Travel Accessories
Any kind of trip involves a certain amount of planning, which means thinking about what will make your life easier when you’re travelling, like the various accessories described below.
Everybody up!
When you have to catch a 6 a.m. flight, you can’t take any chances about getting up in time. Of course, you could ask the hotel reception desk to give you a wake-up call, but the person on duty might not remember to do so. You could also set the alarm clock provided in the hotel room, but what if the power goes out? As you can see, if you want to be sure to get up at a certain time, best to take care of it yourself by bringing along your own travel alarm clock. Choosing the right model for you is not a complicated proposition. Just make sure it’s light, sturdy, compact and, most importantly, easy to use—because not being able to properly set your travel alarm is just as bad as not having one!
It’s in the bag
With all the new regulations in effect at airports nowadays, it’s always a good idea to put all the small personal items you’ll be carrying on board with you into a single pouch or bag to make the job of airport baggage inspectors easier during security checks. Ideally, such a bag should be made of a lightweight, see-through material or, better yet, of mesh. That way, the bag’s contents will be easily visible, and well ventilated to boot.
Get a good night’s sleep
Many passengers have a real problem in getting some shut-eye on board a plane. What can make matters worse is that airplane seats often do not provide proper or comfortable head-and-neck support. Whether it’s inflatable or made out of a compressible material, a travel pillow is easy to carry along and doesn’t take up too much room. All you have to do is place it around your neck to stabilize your head and drift off to dreamland...
Don’t be stuck for want of your suitcase
In 2009 alone, the world’s airlines lost no less than 25 million pieces of luggage. So what can you do to avoid arriving at your destination without a toothbrush, razor, cosmetics or tanning lotion? Slip a small toiletry bag into the hand baggage (carry-on bag) you’ll be taking on board the plane. The best types to choose are those that come with small bottles for carrying liquids in the amounts allowed by airline security regulations.
A secret hiding place
Whether or not you’re travelling in familiar territory, it’s always better to keep your personable valuables away from prying eyes and nimble fingers, since thieves and pickpockets always want to get their hands on passports, credit and debit cards, traveller’s cheques and cash. To keep your money and ID safe, nothing beats a money belt that can be worn inconspicuously under clothing. Be sure to choose one made from a lightweight material that dries quickly, so that it won’t become soaked with perspiration when you’re travelling in hot, humid climates.
It’s worth having a good lock
Want to make a quick trip to the washroom or a fast stop at a grocery store without being loaded down by your heavy suitcase? Leave the bag outside and fasten it to a fence or rail with a combination padlock—much more practical than a lock with a key, which can be misplaced so easily. You’ll also find a combination lock handy for many other day-to-day uses during a trip, such as securing a suitcase compartment containing valuables, or the door of a locker in a changing room when taking a dip in a pool.