry around for extended periods.

So which type of luggage is best for you?

We’ve outlined six types of luggage, examining airline restrictions, outer shell materials and the most popular non-wheeled options.

Factor in your travel style and on-the-road preferences to determine which option works best for you. Once you know what you’re after, take a look at our luggage collection.

 

 

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SOFT SHELL OR HARD SHELL LUGGAGE

SOFT SHELL OR HARD SHELL LUGGAGE

SOFT SHELL OR HARD SHELL LUGGAGE

SOFT SHELL LUGGAGE

Components

The overall makeup of a soft shell suitcase is often slightly more complicated than a hard shell case, this is because an extensive range of materials can be used. These can include materials such as nylon, leather, polyester, canvas, cloth and variants of each. At DZYRE we use a variety of these fabric options, listed in our product descriptions, to ensure the quality of our luggage is excellent and durable.

Other than the materials used, there is not too much difference in the components of the 2 bag options, soft shell bags can have 2 or 4 wheels, multiple handles (usually a similar fabric composition as the bag itself) and generally are produced to be around the same size as a hard shell bag.

BENEFITS

  • Fabric cases have more flexibility. For those of use that tend to pack more than anticipated, or purchase unexpected items along the trip. Soft shell cases tend to be more accommodating to ‘cramming’. They are also beneficial for storing items that have obscure shapes, as the soft material bends and stretches with the item, giving you a bit more leniency when packing your bag.
  •  Can fit into tighter spaces. Similar to flexibility, fabric cases tend to be more popular for the smaller packs and if you want to squeeze your luggage into a tighter compartment.  For fitting into an overhead compartment, this luggage option is going to be accommodating to a range of overhead compartments. As well as fitting well under foot in a bus or plane.
  • Additional pockets. Pockets can be very beneficial if you need to throw in your charger, or want to fit something in the side of your suitcase that you may need to access easily. More often soft shell luggage has pockets, and therefore pockets ensure those extra things easily be popped in the side.
  • More lightweight. Although hard shell luggage can be made very lightweight with today’s materials and technology. Soft shell luggage tends to still be the lighter option, even with additional components such as handles and wheels, if you are looking for a more lightweight option a soft shell suitcase is the way to go.

Weaknesses

  • Can become odorous. It is known that because soft shell luggage is made out of fabric, it does not clean as easily as the hard shell option. Therefore if something particularly pungent is placed in the luggage, or there is moisture inside the bag, it can affect the overall smell for trips to come. Soft shell luggage can be dry cleaned, and general maintenance of wiping and cleaning the bag is recommended. But in general it is known to deteriorate in this way more easily.
  • Tears or cuts. Because there is a tendency to pack a soft shell case tighter, there is also an impact on the overall wear and tear of the product. Soft shell products have been known to rip or tear over time.

    HARD SHELL LUGGAGE 

    Components

    Hardshell luggage also can be made with a variety of materials but generally are made with similar harder materials. Most hardshell luggage today is made up of high-tech plastics such as polycarbonate, ABS or aluminium. Aluminium is not as common as it is heavier and most of the high tech plastics are proven to be significantly durable and practical.

    DZYRE luggage uses Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) for their hardshell cases, which is an extremely durable and versatile plastic. This product is 100% recyclable and stable against knocks and scratches.

    The other components such as wheels and handles can be made up with similar materials as the exterior of the case. The interior of hardshell cases often have fabric lining for a preferred protection that can usually be removed to clean.

    Benefits

    • Better protection for more breakable or expensive items. The hardshell case offers added protection for items such as laptops that you may have stored in your main luggage. While soft shell luggage owners frequently tightly pack an abundance of clothes around the precious item, those travelling with hard shell luggage can pack more breakable items with less thought about who might be handling their luggage.
    • Water resistant. Having a hard shell case, such as a TPO case, can ensure that the luggage is more water resistant. That way if you trek longer distances with your luggage, through the rain or puddles, there is less risk to the contents of your luggage.
    • Durability. Although both hard shell and soft shell luggage should last well, if well made. Hard shell luggage tends to be more durable against knocks and scratches. This is because the advancements in manufacturing have come along quickly, to ensure hard shell luggage is made with the best materials that are most effective in creating longevity.

    Weaknesses

    • Less flexibility. The Hard shell suitcase will always be the size you purchase. You cannot squish or manoeuvre it into a tight space, like you can a soft shell. And you are less likely to be able to force an unusually shaped object into your suitcase. Hard shell luggage is made to have plenty of room for packing, but the overall flexibility of the bag is not as co-operative.
    • Can get visible scratches or knocks. Although the hardshell luggage is less permeable, over time knocks and scratches will show on the bag. Brighter colours of luggage can be more susceptible to showing marks. However the bag itself will tend to remain in good condition, just showing visible wear and tear on the exterior.

      CONCLUSION

      Picking your luggage is a matter of taste, here we have presented what we believe to be the benefits and weaknesses of soft and hard shell luggage. Realistically both hard and soft shell luggage are extremely functional, durable and will fit the purpose you have purchased them for. That being said there are some benefits to each that may be more appealing to a certain demographic or consumer. That is why it is important to research exactly what you want in your luggage, before you purchase a good quality bag.

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How to pack efficiently for travel

How to pack efficiently for travel

How to pack efficiently for travel?

