Some people love travelling, others hate it.
To avoid any confusion, when I say ‘travelling’ I mean the process of getting from A to B, origin to destination, not the concept of backpacking through multiple countries on a gap yaaah.
I have a theory; most people who hate travelling are inadequately prepared for the mission they’re about to undertake.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, isn’t that how the saying goes?
‘I’ll be fine', is a phrase they’re all too familiar with. And guess what? They rarely get through the experience without moaning.
Regular scenarios:
The refusal to take any hand luggage only to realise they left their headphones and book in their suitcase - located in the hold. Rookie.
They've had to throw away half a bottle of cologne because it didn’t adhere to the 100ml rule. Brands make travel toiletries for a reason...
Anyway, enough of this attack on inadequately prepared travellers - solutions not problems is how I play the game, so let's crack on.
Entertainment
Everyone knows a holiday (or travelling to and from one) is the perfect opportunity to conquer the books you Always say you’ll read but Never actually make time for.
Whether you pack your kindle, or like me, prefer things the old-fashioned way I.e. actual books, be sure to stock up ahead of the journey.
A few great reads I’d recommend:
'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' - Reni Eddo-Lodge (Not read this one but it's been recommended to me on multiple occasions and is on my list)
'Mr Jones' Rules for the Modern Man' - Dylan Jones
'Normal People' - Sally Rooney
'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' - Heather Morris
An honourable mention has to go to headphones – whether it’s Netflix, a podcast or music, they're key to keeping your sanity.
Hand Luggage
Regardless of the length of your journey, or where you’re travelling to, you’re going to want hand luggage with you. Hold-alls provide easy access to laptops, books and any other forms of entertainment you may have brought with you. Oh, and don't forget the packet of mints lodged in at the bottom of the bag - they're essential in ensuring your ears don't explode on descent.
Those that use a supermarket branded carrier bag – I’m not knocking you, it’s great to see you’re taking the ‘bag for life’ label so seriously.
That said, if you do fancy an upgrade and want something a little more stylish, yet still practical, I couldn’t recommend either of the below more.
Lightweight Jumper
This one applies more to planes than trains I must say, however I’d still class it as an essential.
I find it hilarious when you see Brits lined up in the queue for check-in, already dressed for the beaches of Spain. They Always seem to forget they've still got an f-ing cold flight with maximum air-con to endure. It’s the same when the group returns, wearing as little as possible to show off their tan, and forgetting it’ll likely be a heck of a lot colder at home.
My point? Always take a lightweight jumper with you – it’ll be your saving grace on a chilly flight or when you’re dining by the sea one evening and a breeze picks up.
I would recommend …
Toiletries Set
Two key reasons for this making the list.
1) The 100ml rule – go with these in your hand luggage and you don’t have to spend ten minutes proving to security that your 250ml bottle of aftershave surely can’t have more than 150ml left – ‘I mean look at it, it’s not even half full…’
2) Delays happen. We’ve all had them, we all hate them but we never seem to prepare for them. Should you get delayed it’s nice to have easy access to products that have the power to boost your morale.
Simple pleasures such as brushing your teeth or washing your hands and face can do great things for you.
My recommendation…
Passport (case)
Your passport if of course a travel essential, otherwise you ain’t boarding that plane. And most of us are lucky customs will accept any tatty excuse for a passport because we really don’t tend to look after them.
So, as well as your passport, I’d also count a passport case to be a travel essential – give the little stamped book the respect it deserves; you’d be going nowhere without it.
Aspinal of London offer a beautiful range of passport covers so I’d highly advise you check them out. They’re not too expensive and are a stylish and necessary accessory, especially if you’re a frequent flyer.
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