Travel bags have evolved significantly since their humble origins. Centuries ago, travellers used to carry their belongings in simple bundles made from cloth. Afterwards, with the innovation of travel, came the need for sturdier travel bags. Those that could withstand the long periods and harsh conditions of travelling by carriage, such as chests and leather briefcases.
Modern travel bags are versatile, adaptable, and unique. They come in all forms, types, and sizes, meant for a variety of travel destinations. From simple backpacks to large trolley suitcases, there is something for every traveller and every destination!
Why You Should Pick a Travel Bag According to Your Trip
The bag you bring with you can make or break your trip. Whether you are hitting the ski slopes or embarking on a tropical getaway, it’s important to choose a bag that fits all your essentials, is compatible with the destination’s terrain, and lightens the load of your journey.
When it comes to buying travel bags for all women’s needs, there are two main types: suitcases and backpacks. Knowing when to pick one over the other is the key to smooth-running travel.
When you should go for a backpack:
- Hikes and Outdoor Adventures – Heading into the depths of nature calls for a nice sturdy backpack. Backpacks are ideal travel bags for nature due to their durability and practical design. They have many pockets and compartments that allow you to organise your essentials and travel hands-free.
- Roadtrips – A lot of walking over a short period of time calls for something practical. When you are going away for a short period, a backpack that carries a change of clothes and some food is enough to satisfy your needs.
When you should go for a suitcase:
- Business trips – A business trip calls for something professional. A smaller, neutral suitcase is always a good choice. Business suitcases help keep your outfits organised and essentials neatly packed, while making you appear professional and put-together.
- International travel – When going abroad, you always need to be well-prepared. Travelling abroad requires larger, more secure suitcases that are easy to carry from airports to hotels and through city streets, while keeping your essentials safe and neatly organised.
The Importance of Carrying a Personal Items Bag on Your Trip
You need suitcases and large-capacity backpacks to transport your belongings to your travel destinations, but what happens when you get there?
Although suitcases are the ideal luggage for most occasions, you can’t carry them to every stop on your trip. You don’t need to have every piece of clothing and every personal item with you at all times. For that reason, once you settle in your Airbnb or hotel room and decide it’s time to go out and explore, you need a personal items bag to carry your essentials.
Personal items bags are smaller, usually cross-body bags or fanny packs that help you carry your most important items while exploring your travel destination or when boarding a plane.
Some essentials you should always carry in your personal items bag are:
- Phone
- Wallet
- Travel Documents and ID
- Charger
- Tissues
- Small medical kit (band-aids, pills, disinfectant, EPI-PEN, etc.)
- Emergency cash
- A small snack
- Hair ties
If you don’t mind carrying a larger bag with you on your adventures, such as a tote bag or an urban backpack, here are some other items you can put in it.
- Headphones
- Water bottle
- Travel neck pillow
- Gum or mints
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- A jacket
- Other electronics (laptop, tablet, camera, etc.)
- Makeup
- Eyewear (sunglasses, glasses, contacts, etc.)
- A book
Personal items bags are great for storing essentials close by for easy access when you need them. They keep everything important to you on your person at all times, so you don’t have to worry about losing something or someone taking it.
How to Accessorise Your Travel Bag
Sometimes you buy a travel bag that is a perfect fit for all your needs. It has multiple pockets, large compartments, and great divisions. But it just doesn’t feel like you. You can always add a dash of your personality to your travel carriers through accessories.
Adding accessories to bags was popularised in the 1980s by Jane Birkin, who, with her eccentric personality and extraordinary style, inspired the “Hermès Birkin” bag. She decorated her bags with charms, chains, and ribbons, which today has inspired countless women around the world to “Birkinify” their personal and travel bags.
Here are some ways to add personality and meaning to your travel bags:
- Scarves – one of the most versatile accessories is scarves. They add colour, pattern, and texture to your luggage. One of the best characteristics of scarf accessories is their styling versatility. You can tie a scarf around your suitcase handle or your backpack strap as a ribbon or a regular knot. Experiment with placements and techniques to best express your personal style.
- Bag charms – the most popular bag accessory award goes to charms. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Add a bag charm to your luggage for a playful expression of individuality or for sentimental value.
- Badges and patches – another popular accessory, more for backpacks rather than suitcases, are badges and patches. They allow bag personalisation, self-expression, and display of your interests and hobbies. Group different styles of badges together for a pop of colour and organisation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plan your trips in detail. The travel bags you bring on trips need to match your plans and style. Make sure your luggage has enough room for all of your essentials. Don’t overpack and carry a smaller bag with you to safely store your most important belongings. Lastly, be bold and accessorise. Every day might not be a vacation, but the days that are should be bright and fun.