Utilize every inch of space

It goes without saying that when packing a suitcase, every nook and cranny is a storage opportunity. Depending on whether they are clean or not, the interiors of your shoes represent an ideal compartment to hold smaller items, like sunglasses, chargers or socks. And for those who enjoy a leisurely holiday read in the sun, it’s advisable to store books down the sides of suitcases. That way they remain upright and streamlined, and help to protect other items in your case.

Make use of suitcase packing cubes

Packing cubes are the ultimate clothing storage solution. By compressing and categorising items, they save copious amounts of space and bring organisation to any suitcase: a utilitarian dream.

Carl Friedrik’s set of four Packing Cubes come in varying sizes to cater for shoes, shirts, socks and ties. Ever had to unpack your entire suitcase just to find a specific item of clothing? Never again. And because the cubes are conveniently shaped, they can easily be stacked on top of one another for efficient storage. A final benefit of packing cubes is that they pack clothes tightly together, preventing them from moving around while in transit and becoming creased.

7 ways Packing Cubes will transform your travels – BorderTribe

Roll and fold clothes

To roll, or to fold? A polarising debate in the world of suitcase storage. While folding is the default option, the likes of Marie Kondo, Netflix’s tidying expert, have clearly highlighted the advantages of rolling. To answer the question posed above, it’s probably best to incorporate a combination of both methods.

Folding is certainly a fast and easy way to store garments. It’s what we’re most familiar with, and it works particularly well for structured, stiffer clothes, such as denim trousers and shirts, but not so well for softer garments. Additionally, folding leaves small gaps in your suitcase, meaning space is used less efficiently.

In contrast, rolling is the best option if space optimisation — and Tetris-inspired fun — is the target, as you will fit more into your suitcase. Another benefit is that you can see the entire contents of the suitcase at any time because items are not stacked on top of each other — helpful if you need to quickly access something while travelling. While rolling is great at keeping softer garments wrinkle-free, stiffer fabrics (blazers, skirt, stretched cotton shirts) should always be folded.

3 Reasons Why You Should Roll Your Clothes Instead of Folding While Packing Them - lifeberrys.com

The shirt collar hack

Whether made using linen or cotton, worn casually in the day or in a sophisticated evening setting, the shirt is a staple part of any man’s holiday wardrobe. Unfortunately, many of us are all too familiar with the sight of squashed collars when we remove our favourite shirts from our luggage.

There is, however, a practical solution to the issue. By rolling up a belt and placing it in your shirt collar, it acts as a makeshift stiffener — keeping the collar rigid and secure throughout the journey.

The correct way to pack a suitcase

Now you’ve decided on an appropriate suitcase, established a trip packing checklist and brushed up on some useful tips, it’s time for some compact suitcase packing.

Start by rolling your softer items up (T-shirts, shorts) and laying them at the base of the suitcase. Now for a slight change of tactic. Fold your longest and heaviest items (trousers, jumpers) and carefully stack them across the surface area of your suitcase, covering fully the rolled items below. Should you be taking any valuable or fragile items (laptops, tablets) on holiday, it’s best to put them in now, as they will be well protected within this layer.

The remaining shorter clothing items can then be folded and placed on top. Thinking ahead to your arrival, it’s also wise to arrange the clothes or accessories you’ll need first at the top: a hat for the sun, or a jumper if you’re arriving at night, for example.

Ideally, shoes should be placed in resealable bags and positioned by the sides of the suitcase, preventing them from coming into contact with other possessions. Toiletries must always be kept in a separate bag, eliminating the chance of leakages. And leaving a touch of room during the outbound journey for souvenirs is definitely best practice.

Ultimately, the most efficient way to pack a suitcase will vary depending on the contents, size of the suitcase and nature of the journey. But this section is a good reference point for every time you start packing. Now you know how to pack efficiently for travel!

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Top 10 Unique Travel Accessories

Top 10 Unique Travel Accessories

1. TRAVEL PILLOW

This one is one of the essential travel accessories that you need to buy unless you’re of course from a different planet altogether! As your neck endures a ton when you can’t find a decent dozing position in a restricting economy seat, a travel pillow is a sure-shot way of dozing off comfortably. There are multiple travel pillow options available that can help you travel seamlessly, without breaking your neck. This travel pillow is stitched with durable nylon thread that makes the pillow durable and long-lasting. Moreover, the 360degree U-shaped design covers and supports your neck from all sides.

Best neck pillows: Top 6 neck pillows for travel under 900 - The Economic Times

2. PASSPORT HOLDER

Passport holders make a great travel accessory when you are traveling to a different country. Its multifunctional characteristics make it a passport holder, a credit card and cash holder, and whatnot. This passport holder has 8 slots and can hold up to 8 passports so you don’t have to carry different passport holders for all your family members. Plus it has 5 slots for your credit cards, 1 ticket slot,1 money zippered pocket &1 coin zippered pocket, and 1 pen strap. The easy-to-carry passport holder can easily fit into your cabin luggage, backpack, or even in your handbag.
Black Adel International Leather Passport RFID Covers, Pure Leather: Yes

3. POWER BANK

Who doesn’t own a power bank these days?! Well, a power bank is a must to carry along with you when you are travelling long distances. You can’t always find a plug point when you are out in the woods, or on a beach, or any open space whatsoever. If you have a power bank, you are good to go!

