How you pack for your overseas trip is crucial. Knowing ahead of time where where your lodging is located and what your transportation situation will be is vital to making a wise decision. Will you be relying on various forms of public transportation? Will you have a tiny rental car? Is your place of lodging far away from parking? Will you be traversing steep, stone stairways, or cobblestone paths? Perhaps you will have to grab a gondola across waterways. Trust me, you will not want to be lugging a lot of luggage on rollers in these types of situations. Packing lightly but wisely will make your trip way more comfortable.
So, what kind of features do you want in a carry-on backpack? First of all, you will want a sturdy but light material as it will add to your total weight which is regulated by the airline company. Keep in mind each airline company has different weight regulations, so check this before packing. Choosing a cheap backpack is not recommended. You want to make sure the seems are well put together and the zipper pulls and zipper tracks are sturdy. Adjustable straps are a must. Also, consider a chest strap for heavier packs, to counter the weight distribution. Don't forget to check the quality of material on the interior of the pack and pockets as well.
Secondly, What types of things you carry will determine the types of compartments you will need. If you are bringing work items, such as laptops, charges, phones, etc, you will want padded compartment to protect your gear. Large compartments for your extra set of emergency clothing is good. You will also want a section that consists of multiple mini compartments comprising of open-top pockets, zippered pockets, mesh pockets, and perhaps clear pockets. Think about what items you will need frequent access to and make sure you have compartments that will suit this need.
Try the packs on. Which one is the most comfortable, especially when packed full. Is it expandable? This is a great feature to have. Does it look like every other backpack on the luggage carrousel? Is it easy to get into quickly? Are you able to lock compartments storing sensitive items?
Finally, make sure your backpack has anti-theft features such as a zippered pocket on the back side where you can store your passport, ID's, money and any other sensitive items. By doing this you are protecting these items from potential pick-pockets and lessen the risk of these items falling out.
Oh, one last thing, if you choose a "Smart Backpack," consider industry regulations for going through customs, security, and using it as a carry-on.
Happy Traveling!
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