Needful Travel Things

We’ve been dedicated travelers for several decades. Our trips average about thirty days each and we’re gone about four months out of each year. While Covid slowed us down a bit we’re getting back to it again and we’re dusting off our travel essentials.

When we travel our basic packing includes two carry-on sized suitcases, which we usually check on flights, and two heavy duty backpacks that we carry onboard. We prefer these because it’s a combination we can easily manage ourselves, it costs a minimum to check (mostly free internally) and they carry all we really need if we pack wisely. By attaching the backpacks to the extended suitcase handles we can easily navigate city streets, buses and trains.

When selecting the essentials to carry there are three main criteria. Is it small, is it light weight and was it necessary? Every trip has been a learning experience and often we have discovered things that aren’t worth taking and choices that could be improved on.

Our very first suggestion is to put together your own emergency kit. We use a 4 x 7 inch zipper case that usually gets stashed in a mollie pouch on my backpack. Everyones needs are different but start with an abbreviated first aid kit. Packets of anti-bacterial gel, alcohol wipes and a few band aides. After that we add an eyeglass repair kit, a miniature screwdriver set, a tube of Super Glue, a pocket flashlight and a magnifier. We also add a small bottle with an assortment of over the counter pills.

What follows is a roundup of what we’ve learned and a few of our favorite discoveries.

With space and weight being a primary consideration, not only do we look for things that are small and light, we also try and select items that are multi-purpose or work together.

The Power Cube is a great choice for size and weight but there can be times when available outlets won’t allow it to plug in. International outlets usually require an adaptor and some outlets are recessed or are located in a confined space. Every traveler should have a set of international adaptors but it’s also a good idea to take along a short power extension cord too.

Today it’s becoming more common to find USB charging stations on airplanes, in airport waiting areas and hotel rooms, but when your phone’s dying and there is no charging port to be seen you need a backup.

One of the most important travel accessories is your luggage

When packing to travel we try and keep it to two carry on size suitcases and two backpacks.

Luggage and air travel is getting harder every year and it isn’t likely to get any better. One of our biggest fears on international trips is arriving and discovering our bag(s) didn’t and that has happened more than once. For that reason alone we do a lot to avoid checking our bags but unfortunately so does everyone else. That makes airplane overhead bin space stressful to try and get into. While our preference is to skip checking a bag whenever possible it is getting more difficult. Understanding that we will often still have to check a bag or two we now pack considering the lost bag a possibility. No more his and her suitcases but splitting the packed items. We also “survival” pack our carry-on backpacks with clothes that will last a couple of days.

It’s already been pointed out some of the advantages of small over large. First carry-ons help eliminate the concern of missing bags and a carry-on bag is also much easier to handle. Becoming a professional packer allows you to squeeze more into a small space and you can stop worrying about weight limits at check-in like you do with a larger bag. There’s also rarely a weight limit for carry-ons – lead bars are okay provided you can lift them.

Domestic versus International Sizes

The size limits are not international. There are a few inches of difference between carry-on luggage dimensions. Most domestic U.S. flights adhere to carry-on suitcases of 22″ x 14″ x 9″ maximum. Because of metric identification many international flights use 21 inches instead. If you do some travel outside the U.S. select the smaller size, especially since luggage rules can be a bit more strict overseas, especially with budget air carriers.

Believe it or not there have been studies on the use of each type. Spinner luggage uses four multidirectional wheels and the bag is mostly carried standing up as you walk wheeling your bag beside you instead of dragging it behind. While wheels on two-wheeled bags will usually allow an extra inch or two in the actual bag interior height, spinners are easier to navigate through airports and tight spaces.

If you regularly do a lot of walking with your luggage the two-wheeled bags could be a better choice. It takes up less sidewalk space and its easier to add your backpack to the extended handle of the suitcase.

Backpacks versus Carry-Ons

While we are nervous about checking our backpacks we think they have a number of advantages over suitcases. Foremost is they are easier to carry. My wife gives me a hard time when mine hits forty pounds even though I’ve spent some of my life carrying much heavier backpacks for serious distances. Also when we can’t get access to an overhead bin the smaller packs can get shoved up under a seat where a suitcase won’t fit. Those extra outside pockets on backpacks also come in handy when going through TSA.

Carry-ons do have the advantage of being sturdier and do provide better security than backpacks. They also allow better peace of mind in the event they get checked and are easier for those that aren’t up to carrying around heavy suitcases.

Laundry While Traveling

The real secret to traveling light is to travel with easy wash and dry clothes. The new generation of moisture wicking polyester clothes are our choice because they wash and dry quickly, but you’ll need some accessories to help get the job done while on the road.

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