Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, read on for tips on finding the perfect bag for your next journey.

Travelling is a passion for many of us, and whether it’s a weekend getaway, an extended vacation, or a business trip, we want our journeys to be fun-filled and hassle-free. From booking the cheapest tour packages to arranging for accommodation and food, we should also consider choosing the right travel bag for packing our clothes and other items efficiently. The ideal luggage bag makes our travel experiences more exciting and memorable. We should plan these things in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, whether to a forest, beach, mountains, or pilgrimage destination.

Gone are the days of boring and dull travel bags that made our journeys monotonous. Today, luggage bags add up to one of our most fashionable accessories. Sounds interesting, right? Thanks to the new-age digital-first brands who have disrupted the Indian luggage scene from its age-old monotony with their offerings of travel bags made with cool designs, a vast range of colours, and, most importantly, that fit our budget.

With these colourful and comfortable bags, ordinary people can soar in style and flaunt their stunning airport looks, just like our favourite celebrities flaunt their array of styles to the paparazzi. Needless to say, we must invest in these brands that prioritise innovation and manufacture luggage bags that suit the needs of every type of traveller. From backpacks to wheeled bags and from hardshell suitcases to stylish messenger bags, the latest brands have redefined how people look at their travel experiences by making them more efficient and modern.

Shruti Kedia Daga, Head of Marketing, Nasher Miles, shared a few essential tips you must consider before purchasing your next travel companion.

1. Check the number of wheels

Earlier, travel bags typically had two wheels having multiple advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about two-wheeled bags is that when they are tilted upright, they stand still and don’t roll away. But, they have higher chances of rolling down a slope, which indicates they are better on rougher grounds. It takes a lot more strength to pull a 2 wheeled bag. On the contrary, four and now eight wheels allow the pushing and pulling of the travel bag in several directions with ease, convenience, and extra stability.

2. Keep an eye on the handle type

An ergonomically designed telescopic handle is an essential feature that can be folded away when unused. It offers much-needed ease, comfort, and better balance while travelling, followed by preventing backaches and stopping luggage from becoming a headache for travellers. Checking the length of the handle is a must so that you need not stoop to use it.

3. Check the luggage material and durability

Prior to purchasing a travel bag, stay assured about your preference for the material used in the luggage bags. There are two main categories concerning material- soft-sided and hard-sided luggage- both durable. Hard-side luggage is made of polycarbonate material with negligible chances for cracks and scratches during travel. Hard-side cases are usually strong and manufactured in a way to withstand hard impact strength. The composite film of polycarbonate also embraces heat distortion resistance against attacks by chemicals and abrasion, thereby increasing the durability of the travel bag.

On the other hand, soft-side luggage is lightweight yet sturdy owing to its premium flexible fabric made of superior-quality polyester. Soft-sided bags open on one side only and work better for rooms with space constraints; hence, these are recommended for trekking or overland trips where luggage items are placed on vehicles or carried by animals.

4. Don’t forget the colour and designs

Dull colours and designs are outdated nowadays, as they look monotonous. Innovation-driven leading luggage brands offer travel bags with a play of colour palettes and fun. They have designed and engineered every travel bag (like trolley bags, backpacks, suitcases, and duffle bags) in a way that helps modern and contemporary travellers set themselves apart with style.

5. Consider the warranty period

Every luggage has a different warranty period (like six months, one year, two years, five years, or a lifetime). You should read the product details to know which warranty specifications apply to your product and check whether a brand offers a nationwide warranty, an international warranty, or both.

6. Look at the size and weight of the travel bag

The size and weight of the travel bag are essential factors to consider before flying, as every airline has different baggage policies. For heavier bags, travellers must pay a fee, whereas lighter bags are easier to carry and manoeuvre. Companies often consider travel bags ‘lightweight’ which is not always true. So, you should look for the actual weight of the travel bag before buying it.

Buying a travel bag might seem easy, but for a truly memorable experience, it is a game-changing decision. The above factors will help the wanderlust soul in you and streamline your options for your next holiday trip according to their preferences.

