When packing for a big trip are you like Ru or Lucy?
I’m a bit of both, so here’s a guide on how to pack small for the big trip, saving you mucho cajero and also a lot of stress when you’re scrambling through arrivals and hopping on buses that barely stop to let you on.
1. Look before you book.
Know before you go. I’m talking baggage fees here. There are a lot of airlines that seem set out to skank you. Usually from American based companies and these can put a serious downer on a trip before you’ve even embarked. My favourite airline has to be SriLankan for sure, with a heftly baggage allowance of 40kg, multiple boards allowed and very pleasant staff. The worst in my experience is United. They opened up my board bag at the desk and tried to charge me $150 PER BOARD. I had three with me and actually left one at left at the airport in a hissy fit as it wasn’t even worth $150.
2. Hand luggage
You’re probably traveling with a surfboard or three and most of your weight allowance will be tied up right there, so get yourself a solid hand luggage bag as your carry-on companion.
My wife has the new-classic mini suitcase style which are the exact dimensions you’re allowed as carry-on and she squeezes a lot in there. The wheels are obviously convenient when cruising through airports but I once tried to save £10 on a taxi so walked with her bag to our accommodation, however because the bag was so heavy the wheels literally grinded down to nothing and as I was even closer to the accommodation before I realised, there was no way I was getting a cab now, so had to carry the bag like I was doing some sort of army assault course the rest of the way which was incredibly uncomfortable.
Anyway, I’ve got one of those fake / real duffel bag types which I got from a market in Bangkok for about £20. It’s waterproof, drag along the floor proof, makes a great pillow and holds a healthy 42litres, which I fill with using the following technique:
3. Fold and roll
Lay your clothes down with the largest items on the bottom, pile them up, fold them once in half, then roll them into a tube. Fold and roll.
There’s no point in folding up your clothes as they will no doubt get creased, whilst taking up valuable space and that compact little tube of beaters and boardies should sit in 1/3 of your hand luggage nicely.
4. Three is the magic number
Pretty much every culture around the world has figured out how to wash stuff and clean boxers are usually just a few hours away. So this is where we come to the universally agreed travellers trilogy of clothes: Three pairs of socks, three pairs of pants, three pairs of shorts (two boardies, one normal), three shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you’re taking too much and if you’re anything like me you will appreciate the lack of choice.
5. ‘Wearing is not carrying’
My good friend Will Jessup took this to the extreme and wore all of his underwear, two pairs of shorts, a pair of jeans, a couple of vests, four tee shirts, two jumpers and a jacket on a flight to the Canaries once, as wearing is not carrying. However this guy took it a bit too far apparently and got booted off a BA flight. So sensibly stuff your pockets, wear your jacket, wear your stupid hat, rock your boots and pack your flip flops.
6. ‘Carry on plus one personal item’
Make use of this small personal item be it a camera bag (for your camera if you have one) or an old school laptop bag. It will be handy to have these things at hand either for the gram, entertaining yourself during layovers, whipping out at security etc.
7. Duty-free doesn’t count
If you can’t fit it in your bag, buy something small or get a present for a loved one from duty free and put your excess in the duty-free bag as they are one size and don’t count as your carry-on allowance. You could even go cheaper than that and just ask a sales assistant for a bag.
8. Handy hydration
Whilst traveling you must stay hydrated even more so than normal. The plane will suck every ounce of moisture from you, you will work up a sweat in transit and if you’re in a tropical country, you will be consuming more water than the locals at Fabric on a Friday night. So a convenient and cost effective way to keep on top of your hydration is to always travel with a decent water bottle with a carabiner attached so you can clip it to your backpack. Most airports have water fountains these days so you can stay topped up, whilst saving money and the environment.
9. Dress accordingly
It’s taken me a few years but I feel I’ve got this dialled now. Basically if you’re going somewhere tropical, you’re probably going to be leaving a colder climate. You may be tempted to wear your shorts from day one with all the excitement, but you will be coming back to much colder climes, so wear comfortable bottoms, lightweight trainers, and a lightweight coat. All these things can be packed up small when you discard them in the plane toilet in the obligatory hour before landing wet wipe shower.
10. If in doubt, don’t
Seriously, if you doubt you need it, you definitely don’t. Pack lighter than you think because you can always buy or borrow it.
11. (bonus) Surfer’s pack list
I’ve assumed you’re going to a tropical trip throughout this blog, so here’s a list of pretty much exactly what I take on such trips:
- Jogging bottoms (with good pockets), shamefully trendy yet practical lightweight jacket and light, comfortable trainers to travel in. Converse are my normal choice as they are light enough to wear whilst away and the black Chuck Taylors tie any outfit together nicely.
- Passport in zipped cross-body bag. Nearly 40 looking 14 but very convenient.
- 2 surfboards in double board bag: After years of experience, I’ve decided that a massive coffin board bag is actually a serious pain to travel with and for me two surfboards is more than enough. Don’t pack the board bag with too much as they are the most awkward things to carry in the world, but a towel, duct tape, fin key, wax, ding stuff and leashes will fit nicely without adding too much weight
- Backpack (as above)
- Clothes in the rule of threes (see above)
- Cap (obvs)
- Good sunglasses (obvs)
- Flip flops (I usually buy a cheap pair when away and leave them there, but they are essential)
- One set of sleeping clothes – I personally think it’s crucial for a good night’s sleep and obviously hygienic, to get into completely different clothes from what you’ve been wearing all day
- One set of yoga / stretching / sweaty clothes
- Sleep kit: eye mask and ear plugs are a must
- Shower kit: Organic mosquito repellent soap, organic disposable toothbrush, aloe vera toothpaste, moisturiser, zinc and suncream
- Camera with spare batteries and cables
- Macbook in waterproof box
- iPhone charger cables – nice idea to go off-grid but maps, entertainment and the ability to contact whoever, whenever has become a part of our lives now
- Power bank (for above reasons)
- Headphones
- Kindle
- Pad and pen
- Cards
- Basic first aid kit
That should just about cover you for any long haul tropical trip, but these are just some tips that I have learnt from my own personal surf travel tips. Obviously things differ for girls/ short haul flights/ cold climate trips. If you have any tips, please add in the comments section below.