BUDGET TRAVEL AND TRAVELLING LIGHT Cheap Fares Travelling Light Packing Tips Cheap fares between Australia and the UK Unfortunately the cheapest fare that I knew off between Australia and the UK were via Britannia Airlines, a charter airline (owned by Thomson Travel I believe) who no longer travel to Australia. It is getting easier to get these cheap seats now as many of the internet travel brokers have started selling them, but they are not quite as cheap as Britannia used to be ($300 one way in 1998). Travelling Light In 1979 whilst packing for a 2 month trip to Europe I looked at the suitcase and it occured to me that everything would probably fit into just a garment bag and day pack, so everything was repacked. Once it was in the garment bag I thought, if I take out a few things and the camera equipment went into a separate bag, everything else could fit in the day pack—and it did. So off I went around Europe with just a child’s backpack and camera bag complete with two camera bodies and two lenses! The backpack needed one seam resewn after 5 weeks (at a shoe repair shop in Augsberg, Germany), then lasted for 4 more years of frequent travelling. This is how I initially got into travelling light and the freedom that gives. What are the advantages to travelling with just this bag? You don’t need to check in any luggage, so when the plane lands you’re away fast. Because you’re not carrying around heavy luggage you don’t need to pre-book accommodation so are free to look around for the best prices and locations without relying on taxis. You don’t need to worry about your luggage ending up in some far-flung destination. There's a real sense of adventure and freedom in not having lots of possessions weighing you down. My original pack was the sort used by school children to carry their books, 50x40x20cm with a zip all around the sides and top so it’s possible to pack everything flat. I’m currently using a similar bag which also doubles as my laptop/briefcase when not travelling. It’s a "Memory Mendoza" made from cordura nylon, has a "C" shaped very strong zipper, a strong carrying handle, detachable shoulder strap (which is rarely used), and shoulder straps which unzip from a pocket in the back. There are also two zippered compartments in the front which are useful for things you need immediate access to. Important features to look for in a bag are: Strong Zipper Zipper which can be locked (this won’t stop serious thieves, but will deter opportunists) Adjustable shoulder straps Comfortable carry handle Straps inside to tie down your clothing Separate outside pocket(s) to hold items you need easy access to. Some sources for travel packs include: The Back Door Bag available from Europe Through the Back Door. Jansport—The Weekender and the Four Great Directions Carry-on LL Bean—Carry-on sized travel packs Snowgum Australia, this site was sill under construction in September 1997. Magellan's in the US have a very comprehensive catalogue. Doug Dyment's The Compleat Carry on Traveller has lots more detailed information on travelling with only one bag DO YOU REALLY NEED THAT? Usually we take along things "just in case", then at the end of the trip realise that they haven’t been used, so how can you cut down on what you take? Clothing: This is where you can save most space. Co-ordinating colours is the best way to save on space and make sure that everything matches, this probably means sticking with neutrals - beige, browns, blacks, navy, with some red or white accents thrown in. 1 blazer/jacket 1 skirt 1 slacks (jeans are not really recommended as they are heavy, take up a lot of space and take ages to dry) 1 jumper 1 long sleeve shirt 1 short sleeve shirt 1 pair shorts 2 T-shirts (can also be worn underneath for extra warmth) 1 dress (for evening) 1 swimsuit 1 pair walking shoes 1 pair of flatish court shoes or sandals Men, just substitute another pair of trousers for the skirt and dress! Toiletries: Keep an eye out for sample bottles, the Body Shop have quite a few things in this size, and it’s easy to get them refilled (or you can save the sample-size bottles you get from hotels). Roll-on deodorant takes up less space then a spray. Use a combination shampoo/conditioner . Electrical Applicances: If possible don’t take any electrical appliances. If you can’t live without anything don’t forget to get an adaptor and make sure that it’s dual voltage Hairdryer: get a hair style that’s wash and go. If you MUST take a hairdryer, get one that has a folding handle. Iron: try and travel with clothing that doesn’t wrinkle, hanging it in a steamy bathroom for 5-10 minutes will have it looking as good as new. If you do need an iron, it’s possible to buy small travel ones with a folding handle, those which have a steam setting are best. Stereo: if you’re travelling alone these can be helpful, but don’t let it isolate you from your surroundings. One with a short-wave radio is best so you can pick up the BBC World Service, or other English speaking news services. Computers: I’ll leave advice on this up to Patrick Jennings and his Outfitting the Multimedia Guerrilla site.
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