Couple’s Travel Hack: How to Explore the World with Only a Carry-On

Couple’s One Bag Travel Hack: How to Travel with Only a Carry-On

When my travel companion and I embarked on a month-long adventure through Thailand and Dubai, we faced the challenge of packing light. Our goal was to travel with just one carry-on suitcase between us. Here’s how we did it:

Sharing Is Caring: The Half-and-Half Strategy

We opted for a 21-inch suitcase and we each claimed one side, which forced us to be selective about what we packed. This strategy not only saved space but also encouraged us to prioritize the essentials.

The Art of Minimalism: Less Is More

We brought only 3 pairs of socks, 3 t-shirts, 3 undergarments, etc. and kept washing them at the hotel each night. We only brought 1 pair of pants each. Our suitcase weighed in at a mere 12 kg, well below the 15 kg limit for short flights within Thailand.

Mastering the Personal Item: Navigating Budget Airlines

The 7-KG Challenge

Budget airlines impose strict weight limits on personal items. Our small backpacks couldn’t exceed 7 kg. Here’s how we tackled it:

Essentials Only: Our backpacks held the absolute essentials—cables, chargers, and a lightweight laptop. No unnecessary gadgets or heavy books.

Layering Clothing: We wore our bulkiest clothing items (like full pants, shoes, and light travel jackets) during flights. This not only kept us warm but also saved space in our bags.

Digital Nomad Gear: As digital nomads, we needed our laptops. We chose a mini laptop, 2 phones, and other small video recording equipment (GoPro, Pixel 8 Pro, DJI Pocket 2, audio mics, etc.) to record for our YouTube channels.

Airport Luck: When Rules Bend

At the airport, we braced ourselves for scrutiny. But to our surprise, the airline staff didn’t bother weighing our backpacks. We sailed through the airline desks and security with our backpacks clearly under 7 kg.

In summary, traveling light requires discipline, creativity, and a willingness to let go of non-essentials. By sharing a suitcase and mastering the art of packing, we enjoyed a hassle-free adventure—one that proved you don’t need a massive wardrobe to explore the world. So next time you’re packing for an extended trip, remember that less really can be more! 🌎✈️

Compression Socks: A Traveler's Must-Have

Compression Socks Basics: Travelon Compression Socks Review

Compression socks have gained popularity amongst travelers seeking relief from swollen ankles, leg cramps, and the potential risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights. Designed to apply graduated pressure to the legs, these socks promote better blood circulation, reducing discomfort and potential health risks.

I recently tested out a pair of Travelon compression socks. These socks come in two varieties: a standard version and a copper-infused option. While I only tried the standard pair, both types promise to improve blood flow and alleviate swelling.

The Travelon compression socks I tested offered a gentle to mild level of compression, making them suitable for most travelers. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using compression socks, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

One of the key benefits of compression socks is their potential to reduce the risk of DVT, a serious condition caused by blood clots. By improving blood circulation, these socks can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs. However, it's crucial to combine the use of compression socks with other preventive measures, such as regular movement, hydration, and loose-fitting clothing.

While I found my Travelon compression socks to be comfortable and effective, individual experiences may vary. It's essential to choose the right level of compression and ensure a proper fit for optimal results.

Ultimately, the decision to use compression socks is a personal one. If you're planning a long-haul flight and are concerned about leg discomfort or swelling, they may be worth considering. However, they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures to maximize their benefits.

I will be using Travelon compression socks on my flight to Bangkok. Especially on the first flight from Toronto to Narita, which is 14+ hours. However, I also get out of my seat every couple of hours and walk for a few minutes throughout the flight whenever I am flying.

Travel Hacks You WON'T Find on Instagram! 5 Life-Saving Secrets

5 Airplane Travel Hacks You Didn't Know Existed (They're Game Changers!)

After 35 years of travel experience, here are some travel hacks that are simple and easy to follow. Apply these on your next trip and see if they work for you.

1. The DIY Foot Hammock Hack

Tired of feeling like your knees are permanently attached to the seat in front of you? Here's a secret weapon: the DIY foot hammock! Simply transform your scarf, a spare blanket, or airplane hammock you can buy for cheap into a comfy footrest by looping it under the airplane table and resting your feet upon it. This ingenious hack creates extra legroom, providing much-needed relief on long flights.

2. Hydrate Like a Pro: Ditch the Dehydrating Coffee

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, and the popular choice of coffee can actually exacerbate dehydration. Upgrade your in-flight hydration by opting for bottled water instead. And here's a bonus tip: salty snacks like chips or crackers help your body retain fluids. Pack some for the journey and enjoy a healthier alternative to airplane pretzels.

3. Unlock the Secret Menu: Tastier Food Awaits!

Did you know airlines often have hidden gems – "special menus" featuring more delicious and exciting options than the standard fare? These menus are typically available for pre-order online and are often served first. Explore your airline's website before your flight and treat yourself to a tastier in-flight meal experience.

4. Beat the Nausea with a Pocket-Sized Lifesaver

Feeling queasy during takeoff or turbulence? There's a natural remedy you might not expect: peppermint oil. Dab a small amount on a tissue or handkerchief or keep a bottle less than 100 ml and inhale the refreshing scent. Peppermint oil is known to soothe nausea and can be a lifesaver on bumpy flights.

5. "I'm Here For Work": The Secret Weapon Against Tourist Traps

Once you've landed, don't let unwanted sales pitches or overpriced souvenirs ruin your travel experience. