Got the travel bug? 5 tips for smooth travel
Published Dec 16, 2022
If you're catching the travel bug, pack your bags and say goodbye to the daily grind! To ensure you return refreshed, make your journey as carefree as possible. Whether you're flying or traveling eco-friendly by train or bus, the right travel gear is guaranteed to make your trip more relaxing.
Verkkokauppa.com tip: Get all the travel gear you need flexibly with Tili, so you have more spending money for your trip!
1. Choose the right bag for the occasion
Every type of bag has its purpose, and choosing the right one makes traveling smooth and effortless.
A duffel bag is best for weekend trips where you don't need to carry it for long periods. It's a versatile staple for any household, doubling as a gym bag or a bag for trips to the cabin.
A wheeled suitcase is almost essential for longer trips. A larger suitcase fits everything you need, including souvenirs, and even a heavy bag rolls easily through airports and cities thanks to its wheels and telescopic handle. Shopaholics should opt for the largest possible size, while a medium-sized suitcase is plenty for those packing light. Instead of traditional black, choose a bright color or a patterned model to make your bag stand out on the luggage carousel.
A colorful luggage tag also helps identify your bag and ensures it finds its way back to you if lost.
A carry-on bag—a small suitcase that fits in the overhead compartment—is handy for shorter trips or as an addition to checked luggage on longer journeys. Each airline has its own size limits, but generally, it should be under 56 cm tall. Wheels and a handle make it easy to maneuver. In addition to a carry-on, you're often allowed a backpack or handbag that fits under the seat in front of you.
A good backpack is an excellent travel companion—it holds everything from souvenirs to extra layers for chilly evenings. If you plan on walking a lot with a heavy load, choose a backpack with chest and/or waist straps to distribute the weight more evenly across your upper body.
2. Pack smart
Packing tightly leaves more room for souvenirs! Beyond saving space, organizing your belongings efficiently makes it easy to find what you need without having to unpack everything.
Packing cubes are a great way to organize and compress your gear. Shirts and trousers stay neat and compact, especially with vacuum-sealable bags. Keep underwear in a separate bag, and use a dedicated pouch for essentials like chargers and cables so they're always within reach.
Toiletry bags and travel bottle sets keep your essentials organized. There’s no need to lug around full-sized bottles; simply decant what you need into smaller containers. It’s a good idea to keep these in a separate pouch to protect against potential leaks.
Once you're packed, make sure your bag doesn't exceed airline weight limits. A compact luggage scale is a handy way to check the weight at home and again before your return flight—especially after all that shopping.
3. Relax while traveling
Long flights, train rides, and bus trips can be exhausting, so make them as comfortable as possible. The journey feels much shorter if you can catch some sleep.
Travel pillows make it easier to sleep upright in uncomfortable plane or train seats. Inflatable pillows save space when not in use, while padded ones often offer a bit more comfort.
Eye masks are a total game-changer! Since you can't control the lighting in public spaces, a mask provides the darkness you need to fall asleep. Note: they’re also great at home during bright summer nights if you don't have blackout curtains.
Earplugs help block out unwanted noise. Standard plugs still let some sound through, so light sleepers might prefer noise-canceling versions.
Headphones are a great alternative to earplugs, as listening to calming music, audiobooks, or podcasts can help you relax. With noise-canceling headphones, you can tune out other passengers and enjoy some peace and quiet.