It becomes difficult for most of us to follow a proper diet while travelling. Although elders eat something or adjust in some ways, it is necessary to take special care of children when we are away from home. Sometimes, travelling along with your baby seems challenging. The key to ensuring a smooth trip for you and your baby is to plan.

One of the major parts of travelling along with your baby is to have the right food around. Many parents are unsure about what kind of food to carry with small kids and toddlers. To keep your baby’s hunger at bay, it is important to carry food items that are both travel-friendly and healthy.

Do not forget to keep milk:

If you are travelling with your toddler, remember to keep a milk bottle with you. Consumption of protein-rich milk helps in meeting the nutritional deficiency in the baby’s body. Whereas, you can also keep a breast pump with you to breastfeed your baby.

Carry fruit puree:

You can also carry a fruit puree to maintain a healthy diet for your kids, during trips. For this, keep some fresh fruits and make puree by mashing the fruits with the help of a fork, when your children feel hungry on the way. This not only keeps the stomach full for a long duration but your child will also feel healthy and energetic.

Pack some fruit cake:

Keeping fruit cakes is the best option while travelling with kids. Fruit cakes are tasty as well as healthy. Your kids would love to have it. Also, you can feed them fruit cake when they insist on eating sweets.

Pack cereals:

Pack a handful of healthy cereals in a tiffin box while travelling. You can also keep some flavoured cereals for a healthy diet, children especially like eating chocolate flavoured cereals.

Dry fruits would be best:

For children above the age of three, dry fruits can be the best to consume while travelling. Feeding roasted makhana and dry fruits helps to keep the stomach full for a long time and your children will be able to enjoy the journey to the fullest.

At a time where air travel costs 50% less than it did in 1982, it is no wonder that more people want to travel than ever. However, stretching each and every dollar to maximise travel experiences is imperative. below we take a look at some of the best ways to travel on a budget.

Be flexible, both with time and destination

There are great tools now that allows you to not only search for ‘any destination’ on flight comparison sites, but that also facilitates flight searches over a wide time period spanning a month. If you want to take that long-haul trip and are indifferent between which amazing places you want to see, be it South America or South-East Asia perhaps, then this is perfect for you. You can find the cheapest discounted fares.

If you can adapt and spend longer in some places than others, traveling at super-off peak times then you will save even more money. Try whatever you can to not travel on a Friday or Sunday! Also, always try and keep an eye out for early fare sales from airlines. They won’t always be as great as they seem, and seats at the very lowest of prices may be rare, but they do exist, and you can sometimes get a great deal!

Travel Overland

Once you have booked your greatest one-off cost, which will likely be a return (or one-way flight if you’re lucky enough) try to continue as much of your onwards journey overland as possible. Those early morning trips by taxi to the airport and extra little costs add up quickly, whereas most long-distance bus stations are pretty close to the centre of most cities, not to mention costing a fraction of a flight.

Not only this, but you will tend to see a lot more of a country as you peer out of the window. Bus transportation in South America particularly is incredibly efficient, in a continent where international airfares are relatively expensive. You can also select different classes of comfort where more often than not, a reclining bed with a 3-course meal on a long-distance bus will still cost less than a flight, and what an experience that is!

Do your research!

This is such a common piece of advice, not just for traveling, but it holds true and can be fun as well when you start to get to know a destination before you arrive. A little bit of research can mean you know how much a taxi should cost to your hostel, or whether booking a place to stay in the old city for a little bit more is going to save you a load on transport costs, as that’s the heart of the action.

Research as much as you can. For example, there are many galleries and museums that will have free entry on particular days of the week. Feeling hungry and thirsty? Then know where the best happy hours are. You’re traveling after all. Who cares if you eat at 5pm instead of 7pm if it costs half the price? Find everything you want to do, and the chances are, if you can be flexible, you can always get a better deal.

Be adventurous

Eat local and street food. You will likely try new things and for a fraction of the cost of eating in restaurants. Particularly in Asia the street food is incredible and rivals the best restaurants. It’s much cheaper too! Also, if you have cooking facilities, then why not try cooking with a group of you from the local market or supermarket. It’s social and you will save big time on costs here.

