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TRAVEL TIPS

Bag it right!

Choosing the right bag matters a lot while travelling

CONVENIENCE COUNTS If you're traveling to two cities, pack your stuff in two bags

Frequent travellers will know the importance of carrying a good bag. After all, they are the ones, who through sheer experience, have not had their perfectly arranged suitcases burst open in front of airport staff or seen their sparkling white shirt ruined by that leaking pickle jar.

And, it does not take much effort to be like them. Just spend a little time on choosing the right bag and get ready to enjoy a hassle-free trip.

For starters, if you are going on a long trip that calls for frequent airport and train transfers, opt for the good old hard-top suitcase. You can be sure the stuff inside does not crumble or wrinkle with every handling. And, when carrying liquids and oily foodstuffs, opt for a leak-proof bag with enough compartments so that mishaps are kept at bay.

Go in for a large bag even if you don't have that much luggage to carry. The extra space can be used to store holiday purchases.

Mark your luggage with a fluorescent band or a bright tag to help you identify it from among hordes of other bags at the airport or at the railway cloakroom. The cloakroom is a facility not many use, but it can work well provided you pack your luggage accordingly.

If you are travelling to two cities, with a smaller stop at the first one, pack your stuff in two bags, one for the first trip and another for the second. Check in the second bag at the cloakroom and look around the city in peace, a whole bag lighter.

While using a suitcase or bag with a combination lock, remember to give a number that only you can remember. Else, you can end up seeing your suitcase being opened by total strangers.

Of late, a whole lot of lightweight but durable bags have hit the market. Choose them for an overnight journey. While at the store, look out for bags with multiple compartments. It will help store items neatly. While choosing bags for a trek, check for compartments for toiletries, penknives, screwdrivers, a small hammer and a first aid kit.

Choose a handbag with compartments to hold brushes, combs, pens, keys and tissues. If it has a travel case and cell phone, great.

Even the much abused photographers' jacket can turn into a great piece of luggage, carry as it does so many things - your books, pens, camera, cell phone, the works. Indians don't use the backpack much, but it is a wonderful way to literally get the load off your back. And, you can cram in more by rolling your clothes rather than laying them straight. By rolling them, you also avoid chances of them getting wrinkled.

Any luggage must be capable of being moved about. The golden rule is to only pack that much which you can carry yourself. You can't tug along a heavy bag in a place where you can't use the strolley. If using a strolley, learn to handle it well. It is akin to walking with another human being with a mind of his own. Be careful, else someone might trip over your bag.

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