Your bag is packed and you're ready to go on a holiday. But have you packed the right things? Shveta Verma picks some must-haves.
'We're all going on a summer holiday/No more workin' for a week or two/ Fun and laughter on a summer holiday/No more worries for me or you/For a week or two'.
Decades ago Cliff Richard got it so right, there's been no one to challenge him on it so far. Summer holidays are as much a part of our lives as are summers. For many people, these holidays are the real thing.
The rest of the year is simply a waiting game leading up to them. But as important as they are, what can make or break them are the preparations leading up to the big break. A well-planned holiday is an enjoyable holiday and we are not substituting planning for spontaneity here. We are simply stating the obvious because as is well known, people have a tendency to ignore the obvious.
So, what does summer holiday preparation involve? Everything from the choice of a suitcase to the fancy computer case you want to show off as the newest travel bling.
Whether a veteran summer holidayer or an occasional one (if there's a breed like that) the golden rule is, no year's checklist is ever the same. No sir, for a host of reasons, the duration of summer holidays may be more or less the same and the destination may also be the same but your preparatory skills will have to be constantly updated.
Suit yourself: The Delsey suitcase is a real find it includes a coat hanger, laundry bag, toilette bag, 2 shoe bags. It is so functionally complete that you don't need any extra packing cases. If you still feel the need for more, take the Venezia bag to add dash to cabin baggage.
Pillbox-ed! Taking medicines on a holiday is not new but what is is the way to carry them. Some medicines need to be temperature-controlled. The Be-Cool ice cooler backpack is the perfect thing in this case. And don't forget a sunscreen. A pair of binoculars is also a good idea.
Soap operatic: Dislike the idea of carrying jars of handwashing liquids? Cringe at the thought of artfully hoarding hotel soaps? Here is your solution paper soaps for all occasions. From washing hands, shaving, even washing delicates, they do the job. Also check out a practical but stylish shoe-polish kit with three brushes and polish-container.
Snooze excuse: If you are one of those who have trouble sleeping in-flight and/or suffer jet-lag, try the Relaxology eye-zone massager for soothing moments. On ground, during the long, seemingly forever layovers at airports, a neck pillow and eye mask are a boon. While you are packing in such little beauties, throw in beach slippers and a foldable summer hat. You will be forever grateful to yourself.
No Rubik's cube: Many of us love the versatility of T-shirts on a holiday but are worried about them creasing, wrinkling or simply looking like they have been slept in. Go cubist and stay happy. Stacks of T-shirts, towels or knick-knacks, packing cubes can deal with all of them neatly. They are the new travel zen. These cubes also make space more manageable in your suitcase.
Oh baby! For new mothers, travelling in style is a paradox. Not any more. A stylish baby bag is just the thing. It includes a bib, a changing mat and a cleaning towel and the rest of the space can be filled up with whatever your baby needs.
Wired! For those of you who cannot imagine a holiday without one or many electronic gizmos to keep them company, here are a few cool selections. Check out the Kensington travel plug adaptor it is so practical it is a must-have, with multiple-pins and a USB charger. What was life before this device came along?
Action! For die-hard 'movieacs' who can't imagine not being able to clap their eyes on cinema even on a holiday, relaxing with your favourite movie or game just before calling it a day/waiting for the airport shuttle/sitting on the beach, try the Merlin iTheatre cordless personal cinema. It displays a virtual 50-inch screen in front of your eyes and connects to any AV device such as a DVD player, gaming system or even to your iPod video, iPhone. And it has 4GB of memory (expandable to 32 GB). So just lie down or sit up or whatever, wear the 'spectacles' and have fun. If you don't like the idea of wearing cinema on your face, take a truly portable DVD player especially if you are travelling with kids. This will keep them busy for some time. Ah, bliss.
Camera! Get the newest thrill in town. It can be carried underwater, in minus ten degrees temperature, is dust-proof and can take up to 100kg of force. And it takes great pictures. The Olympus (mu) Tough 8000 is anything but a tough choice.
