All About Luggage : Traveling Heavy

Now, I got confused on my last post on the traveling light part, but as always there are more policies and rules regarding how we travel and how to limit our things when we travel as to prevent being delayed due to the rise of smuggling and all sorts in the world. Before booking a flight, it’s best to check different airlines about their luggage policies so as to avoid getting fined for bringing in extra luggage that is not on their ruling.

Traveling with an infant, then you should be aware of the thing you should bring with them. Consider choosing an airline that allows infants their own baggage allowance rather than having to carry their items as part of the parents’ allowance.

All About Luggage : Traveling Light

If you’re only going on vacation for a week or so maybe it’s better if you travel light. If it’s possible for you to go on a trip without the need for heavy luggage by packing the bare essentials and traveling light. Pack a set or 2 of work clothes, casual clothes, and sleep clothes.. and better yet pack toiletries for basic needs, comb, toothbrush, mouthwash. If Necessary if you can fit all your things in one outdoor backpack it would be fine. I know I can… that’s how i travel.. I travel light.

Travelling Light

It is quite possible to go away for a week or more and travel without checking in any baggage. Decant liquids into 100ml bottles (any larger than that cannot be taken as hand luggage*), or even better, buy toiletries and books after you have cleared security (items purchased airside can be taken as a separate bag). If you are prepared to do laundry on your holiday and make your packing go further, take a small bottle of travel wash.If you are a skier travelling light, wear your ski jacket for the flight and take advantage of the many pockets they have! When packing ski trousers and salopettes, roll them up as tight as possible and put elastic bands around them to make the most of the room in your case.

(The following are taken from http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/blog/2007/12/travelling-with-baggage.html)

Luggage is always a part of traveling, whether it’s light or heavy. Inconvenience is sometimes inevitable and luggage systems may update their rules and regulations without prior notice. As such, this blog shall give a rundown on luggage information.
Now we all have our theories and tradition on traveling but all us carry luggage, so this the rundown and info on luggage:

First of all the rules :
Rules about Hand Luggage

You may have seen suitcases advertised at being “hand luggage sized”. But what exactly is that? The Department of Transport guidelines state it is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, but it is different on other airlines and so on and so on. The weight limits also vary. The obvious advice here is to check with your airline.

The good news is that as of 7th January 2008, Britain’s stringent cabin baggage rules are due to be relaxed. Passengers will be able to carry a handbag or briefcase on board as well as their small case or holdall*. This should also go some way to improving the irritating scenario of having to extract mp3 players, books and lip balm from bags before placing them in the overhead locker.

The Airport :

Remember that, Not All Airports Are Equal!

The new hand luggage rules only apply to airports that have 3D scanners so this could rule out some of the smaller regional airports who cannot afford this equipment (this could be your local airport) from allowing you to take two bags onto the plane. At the time of writing, BAA are unable to say which airports would be affected. To add further to the confusion, airlines still have the final say on whether their passengers can take one or two bags into the cabin. As before, the advice is to check with your airline – and your airport!

(The following are taken from http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/blog/2007/12/travelling-with-baggage.html)

By now, you may have experienced motion sickness sometime during your life. It is a condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the sense of movement. You could call what you’re feeling if you feel dizzy, fatigued and nauseated. Here are a few suggestions so that you could dismiss the plastic bag (no thank you).

Look at the far horizon. Staring at nearby objects increases the gap between seen objects and perceived motion. Avoid sitting on rear seats because they move more. Refrain from smoking or bringing strong smelling substances and food. Have a calm stomach – not hungry or constipated. Drive smoothly – lessen braking swerving and make sure the suspension system is in good shape. Take motion sickness drugs before the trip starts if you’re prone to motion sickness.

First of all, bring a first aid kit and learn first aid.

Be careful of the things you put in your mouth. If you are allergic to certain food, be sure you know what they are called in the the places that you’re going to. In doing so, you could tell them that blank is not good for you and they won’t be giving you blank. Dont drink water if you’re not sure that it is clean. Don’t drink alcohol and drive!

Protect yourself from the sun and from bug bites. Apply sunblock and insect-repelling lotion. If you’re going somewhere cold, be sure that you bring appropriate clothes.

