10 tips for packing for Safe and Smooth Travel

Having left home at 15, moved halfway across the world from my parents to Australia, and moved, lived and traveled solo to different countries since then, I have learnt a few nifty things to bear in mind that can help make your journey experience a smoother and safer one

Don't make the mistake of just THINKING about the potential dangers and possible difficult situations...DO something beforehand to be prepared and avoid potential inconveniences and unenjoyable experiences - Invest time in clever packing

1) Check the rules on liquids in advance - You don't want to have to buy a plastic bag, as you would need to in some smaller airports, to place your liquids in, you don't want to be pulling things out of your luggage out in the open for everyone to see, embarrassingly hold up the queue or reorganise your belonging in the public where you could easily 'lose' items

2) Place your jacket where it is easily accessible - Flights can get cold and you can't always trust weather reports and know the weather at your destination. If in need of a jacket, you don't want to have to dig through all your things to get your jacket, which you've placed at the bottom as it is the largest piece of clothing

3) Place your documents in a secure but easily reachable place - Depending on the location, you may need to take them out at several checkpoints and need them at hand. Place them in safe places such as inside jacket pockets where you can always feel it, inside zip pockets of hand bags or even in a bum bag

4) Distinguish your luggage - It is a common mistake to buy a typical dark coloured suitcase that looks similar to others, and to use a store bought suitcase as it is, which may be the same as what others have. Always use something in addition to a name tag so you can easily recognise your luggage on the conveyer belt when it comes around: a colourful belt, a ribbon or be outrageous and add some recognisable stickers.

5) Check the weight/size of hand luggage - You don't want to have to pay extra for checking it in, or even worse, have to check in and incur the delay of retrieving the luggage from the conveyer belt afterwards that could cause you to miss a linking form of transport

6) Bring or wear comfy walking shoes - It always surprises me just how many ladies underestimate the amount of walking they will do on their travels and bring unsuitable shoes. Sure, we love to wear heels and look good, no matter where we are but if you are planning on exploring at all, the best option is to wear comfy shoes. When visiting Brussels, for example, all you will find are cobbled street and roads with gaps just large enough for heels to fall in, enough to leave you with a sprained ankle for the rest of your trip.

7) Bring a backpack or comfortable small bag - When exploring new places, you will need snacks, drinks, maps or guides, plus your essentials. You don't always know where the supermarkets are, don't always want to unnecessarily spend on food and drinks, and want to have your essential securely by your side at all times.

8) Always have some cash and place the money in different places - If you are misfortunate enough to lose or drop your wallet, or have your bag stolen, placing your money in different places will ensure you always have some for back up. Just imagine if you were in a strange place with absolutely nothing left on you because you had put it in one place? I know I would start panicking!

9) Take the time to get some small change from your country destination at hand - It is common in many places now to charge for toilets and you may just need a drink on your journey since restrictions don't allow for you to bring any on board planes. Don't place yourself in the extremely uncomfortable situation where you can't even do the basics±!

10) Get international roaming on your phone if possible, or plan for an international calling card - You may not think you need it but it will definitely be good safety net to have. If you run out of money, you have someone you can call for help. If you lose your bank cards, you can cancel them immediately. If you have an accident or get lost traveling alone, you can get hold of someone. If you've lost your address, you could access the internet or a person with the internet for directions. It doesn't cost you to get it but it could save you.