Travelling in an urban setting can be unsettling: often hectic and overcrowded, sometimes
our bags are making our backs ache and our environment is distressing or overwhelming.
What can you do to make urban travel easier, simpler and more fun?
Here are 5 hacks, each tried and tested, to help you enjoy your commute or travel next time
you visit a big city.
The most comfortable versatile bags
One of the keys to comfortable urban travel is to protect your back and shoulders while
looking good and fitting all your items in the bag of your choice. This is where a backpack
made from good-quality materials, without any unnecessary frills but with enough space to
personalise and add a logo or the colour of your choice, can be a great asset.
Look for wide shoulder straps, clever compartmentalisation and subtle design that fits any
situation and helps you look cool and collected on your way to work or to dinner with
friends.
The must-have water bottle
Staying hydrated makes a huge difference in urban travel, too! You might not think you’re
losing too much water when you’re on the tube, but actually all the temperature and
humidity differences are causing you to sweat imperceptibly. Moreover, having a sip of
water regularly prevents you from reaching for sugary drinks and snacks in the middle of
that train journey that seems to be taking forever.
Your diet and your energy levels will thank you!
Tune out the noise
When travelling for a long time, it’s great to be able to tune out the noise around you and
just relax. Whether listening to music or an audiobook or podcast, a pair of sound cancelling
headphones can be the best accessory on the train, tube, or on a plane. Escape into your
comfort bubble simply by closing your eyes and pressing “play.”
Protect your eyes
To avoid getting tired from the glare of sunlight when flying at high altitude or taking the
train on a sunny day, why not reach for a trusty pair of sunglasses with a stylish bamboo
frame and a soothing effect on your retinas?
Sunglasses aren’t just for divas, they can keep your eyes more rested when going through
bright lights. They’re also ideal for sheltering your eyes if you’re trying to sleep and don’t
have a sleep mask (but you’re more likely to have packed a pair of sunglasses, especially if
heading off on holiday!).
Stay warm on the go
In winter or on a gloomy day, it’s not a given that you’ll be warm and comfortable in
whatever means of transport you’ve chosen. For a long train or plane ride, pack a soft fleece
blanket that folds down small in your bag and you can access easily when you get a little
chilly. It will help you sleep and arrive at your destination fresher than ever.
If you’re going to walk outside a lot and the wind and rain are making an appearance,
however, invest in easy to carry umbrellas that collapse down small and can fit into your
multipurpose bag. There’s nothing more unpleasant than having to contend with wet
clothing when you’re out of the rain and on the underground, so ensure you look good and
feel good by staying dry!
Urban travel doesn’t need to be cumbersome or uncomfortable and it can be made so much
better by having a few accessories that make all the difference. Next time you’re preparing
a big city trip or just gearing up for your commute, consider adding one of these items to
your shopping list and watch the stress