Romoss 18 Watt Fast Charging 30000mAh Lithium Polymer Power Bank (White, PHP30) : Amazon.in: Electronics

4. E LUGGAGE SCALE

The limited weight carrying capacity and high charges for those extra kilos charged by the airlines have made life difficult for people who love to shop while travelling. To save those additional charges always carry an E-luggage scale with you. After all, it’s better to keep your luggage in check rather than to pay extra to the airlines. A must-have travel accessory? Heck yeah!

ISABELLA Portable Electronic Luggage Scale For Home, Model Name/Number: Is-smile Scale

5. EYE MASK

One of the essential items to be added in your carry-on is an eye mask. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you find it very difficult to sleep since it is essential to relax before heading off to explore your destination. Whether you are travelling by flight, or by a train, it is always convenient to have an eye mask at your disposal.

13 Best Sleep Masks To Help Block Out The World

6. SAFETY LOCKS

Most people carry safety locks with them while travelling, but many still don’t understand the utility of this travel accessory. It is one of those items which must be a top priority in your items-to-carry list since you always need to safeguard your luggage no matter where you are travelling to.

DeoDap Security Luggage 3 Digit Resettable Combination Number Square Padlock - Pack of 2 (Multicolor)

7.Resealable Plastic Bags

People generally fail to assess the importance of carrying a resealable plastic bag with them. It is a handy item as they are good for organising, as well as when you have to pack something damp like a wet bathing suit or any item that might leak.

Resealable Plastic Bags , travel accessories

8. SHOE COVER

A shoe cover is an essential travel accessory that basically helps you in carrying your shoes safely in your suitcase and protects them from being spoiled. It also comes in useful when your shoes become dirty, and you can’t find a proper way to carry it. So, carry a shoe cover with you and protect your shoes while separating them from other travel items.

Travel Shoe Bags (Pack of 10 Bags) – EconsIndia

9. PAPER SOAP

One thing that should not be compromised regardless of where you are is hygiene. And paper soaps will help you maintain that. Although we easily have hand sanitizers these days, nothing can actually beat water as far as cleanliness is concerned. Paper soaps are super convenient, inexpensive and very useful. Thus, making for travel essential.

Your Easy Guide to Making Paper Soap at Home – VedaOils

10. POCKET TOWELS

Although one easily gets access to tissues or wipes, they do more harm than good at times. Primarily because they’re ideal for just one-time use, and that they adversely affect the environment in a way. Pocket towels or napkins, on the other hand, are a lot better. They’re washable, reusable, more efficient in their job and easy to carry as well.

Sea to Summit Pocket Towel - X Large by Sea to Summit Travel & Outdoor Gear (Pocket-Towel-XL)

 

 

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Travel essentials for women

Travel Essentials for Women #1 – Bags

Is there such a thing as too many bags? If you’re trying to cut down your travel packing list to the minimum travel essentials for women don’t pack three different day bags. Instead, these are my suggestions.

Suitcase

When it comes to packing, I’ll never have more than one primary suitcase. If I’m going anywhere for more than a few days then I’ll always bring a large suitcase so I can be sure that there’s plenty of space for souvenirs.

You can simply put more stuff in the suitcase, not only in terms of quantity, but also what you can pack.

For example nail clippers, nail scissors, large bottles of liquid (shampoo, conditioner, and body wash), and razors. These items are often prohibited in your carry on luggage but are fine if they’re going in the hold.

There’s also the matter of anything you purchase during your trip. Not only do you have to think about how you’ll carry it home, but if you don’t have checked luggage you must also consider if you’ll even be allowed to take it on the plane.

If you don’t check in a suitcase, you can say goodbye to your European spirits and wines! I have several sets of these suitcases of all different sizes and they’ve always served me well.

Backpack

Of course, that’s not to say that carry-on luggage isn’t brilliant – and I would absolutely advise picking up a sturdy (and stylish) backpack for this.

Handbags are great, but when you’re already dragging around a suitcase, the last thing you want is a heavy handbag on your arm.

And mine is always incredibly heavy with my DSLR, large water bottle and books in it!

Plus, it creates more of a security risk if your purse and travel documents are dangling on show.

Small Evening Bag

An evening bag or some sort of small cross-body bag is a must for any holiday. I love exploring cities by night and just wandering around and I find there’s no need for the big bag I usually take around in the day.

It’s handy for carrying your essentials and a good option if you’re planning any nice dinners or bar visits.

If you’re really trying to cut down on luggage space then I’d skip the cross-body evening bag and just stick with a tote bag (below).

Tote Bag

Last on the list, I would always recommend taking a tote bag which you can fold up and stash away until you need it. If you’ve ever got lost on your way to the beach, trying to carry your towel, book sunglasses and other beach accessories, you’ll understand.

Tote bags are the unsung hero of travel essentials, and if you don’t already have one – get one!

Travel Essentials for Women – Bags

Travel Essentials for Women #2 – Toiletries

Now, this is where our suitcase comes in handy. Worldwide travel guidelines state that only bottles up to a certain (generally very small) size are permitted in hand luggage – everything else must be stowed away in your carry-on luggage.

Let me ask you this: have you ever tried to wash your hair on holiday with one of those mini travel toiletries? Nightmare.