Research about the diseases that are present to the area you’ll be going to and take precautions against those. Find out if there are vaccinations to be taken before, during and after your trip. Visit your dentist if needed.

And don’t forget to list emergency numbers and bring complete health information with you.

Money Carrier
Pick one that you can wear under your jacket or shirt so as to prevent calling attention that you have a money stash and other valuables. It is best to waterproof it so you can take it anywhere you go. More than being concerned at it falling on wet terrain, it’s important that you can bring your money with you in the shower, as thieves are most likely to lurk around valuables that are left unattended.

First Aid Kit
Foresee all the possible minor maladies that you may encounter: headache, wound, upset stomach, etc. Don’t forget prescribed medicines if you’re supposed to be taking them. Pack alcohol, band-aids, gauze, and other things that are needed in wound or cut dressing.

Luxury Items
One is never alone when he has a book. Taking in nature’s ambiance is perfect with a good book. And will wonders never cease! MP3 players may have been created to keep backpackers company. No more Walkman and that huge stack of tapes and packets of batteries. Just charge your MP3 fully and minimize song selection for its battery life to last longer.

Travel Insurance
Enough said.

Water Purification Tablets, Mosquito Net, etc…
Before stocking up on this set of paraphernalia, get to know the nature of the place where you’re going. You might end up not using any of these and it’s such a waste of precious space in your backpack.

Plug Adaptors
Bring a couple if you have electrical gadgets with you. However, it wiser to bring stuff that runs on disposable batteries, except maybe for mobile phones or laptops. Try to do away with your techie toys if you plan to go on a hike.

Torch
Flashlight, lighter, and other similar lighting gadgets are a must. It’s good to bring the traditional camping flashlight but may be bulky to carry around and you might drop it along the way—you can keep it strapped around you, if you want. Or, you can bring those handy little ones that you can keep in your pocket for easy handling.

Sleeping Bag
Linen that’s rented, particularly beddings, can be doubtful which is why it is better to bring your own sleeping bag. Many models of sleeping bags are folded and stored in the most compact way and are lightweight as well.

Travel Towels
While face and hand towels are much easier to pack, bath towels are worth the space in your backpack. Choose one that’s not so thick but good enough for drying your body and hair. It can also be used as a beach towel or as an emergency blanket or pillow. You also don’t have to worry of accidental streaking when coming out of a communal shower.

Flip Flops
These are important especially when walking on the shoreline and other wet areas you might encounter. Also, flip flops prevent you from catching bacteria and fungi when using the public toilet or shower.

Better safe than sorry, they say. Though easier said than done, it is better to take all precautions when taking a trip, especially if you’re with your loved ones. A way to care is to list the following medical information to bring with you on the trip:

1. Contact person and his/her number in case of emergency.
2. Blood type
3. Your Insurance Company’s name and address.
4. Trip Insurance contact information.
5. Eyeglass prescription
6. A list of current medications with their generic names
7. A list of allergies: food, drug, substance etc.
8. A list of immunizations and dates given
9. A basic description of past and present medical condition,
10. Hospitalizations and any current problems.

You suddenly gained some sense of adventure and there is no better way to unleash it some more than through backpacking. Backpacking will take you miles and miles and will teach you to be always on your feet. Contrary to popular notion that backpacking is only for guys, ladies do have a shot in exploring the terrains.

Here are the essentials that you shall arm yourself with if you plan to go backpacking (this is for boys and girls alike):

Backpack
…the inspiration for such an adventure!
The most important thing to remember is that not any backpack will do. The backpack you’ll use must be really personalized for you, as you’ll be carrying this on your whole trip. No, you don’t have to get yourself a customized one. Just remember to always consider your height and physique, first and foremost. If you are a petite five-footer, then your backpack is definitely different from a towering six-footer.  Upon buying, request the shop assistants to wear the backpack on you and have it loaded to certain heavy extent. Feel the straps, the landing of the bag on your back, and try bending and sitting down while wearing it. Don’t get it if you fall over or if you uncontrollably knock things over around you.

… to be continued…