Free tours!

Most cities organise free walking tours where only a small tip for the guide is required, this is how they make their income so don’t skip on this as nothing ever truly comes for free! In the majority of cities a lot of the attractions are quite bunched together, so even if you can’t find free walking tours then plan it out yourself. It’s a fantastic way to find new places, and stumble across hidden gems, so put together a bit of research and see a destination at your own pace and your own way. With all the eating and drinking whilst traveling the exercise is always good too!

Earn, or at least save while you travel

It’s always worth asking if you plan on staying somewhere for a couple of weeks whether you can help out, and you may get your accommodation, food, some drink and even a little bit of pocket money thrown in, all for having a good time and making new friends.

Even before the pandemic, the modern-day digital nomad lifestyle was gaining popularity. Digital nomads embrace a lifestyle that allows individuals to work remotely and live anywhere, whether at home or in some other city. Unlike remote employees who maintain a base camp, digital nomads routinely shift locations and can operate from anywhere on Earth.

However, being a digital nomad requires time and work to save money, develop an association with organisations that provide remote employment, set up your own business.

Let’s look at some tricks and tips to adapt to the digital nomad lifestyle and valuable resources you can use to survive on the move.

Managing Time

Striking a balance between work and travel is another critical factor to consider if you want to be a digital nomad. In reality, it is one of the most difficult things to perform, but as they say, “practise makes perfect,” and you’ll get there soon.

Shagun Segan, Traveller and Instagram influencer, said, “One of the most challenging aspects of working from overseas is finding balance. It’s easy to spend too much time travelling and having fun in a new nation, and not enough time working. Also, fresh meals, new experiences, and new acquaintances might all persuade you to take too much time off work.

Make a schedule between work and travel. The most effective digital nomads follow rigid schedules to ensure they finish everything. You may split up each day or devote whole days to one or the other. Adhere to the routine you decide on. Doing this will ensure that your task gets done and you get to see the place.”

He further said, “Contrary to what you might think, you shouldn’t suddenly quit your job and start living as a digital nomad. While it may be tempting to ignore caution and go headfirst into this novel and thrilling experience, starting before you leave home is a far better strategy. I wouldn’t advise starting your new digital nomad career while travelling unless you have significant funds to live off. Do it first at home. Create a clientele so that you may start generating money before you go. In this manner, you won’t experience tension when attempting to start a business and tour the globe simultaneously.

Travel Slow

The best way to balance work and travel and explore your destinations thoroughly is to go slowly and enjoy the process. Don’t go to a different city every day. Do not relocate, not even weekly. Consider remaining in one spot for several weeks or even months.

Neharika Nath, Traveller and lifestyle blogger, said, “You’ll have plenty of time to establish useful routines and habits while also acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the place you’re in.”

She added, “More than the average visitor, you’ll be able to play tourist, network, go to events, and get a sense of life there. My mantra is always quality over quantity. ”

Contact Locals and Expats

Shivangi Sharma, Traveller, said, “One of the good parts of travelling is meeting new people. As a digital nomad, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a community for longer periods than a tourist would. You’ll be able to network, attend events, collaborate with others, and meet both tourists and residents.”

Choose Your Destination.

Choosing a location is one of the essential steps in remote working. Before you do anything else, you must find a site with a digital nomad community since built-in support is required. There is a large population of digital nomads in places like Bali, Goa, and Mexico. So, while deciding on a location, do your homework and engage with such communities on social media.

Connectivity

Akansha Sharma, Travel Infleuncer, said, “Contact your phone company to set up an overseas phone plan. Many new nomad travellers have tried to use their phones exclusively for wifi, only to be surprised by expensive international roaming rates. Mobile phones use a lot of data even when you’re not using them, so if you unintentionally exit airplane mode, you might be charged a lot of money.”

She added, “If you’re travelling abroad, you’ll need either an international plan or a local SIM card. Many offer international plans, which are useful if you travel frequently and want to keep your existing phone number.”