They simply aren’t big enough and carrying hundreds of them around on every trip rather defeats the object of making them travel size. It’s certainly not great for the war on plastic we are in the midst of!

Clear Toiletries Bag

Let’s start with toiletry holders. I personally have a lovely makeup bag that is the perfect size and shape to carry all my bits, and fits perfectly in a side pocket in my suitcase.

But there are inevitably items which you’ll want with you – such as lip balm, hand cream and maybe some hand sanitiser – and for those, you will need one of the very attractive and super-stylish clear airport security bags.

These bags are readily available at the security checkpoint of most airports. However, with one of these clear bags, you can prep in advance so you’re not scrabbling to do this as you rush for your flight.

What’s more, no one wants to be the person who leaves something in their bag by accident and gets hauled aside at security to explain the rogue bottle of sun cream in their carry-on bag.

In the interests of being organised and ensuring a calm airport experience, pre-pack your see-through bag with what you think you might need on the flight.

Getting one of these TSA approved bags can be really convenient too if travelling to the USA. 

This could include any of the following items:

Hand-Sanitiser

This one is just good sense (especially in these times!), after all, you never know who has had contact with the surfaces you use throughout your travel experience. What’s more, you may struggle to find a hand sanitiser brand you trust once you get to your destination.

Browse travel hand-sanitisers and check prices here.

Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is a really excellent and sustainable solution to menstruation that allows you to get involved with all sorts of holiday activities without worrying about changing your tampon/pad or worse, leaking.

My favourite brand is Mooncup, which is one of the OG menstrual cup brands. It comes in two sizes so you can pick the most suitable one for you.

Lip Balm

No explanation needed. Everyone needs lip balm! Chapped lips are not sexy. Carmex is my absolute favourite lip balm and it comes in different forms and flavours.

Shop Carmex lip balm here.

Hair ties

I don’t know about you, but I always think I want my hair down and around my face, until I try to read a book or watch a film, and realise my hair is completely in the way. Take hair ties and thank me later.

This pack of black hair ties will do you nicely and shouldn’t tug on your hair.

Or if you’re willing to spend a tiny bit more, I’d recommend getting some spiral hair ties as these won’t lose their stretch and last way longer!

Browse for durable spiral hair ties here.

Suncream

You never know how long you could be waiting at the other end, or where you’ll be waiting, and it’s always best to be prepared to spend some time outside in the sun! Plus, suncream is super good for wrinkles and ensuring your skin looks the best it possibly can.

If you’re not doing so already, you should make sure you are using a moisturiser with some sort of SPF in it so you have daily protection.

Moisturiser

Flying is notoriously bad for our skin, and it’s not unheard of to get off the plane and break out in spots and dry patches of skin. Combat dehydration and dry skin by staying moisturised!

I swear by brands like Aveeno and Nivea but I’ve heard good things about Cetaphil too!

Travel Essentials for Women #3 – Clothes

Breaking your clothing pack list down into different sections is actually a really great way to make sure you don’t forget anything.

There’s nothing worse than getting to your hotel only to realise you left half of your favourite bikini behind or forgot to pack socks! This list of clothing essentials should help you make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Underwear

No explanation needed. As girls, we’re probably guilty of packing way too much underwear, but better too much than not enough! You can’t go wrong with this pack of simple black cotton underwear.

Swimwear

If you’re going somewhere long haul and plan on spending a lot of time on the beach then you may choose to pack multiple swimming costumes. A bikini or swimming costume for swimming in, and one for looking fabulous in. Plus, maybe one that will give good tan lines…

If you’re packing light then you’ll need to find one that meets the above three criteria all in one.

Activewear

Maybe we’ll hit the gym, maybe we won’t. But it would be nice to have the option… besides, you can always wear gym leggings on a holiday hike! I own several pairs of black Nike leggings and highly recommend them for stretch, comfort and durability.

Day Trip Attire

Denim shorts are a given, as is a set of t-shirts. Neutral or plain t-shirts can go with lots of different outfits, both formal and casual so it’s great to be able to pack outfits you can mix and match.

If you’re worried about space, plan your days in advance a little and assign one outfit for each – anything beyond that list is overpacking!

Evening wear

It’s great to have at least one nice evening outfit and a dress will take up the least about of space. Don’t forget that evenings can be chilly in even in the warmest of places, so take a cardigan or two to make sure you stay snug and comfy.

Shoes

Flip flops, sandals, trainers, wedges. Anything else is probably unnecessary… but I’ll let you be the judge of that!

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Backpacking travel planner

Travel Budget Plan | Daily Expenses Abroad

Let’s start with the daily expenses you can expect on a backpacking trip! Of course, you’ll be spending money every day – it’s the first step in your budget travel planner. I’ll be providing real-life examples to give you a rough idea of what you can expect.

Accommodation

Accommodation hostel prague

Make sure you have a clear travel budget plan and don’t forget to do research on low budget accommodation options in your travel destinations!

Accommodation can take quite a fair bit of your travel budget out there. So, here are two options to consider.

Couchsurfing – an online App where you can literally stay on a local person coach, or if you’re really lucky, a spare bed for free. You can make new friends and get a feel of what it’s like to live like a local, at no cost. Full disclosure here: Couchsurfing used to be very popular about 5-10 years ago. I used to love Couchsurfing. Nowadays, it’s less popular, but still, a lot of people are using it.

