The art (and aesthetics) of packing smart

Traveling is one of the most fun and genuinely character-provoking activities a person can engage in, especially for those lucky enough to have a reading week mid-term. However, without the proper travel gear in hand, the trip could very much be deteriorated. So, especially for those aiming to pack light, this is a guide of the essentials, my personal favourites, and a brutal review of which travel gear is, in my humble opinion, overrated or overly commercialised.

For starters, let’s get rid of the excess weight. I think it’s time we all collectively accept that traveling neck pillows are not providing the comfort that we hope for. Whenever I carry one, it’s always an extra hassle because it needs to be accessible. I either have to hold it through security or let it take up the majority of my backpack space, all while constantly making sure that I haven’t left it behind or dropped it somewhere.

Now, if this little pillow was the secret to a good night’s sleep on the plane, I’d gladly bring it along. However, all it has ever offered me is a strained neck. It even makes it more uncomfortable to watch a movie or fall asleep, since resting your head with the pillow often means you’re stuck glancing at the screen from the bottom of your eyes.

The hoodie, if folded properly, doubles as a pillow, while the coat then becomes a blanket

My mum, however, travels overseas often and has invested in a good high-quality plane pillow, made of plush, pillow-like material. It also has a small button that lets you attach it to your suitcase, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it around. Even that one, though, has proven disappointing to me, but she loves it. So, I guess if somebody truly finds them comfortable, it’s worth doing a bit of research into both the material and overall design before investing in one.

My personal favourite substitute is getting dressed in overly warm clothes, like a coat, paired with a hoodie or a zip-up. The hoodie, if folded properly, doubles as a pillow, while the coat then becomes a blanket. The longer the coat the better; my woollen one is my best option.

Of course, this trick works better for wintertime. For summer trips, I usually use my go-to teddy bear as a pillow, as I always travel with it. Personally, I find that bringing an object, closely associated with home, is a travel essential. It helps you maintain a sense of familiarity that is very much craved in long trips or even shorter ones, for homebodies like me. Of course, this opens the whole debate around attaching so much sentiment to objects, but that’s a story for another time!

That’s why my biggest recommendation for travel gear is a junk journal, or simply a journal of any kind

Generally, I believe that collecting memories and finding ways to preserve them adds so much more value to one’s travels. That’s why my biggest recommendation for travel gear is a junk journal, or simply a journal of any kind. Journaling is widely known to be therapeutic, and is something almost everyone recommends these days, and they are right from my personal experience.

That said, it’s not entirely practical to document your trip day by day. We all know how quickly those days fly by. Instead, I started junk journaling during my summer travels. I saved small things like my tickets, maybe a coaster or two, photobooth pictures, stickers, basically anything that could be glued on a page. Then I attached them all inside a little blank-paged journal.

When I look through it now, I can instantly remember the story behind every, single thing. I added small captions to some, which does make it more personal. It was so worth it and genuinely so easy. All you need is a small notebook and maybe a glue stick in your bag and you’re good to go!

In general, my approach to packing and travel gear is simple: be as efficient as possible, carry as little as possible, and bring things that would enhance the trip and the fun that I am aiming to have. With that in mind, let me take you on a quick speed rant through all things I find necessary, unnecessary and absolute must-haves.

You can always use your phone or a tablet instead and, let’s be honest, you are not writing that essay while on the trip

First and foremost, a camera. Bonus points if it’s a film one, because those pictures are truly unmatched. Next, portable chargers. Everyone swears by them, though I have never really needed one, phones these days do last the test of time, just make sure you charge overnight. Still, everyone I asked insists they are lifesavers so they could be worth considering.

Staying within the tech zone, I’d recommend splurging on your data while traveling. Google maps will be in constant use, and there is no reason to waste time worrying about weak Wi-Fi connections.

Earphones are a must, for the plane, public transport, or even for moments of peace. Personally, I believe Bluetooth earphones to be unnecessary. Wired ones are more practical, it is less of a tragedy if they get lost, and they are way more battery friendly. You can even be romantic and share them with your significant other and most importantly, they are one less thing you have to worry about charging.

As for laptops, absolutely unnecessary, and this is coming from someone who always brings one. It’s extra weight and space. You can always use your phone or a tablet instead and, let’s be honest, you are not writing that essay while on the trip. Put yourself first!