9 Things I Have In My Rucksack When I Travel
When I travel, I travel in style and by style I mean economy, but with a plastic glass of white wine from Château Gatwick. But when on the move for a good distance, it’s always best to be prepared, so here’s a rundown of all the things I try to have in my bag when I travel.
Water
Standard obviously, good for keeping you hydrated and alive.
Hand Sanitiser
I don’t know why, but this suddenly shot up in popularity over the last few years. Other people are nice but all people are generally gross and airports, train stations and buses are all in need of a good 90 degree wash. In lieu of that, a small bottle or tube of hand sanitizer is advisable.
Charger Cable (Multiple) / Portable Charger (Small One)
Usually short and long (long for the hotel short for the plane or train). Portable charges can get you into bother on flights and *most* airlines provide some form of charging. There is always that perennial last resort…using your laptop as a means for charging your phone. There's no shame in it, we’ve all been there.
Laptop
Or as it’s known, a very expensive phone charger. I know I like working on the go, but it’s also the thing that will entertain you when you are bored and be really useful if you’re in a pickle with a delayed flight or issue you need a proper computer to sort out.
T-Shirt and Pants
This is aimed at air travel, roughly one in every 250 bags are misdirected or lost by airlines and airports. So, if you have to wait an extra day or two for a suitcase you’ll thank me for that spare pair of underpants keeping you from feeling disgusting. Also if you’re on a 20+ hour journey, you might want to treat yourself to a wee costume change during a layover.
Face Spray / Wake Up Spray
I’m talking about an instant boost type face tonic affair. Something to moisturize after time in a dry cabin or carriage. Useful on the short to medium trip. For example, Glasgow to London on the train is 4.5 hours. Say you arrive into London Euston at 10am, a quick spray before you step off onto the platform is the perfect way to have you feeling refreshed before going for lunch and paying £13.59 for a weak cocktail.
Mints/ Breath Freshener
Fairly self explanatory. Not that you’ll be kissing many people while in transit… or maybe you will, that might be how you can travel so much, I’m not here to judge, get those airline points whatever way you can.
Aftershave/Perfume (not the good stuff)
Exactly the same vibe as above. A middle of the range (airline compliant) aftershave or perfume that you can spray, stay and walk away with when you arrive at your destination or a long connection.
A Book, Small.
If you are the kind of person who carries a book with you regularly, then this is not for you.
Look, there is a 99% chance you will have access to a plug, or USB socket to keep your phone charged and you occupied for the length of your journey but on the OFF CHANCE that you might not be able to use your device, bring a wee book. Paperback. Keep it in your bag and you’ll have something to keep your mind occupied after that unexpected delay in the airport with no plug sockets… or it may even encourage you to read that book you’ve always wanted to.