Hostelworld / Booking.com – Before arriving at your new location it is best to search for the best hostels that meet your budget. By using online sites you can easily get a rough idea of the average hostel rate per night and to make sure you’re securing the best deal.

Transportation

To travel around as cheaply as possible, conduct research in the location you are visiting, many countries now have cheap online taxi Apps such as Uber, Grab (Asia) or GOJek (Indonesia). However public transport options like buses, trams, and trains are by far the cheapest.

Food/Drinks

In Asia, you can eat out every night and stay within your low travel budget thanks to the incredible street food options and night markets buzzing with backpackers and locals and serving hot, tasty and exotic food! However, in Australia, you are best to dine in and make use your accommodations kitchen and cook in. In Europe and the U.S you can find a wide variety of cheap restaurants, however dining in again will allow you to stick to your travel budget.

Activities

Plan what you want to see and do beforehand to make sure you are making the most of the cheaper activities the destination has to offer. Once arrived at your destination, ask other travelers or speak with the hostel staff to get an idea on the cheapest way to organize activities. Usually, the cheapest way to experience an activity is to organize it yourself and team up with fellow backpackers to venture out and enjoy the activity in a group to share the costs and benefit from group rates.

Of course, if you want to know what to expect in terms of pricing, you can always check on Getyourguide and book some activities in advance!

Travel Budget Plan | Getting Ready

 

Transportation Between Countries

Once you have started backpacking, you can use Skyscanner to research and find the cheapest flight to reach your next destination.

  • Travel off-season – Avoid traveling in the high seasons or during dates that collide with school holidays.
  • Book in advance or days before – Book far in advance as possible, cheap deals appear once before skyrocketing higher in price. If you are last minute, you can also snag a low price by booking two or three days before when airlines lower prices to fill up last few seats, perfect for those last minute trips.
  • Private search ­­- When ready to book a flight, use a private browsing tab, incognito browsing clears your cookie history which would usually hike up the price of your overly searched flight. I personally tried this before and had no luck with the incognito searching, but who knows, you might end up finding a great deal!
  • Multi-stop flight – Multiple stop flights may be long, but they can end up being much cheaper than flying directly.
  • Read more tips here.

Visas

Visa requirements will differ depending on your own nationality, your different travel destinations and the length of time you want to stay. The easiest and most reliable way to understand which type of visa you will need, if any, is by visiting the embassy website of every place you plan to visit. They will have a clear and definitive price of the visa, all the requirements and different application options, all according to your citizenship.

Make sure to do all this research and include visa prices when planning your travel budget, be clued up before you arrive at your destination to avoid being faced with any unwanted high visa fees! You can also check out iVisa to find the right requirements for you!

Travel Insurance

It may be tempting to choose the cheapest travel insurance on offer, but this is somewhere I really insist on investing a few more dollars in! Search through a comparison website and find out what the travel insurance payout is. Make sure you carefully read your policy and compare; an extra $20 travel insurance can end up covering you way more than the cheapest budget option and may even save your life.

Also, make sure it covers you for your most prized possessions, if you have expensive camera gear, find an add-on in your policy to increase technology coverage. Remember to always carry around the number of your insurance and all the policy details, just in case anything happens during your travels to save you forking out more money than needed.

Travel Gear & Essentials

When packing for your budget travel adventures, you have to carefully choose travel essentials, which will save you money on the road and simplify your backpacker life. You can check my favorite travel essentials or this Southeast Asia packing list.

  • Universal travel plug – A good quality universal adaptor will last years and used anywhere in the world.
  • Unlocked phone – This will save you from being overcharged by overseas fees, simply buy a cheap local SIM in each country you visit.
  • Wide eye camera lens – Can’t fork out on expensive camera gear? Stick to your travel budget and use a wide eye portable lens for our camera to capture the best of your adventures cheaply and easily.
  • Portable battery pack – This is essential for any backpacker on the road, ensuring you can charge your tech goods anywhere, anyplace.
  • Journal and pen – Write down any scribbles, thoughts, and stories during your travels.
  • Reusable water bottle– A refillable bottle will save the environment and save you money!
  • Waterproof rain jacket – Handy for keeping you dry and preventing any water damage to your, phone, camera and travel gear.

Budget Travel Tips

Travel Budgeting Apps/Useful Apps

Trip Coin App – This App lets you track all of your travel spending’s offline, without the use of Wi-Fi, which is ideal for any remote backpacking adventures. The App gives you notifications of your daily spend, track what type of purchases you are making, and allows you to keep an eye on your set travel budget.

XE Currency – The app allows you to stay in the loop with live exchange rates, you can even see multiple currency exchange rates in the app all on the same screen! Avoiding any confusion over those pesky exchange rates in your new destination. This will save you stress and money!

Google Maps – Did you know you can view maps offline? Search for your intended destination whilst you have Wi-Fi and your destination will remain on the screen once you hit the road. You can also check out the different travel options including public transport routes with live travel times and precise directions. So, you can travel somewhere on your own without taking expensive taxi rides.

