We all love going on holiday – but sometimes the logistics of the journey are enough to bring on a headache. However, travelling – and enjoying yourself once you’ve arrived – can be made a whole lot easier with a little investment in the right sort of kit.
If there’s one person who knows this, it’s travel journalist Laura Millar. Laura, whose popular food and travel blog whatiatetodayandwhy.co.uk sees her hopping on and off planes as often as she eats hot dinners, has recommended some of her favourite gadgets to take the strain out of spending large amounts of time in planes, trains and automobiles. Here are some of her suggestions for ensuring summer holidays are as stress-free as possible.
Hear no evil
There’s nothing like the heart-sinking moment of realising you’re seated on a plane next to a snorer, or a hysterical toddler. To avoid any chance of passive aggression on your part, it’s worth investing in some noise-cancelling headphones. I like the Lindy NC-40 (RRP £40), which are lightweight, compact and neutralise even the loudest snoring.
Bug off
Nothing ruins a holiday more than being driven mad by itchy insect bites. So bug-proof yourself by investing in an insect repellent. LifeSystems does a great Portable Mosquito Killer that’s silent, odourless and gives seven nights’ protection against all the little biters on just two AA batteries (RRP £9.99).
See clearly now
Sometimes when you’re heading far afield, like on safari or to a remote island, there’s either no mains electricity, or it gets switched off really early. So I never go away without packing a head torch. I like the Fenix HL22 (RRP £29.95) because it is waterproof and powerful – with a 90-metre beam – and offers up to 53 hours’ brilliant illumination from a single AA battery.
Hair today
Humidity in hot countries can play havoc with your barnet, so I rarely go away without my portable hair straighteners. I love Elie’s Travel Hair Straightener (RRP £14.95) – it’s lightweight but powerful and comes with a heat-resistant storage bag so you can grab it and go when you’re done.
Take a load off
It’s not good for the blood pressure, approaching the check-in desk with the fear of being slapped with excess baggage charges. So if, like me, you love to fill your bag with local delicacies, it’s a good idea to invest in some luggage scales. I have a nifty model by Cabin Max (RRP £6) which measures up to 50kg with total accuracy. You just strap your bag to the bottom of it, lift it up by the scale’s handle and wait for the display to settle on a number. It keeps my shopping habit in check.
Neck saver
Travel pillows may not look particularly cool, but oh how your neck will thank you for packing one. The J Pillow (£29.95) has a soft, snuggly cover, is really supportive, machine washable and very comfy.
All zipped up
I like to have a sturdy bag to cart around all my lotions and potions, and I’m a big fan of the Mixi Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag (RRP £22.00). It has a door hook, which saves the usual bathroom balancing act, and lots of useful compartments that keep your toothpaste and flannel separate from your make-up.
If you buy one thing ...
Keeping track of your luggage, and more importantly everything in it, can be tricky when you’re travelling far afield. Invest in the battery-powered Trakdot Luggage Tracker (£79.99) and keep tabs on your bag. Simply pack the tracker and it will
alert you to where it is via SMS or email when you land.
