Make travelling hassle-free

Here are some tips, besides a few must-dos when travelling with a baby or carrying those delicate, expensive clothes.

The basic tips

- Be aware of the number of bags you can check in. Some airlines charge for checked luggage. It can be cheaper to pay for this online so make sure you know the details before you arrive at the airport. Most airlines' baggage allowance varies depending on class of travel, membership and flight route.

- Invest in an extra light suitcase. Antler's Size Zero range includes "the world's lightest structured large roller-case", weighing a mere 8 pounds (3.5 kilos). These cases are available at the Antler shop in Dubai Mall.

- Be aware of size restrictions in hand luggage and check your contents. Gels, creams, pastes and other liquids must not exceed 100ml each and must be placed in transparent re-sealable bags which are available at the airport.

- Do not put wrapped gifts in your luggage as these may have to be unwrapped during an inspection.

- Put valuables in your hand luggage.

- To save space, roll your clothes. Lay them face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up. Alternatively, fold clothes together, which saves space and gives items cushion to avoid creasing.

Travelling with children

- Pack nappies and food for your little one. "The products available onboard some airlines are for emergency use and not always available," warns Corrine Fuchs, a Dubai-based mother of an 8-month-old baby girl. Bring a baby bag that has a blanket, pacifier, change of clothing, antiseptic wipes, baby food, feeding utensils and make-up to maintain the "yummy mummy" status.

- In a suitcase, pack a breast pump, extra nappies, cereals and toiletries (pack in a plastic bag in case some leak). Keep baby clothes to a minimum. Remember, these can be handwashed if needed.

Fuchs cites the BabyHawk and Baby Bjorn baby carriers as essential for transporting her baby. Luxe Little, a Dubai-based retailer, sells a range of baby carriers online. The Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller (available at Mothercare) is another good product that can be folded and stowed in hand luggage, and under a car seat. It can also be checked in to bulk luggage if you intend to drive at your destination.

Travelling light

Maria Bansil, a cabin crew member of Emirates, adopts the following packing tips.

- Check the weather ahead of time and choose clothes accordingly. Choose comfort over anything else. Layer to maximise impact of your winter clothing.

- Identify essential items. "I have my camera, a mobile charger in case of emergencies, disinfectant, face towels and essential medication," Bansil says. In a foreign country it might be difficult to communicate and identify what you need, so it is best to have your essentials on hand.

- To maximise the limited space that is in your suitcase, compartmentalise it. "I use different pouches for most items I pack," Bansil says. "It also makes it easy to remember where everything is and you are sure you have all your essentials."

- Always carry comfy shoes and pack clothes that match. "A great way of adapting your wardrobe is to pack pieces that work from day to night, such as a fabulous pair of ballet flats," she says.

Travelling with luxury items

And then there are those of you who will be carrying luxurious clothing and accessories. Rosemin Manji, director of RR&Co, a Dubai-based bespoke luxury management company, emphasises the importance of recognising your luggage. "I have monogrammed leather luggage tags made in bright colours to spot my suitcase as it comes off the belt," she says.

- Pack shoes at the bottom of the case and putting them in a cotton shoe bag. "This protects shoes from scratches and will prevent any marks on the soles going on your clothes," she explains.

- When packing embellished or delicate pieces, wrap them in tissue paper or in a clear dry-cleaning bag.

- Identify your luxuries. Manji identifies flats, high-heel Louboutins in black and nude, hairdryer, skinny jeans in white and dark blue denim and a little black dress as her travel essentials.