Top Budget Travel Tips

  • You could hand-wash your clothes to save money on laundry. In Asia, you can find very cheap options, but in places like Europe, you could end up paying about $10 just to do your laundry. You could also carry detergent pods with you!
  • One of the biggest expenses related to transportation is going to an airport and leaving an airport. Making research beforehand is a great way to avoid paying expensive taxi rides. Also, you could always share a cab with people met at the airport or on the plan.  Be social, it could help you save money!
  • In Southeast Asia, I managed to find ways to go on an extreme budget by using my skills and knowledge to save on accommodation.
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Travel tips for backpackers

1. Don’t forget your visa! 

You’ll need a visa to enter India and most tourists opt for the double-entry, e-visa for 60 days of travel. India is pretty strict about their visas and their e-visa application process is a little more complicated than other countries. You can go through a third-party if you’re concerned about it, but make sure you don’t fall for any of the many scam websites claiming to handle Indian visas.

Otherwise, do the process yourself and save the service fee and stress of being scammed. That’s what I did! You can apply here for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) through the government website. You’ll need to upload a passport photo, a passport scan and fill out an entire application. The website programming is absolutely terrible, so if you have troubles with it that’s normal.

After you submit your application, you’ll get a confirmation email and then another email 24 hours – 1 week later stating approval with a PDF of your e-visa. The fee is $100 for Americans +  2.5% processing fee, but most other countries only pay $80. You can find the list of fees by country here.

Don’t forget to bring a print out of your e-visa with you to India. They’ll want to see it at the airport. And promise me you won’t overstay your visa. I met a traveler who ended up having to pay a fine and stay in India for an extra two weeks while waiting for government permission to leave. Just avoid all that and leave before your 60 days are up.

2. Don’t be afraid of street food and local restaurants. 

This is a bit of a risk, but it’s the best way to try delicious Indian food and to save money. Street food is insanely cheap and literally a fraction the price of tourist places!!

If you have a strong stomach, it’s definitely worth it. I actually ate street food often and only came away being seriously sick twice my entire 7 weeks in India. It’s all really luck (or bad luck) of the draw when it comes to food poisoning.

3. Be alert for scams and be assertive.

As is common for most parts of Asia, there are plenty of scammers and touts looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Be alert, come prepared with knowledge and be assertive and aggressive when needed. Don’t be afraid to say no, thank you and walk away when you know something’s not right. Take everything with a grain of salt and verify!

A random list of common scams in India:

  • Being told your accommodation is closed. They just want you to stay at their own guesthouse or friend’s place.
  • “Parking fees” at train stations for departing or arriving tuk tuks.
  • Local attractions are closed. Honestly not sure the gain here but we heard this a lot even while standing in front of said attraction where people were entering.
  • Getting a price quote for a tuk tuk at the start, only to find the price has changed dramatically upon arrival. Drivers may yell and cause a scene to bully you into paying the higher price. Bully back.
  • Insane markups in general. I had a street food vendor quote me 200 rupees for a dish I knew was 50 from having had it before. Don’t be afraid to haggle for that fair price.

4. Prepare yourself for Indian bathrooms. 

My list of India travel advice wouldn’t be complete without a thorough review of the local bathrooms – they are an experience.

  • Squatty potties are very common and they are usually the cleaner option compared to the western style stalls.
  • Indians don’t use toilet paper so there’s often none in the stalls. It’s customary to use a water hose or bucket to clean up.
  • Carry a roll with you if it’s a necessity for you. Or embrace the hose if you so choose!
  • Don’t flush the TP! Most places have signs reminding you, but the pipes aren’t made for flushing paper.
  • The bathrooms often lack soap, so having hand sanitizer on hand at all times is a must.
  • Sometimes you have to pay to use public bathrooms. Usually about 5-10 rupees.

 

5. The water isn’t safe to drink.

However, many hostels, guesthouses and temples have filtered water for drinking. If you choose to buy plastic, be sure to check that the seal isn’t broken. This is supposedly another scam that happens in India although I never encounted that once while traveling, so who really knows.

Save on plastic and bring a portable filter. I really regret not bringing a Life Straw or portable water filter with me on my trip to India. I would’ve saved money, plastic waste and time if I’d come prepared.

The fabulous Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

 

6. Local SIM cards are cheap, but a process to get. 

You need to fill out an application, submit a passport photo, copy of passport and visa number. You’ll then need to wait 24 hours before it’s activated. Airtel is probably the most consistently reliable throughout the entire country.

I personally used Airtel and rarely had spotty WiFi even in the mountains. You can expect to pay a couple of hundred rupees for set up, plus about 250-300 rupees per month for 1 – 1.5 gb per day plus some call and text.

A couple of my friends I traveled with had their SIM cards through Vodafone and I nearly always had better service than they did. If it’s between the two, I’d choose Airtel over Vodefone.

7. Take public transportation.

India is a huge country, and it’s pretty well connected by state and private buses and trains and it’s usally very cheap. Setting up booking accounts and learning where to book tickets can be a little complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty convenient.

A brief overview of public transportation: there are private buses, state-run buses and trains. RedBus is a great starting point for most bus routes but not all will be there. Each state in India also has its own bus/transportation websites. Yatra is another website for checking out routes.

The Ixigo app and the IRTC website is your go-to for trains. Check out Hippie in Heels’ guide for setting up an account with the train booking system. The set up is a headache but it’s worth it. When booking the trains, there are various ‘classes’ or comfort levels of cabins to choose from all increasingly more expensive. The sleeper train without A/C is your cheapest option and the best way to travel India IMHO.

The Man In Seat61 is always a great travel resource for train travel so be sure to check out his take on India as well!

8. You don’t need to worry about booking transportation in advance.

This is mostly true. If you’re looking to take a train or bus on a popular route that only has one or two options a day, then you’ll probably want to book a couple of days in advance. If you’re trying to travel during an Indian holiday like Holi, Diwali etc, you’ll also want to book far in advance as many people travel home during the holidays! Otherwise there are usually available seats to grab the day before when booking on your travel apps.

 

The very local buses can be booked at departure. Just show up to the bus terminal and ask for the destination you need. You may have to ask many people for your destination before finding the right bus. It’s not uncommon for locals to tell you the wrong thing to scam you into paying for a private taxi. It’s a chaotic place with lots of buses so sometimes they honestly just don’t realize. You’ll buy your ticket on board after you’ve started moving.

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Backpack vs Suitcase – Which one Should You Use?

Backpack vs Suitcase

Backpack vs Suitcase – Which one Should You Use?

Backpack vs Suitcase – which one should I take for my next trip? I am sure many of you have this question while packing for your trip. Infact, this has always been a hot topic of debate between travellers for a long time. So, which one is better?

To be honest, we have been using backpacks since we started travelling almost 15 years back. Infact, we named our blog after our favourite luggage.

However, not long ago, we got interested in suitcases. There were times when we had to travel for work and a backpack at that time was not really suitable. Now that we have used them both, we have realized that both backpacks and suitcases have advantages and disadvantages of their own. So here is our honest opinion on the never-ending debate between suitcases and backpacks.

Backpack vs Suitcase

What type of luggage you will choose depends on the type of traveller you are! It also depends very much on your destination. Obviously, you will not consider carrying your suitcase for a trekking trip! Neither would you want to take out a crumpled saree or suit out of a backpack before a wedding. So you know, that a wrong choice can ruin your vacation.

Before your trip, ask yourself a few questions –

  • How long is your trip?
  • What is it you are going to do?
  • What are the places you are travelling and what is the infrastructure of the place you are travelling to?
  • How much are you going to bring back?

These questions will definitely help you to decide whether to choose a backpack or suitcase. And for further help, read on to know about the pros and cons of a backpack and suitcase and settle this debate between backpack vs suitcase for one.

Pros and cons of a Backpack

Travel Backpacks

Backpacks come in various sizes. Here I am speaking about large backpacks of more than 40 litres. Large backpacks are best for travellers who do not want to carry a suitcase around, but still want sufficient storage space.

Pros

  1. Backpacks are easier to carry and give you limitless mobility. You can climb stairs, walk on uneven terrain, jump on trains and buses without thinking much. This is definitely one of the greatest advantages of backpacks.
  2. Both your hands remain free while using a backpack. This, I consider, is the best advantage of using a backpack. Hands remain free to use phone, camera and other gadgets.
  3. Backpacks are usually lighter than suitcases. So, it is easier to keep the weight of the luggage within the limit.
  4. Backpacks have more pockets and you can organize your stuff better.
  5. You can compress your backpack and make it smaller. This is quite impossible to do with a suitcase.
  6. You can walk further with a backpack. The weight of the backpack is not usually concentrated on your hands and shoulders. A good backpack distributes the weight down through your core and legs. You can carry a backpack further and walk with it for a larger distance.
  7. Backpacks are usually more secure as they stay on your body. So lesser chances of it getting stolen.
  8. If backpacking is your style of travel where you do not have a fixed itinerary and go with the flow, then a backpack is definitely the better choice for you.

Cons

  1. You have to carry all the weight on your back. No matter how strong you are, carrying a large backpack with all your stuff is never going to be comfortable. There are times when I want to carry a few books with me on my trips. But I usually do not take them because I do not want to increase the weight of my backpack.
  2. Backpacks are difficult to pack as compared to suitcases.
  3. There are chances of your clothes and belongings getting crumpled and squished inside a backpack. I do remember with horror the condition of my crumpled suit during one of our business trips. That was quite a long time back. Infact, we started carrying a suitcase after we got our drone. Carrying a drone in a suitcase is safer than in a backpack.
  4. If you have physical problems like knee, hip or back pain, then backpacks are not for you.
  5. Backpacks are often not waterproof. Although there is rain cover for the backpacks, the chances of the belongings getting wet remains.
  6. It is difficult to find a right backpack that is comfortable to carry. We had tried several backpacks before zeroing on our latest ones.

Pros and cons of a Suitcase

Travelling with Suitcase

Suitcases are better choices if you are heading towards one destination and you do not have to walk around much. And suitcases are definitely the best idea if you are going on for a business trip. We usually carry our suitcase if we go for a road trip because we have our car with us for all the time. Packing is a bit easier in suitcases than backpacks.

Pros

  1. The main reason to use a suitcase – wheeling a suitcase is much easier than carrying a backpack on our back. This is especially useful in airports, railway stations and any smooth surface.
  2. Hard shell suitcases can provide protection to your belongings and can handle all the roughness on the road.
  3. It is easier to organize your clothes and pack your belongings in a suitcase. You do not have to rummage at the bottom of a pack to find your stuff. Suitcases are easier to repack than a top-loading backpack.
  4. Clothes will tend to remain wrinkle free, especially the important ones.
  5. You can separate your dirty clothes from the clean ones in a better and organized way in a suitcase.
  6. Hard shell suitcases are waterproof.

Cons

  1. Wheeling the suitcase is great until you reach uneven terrains, cobbled paths and staircases. It is always more difficult to carry a suitcase on steps than a backpack.
  2. One of your hands will always be occupied while wheeling your suitcase. This is one of the major disadvantages of using a suitcase over a backpack.
  3. If you are travelling in a crowded place or you have to take public transport often during your trip, then a suitcase can be a problem. Crowds and suitcases hardly go together.
  4. A suitcase cannot be squashed in size unlike a backpack. So, even for a small trip you might have to carry a large suitcase.
  5. Some suitcases, especially the cheaper ones, are quite heavy on their own. This poses a problem, especially if you are on a weight limit.
Packing woes

Backpack vs Suitcase – Which one to Choose?

Are you travelling for a relaxing holiday and would be staying in a resort? Or are you planning to explore cities and countryside and would rely on public transport?

The luggage you choose depends on the type of travel. It also depends on the destination and the activities you do there. It also depends on your budget. For budget travellers relying mostly on public transport and hostels, backpacks are better options. And most importantly, it depends on you – what you are comfortable with.

Choose a Backpack if you are –

  • Moving around a lot on foot.
  • Backpacking across places and travelling for a longer period of time.
  • Strong and fit enough to carry the backpack
  • Going for trekking and hiking.

Choose a Suitcase if you are –

  • Travelling for a relaxing vacation, usually staying in resorts.
  • Driving or renting a car for travel.
  • You won’t be walking with your luggage much.
  • If you have back problems.
  • If you are travelling for formal affairs.

While choosing your backpack and suitcase, do remember the following.

Backpack and Suitcase – Size matters

Whether you choose a backpack or suitcase, choose the size that you will be able to carry. Do not buy bigger backpacks or suitcases, as you will tend to pack much more if you have extra space.

Backpack and Suitcase – Quality matters

Do not be stringent while buying your luggage. Spend the extra amount on the backpack or suitcase. A good quality suitcase or backpack is an investment. We had previously bought cheaper backpacks that were uncomfortable to carry. We learnt it the hard way.

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4 of the Best Ways to Document Your Travels

4 of the Best Ways to Document Your Travels

4 of the Best Ways to Document Your Travels:-

Travelling is so much more than an activity. It’s an experience, a journey and a way to discover new things about yourself and different cultures. No two trips are ever alike and after each trip, you’re always asking “So, where are we going next?”

Whether you’re a solo traveller or you have your travel buddy, you want to share your experiences with others. People will always ask to see your photos, ask about what you ate and what the locals were like.

“You should write a book,” someone might say to you, and it doesn’t sound like a half-bad idea. While a book may be down the road, you certainly have other options to document your travels and share them with everyone.

You’ve Got Mail

No, this isn’t a plea for you to act more like Tom Hanks or Meg Ryan, but instead some simple encouragement. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll probably have some form of internet access. With this internet access, friends and family may be checking their inboxes for updates on your trip and to make sure you haven’t been carried off by Somalian pirates yet.

 This is a great, free and easy way to not only keep in touch with everyone but also journal your trip. At the end of each week, every two days or whenever, write an email to a group of people informing them what you’ve been up to, what your next plans are and everything in between. 

At the end of your trip, you can return to all those emails, print them off and put them in a notebook. Going back through them will just help you relive all those wonderful memories.

Start Blogging

Think of this like a public journal, but a blog or website is a great way to keep track of your journeys. You can upload photos, put down restaurant reviews or talk about your trips down the road oft-not taken.

You can also expand your blog and put travel recommendations on there, tips and tricks you’ve learned or the best ways to find cheap flights.

Whatever your plan is, make sure you map out a regular posting schedule so people can know when to check back on you and keep coming back to your site. So many people look to social media and blogs for their inspirations. Who knows, you could inspire the next group of travellers.

Dial it Back

While writing on pen and paper may be a lost cause these days, that doesn’t mean you have to follow the trend and ditch the traditional writing style. Even if your handwriting has gone from bad to worse, you can still write down everything you see around you.

In a way, some people may prefer this style as it lets you get a little more personal as you’re not going to be sharing it with tons of other people. Plus, you can write anyway you want. Bullet points, long paragraphs or just a flurry of short sentences, the journal is your oyster.

It’s easy to carry everywhere and you don’t need much to go ahead and get started on writing anytime.

Take a Picture, It Will Last Longer

If you’re travelling, you are using your phone for so many things like directions, email and taking lots and lots of pictures. Whether you’re a camera fanatic, taking pics of everything from food to monuments, or a simple point and click person, pictures are one of the best ways to document your trip.

But you can take it a step further and make a photo journal out of it. The first step in all this is to make sure that your photos are backed up on some type of cloud. Whether that be OneDrive, Google Photos or something else, you don’t want to take all the pictures in the world only to have your phone lost, damaged or stolen.

Back all of those photos up and whenever you arrive home, print your favourites out. Go find a nice photo journal and put your photos in there. Place it on the coffee table or shelf and voila! You now have all your memories in one place. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and always fun to look back on! Just make sure you get plenty of photos with you in them, instead of only landscapes and buildings.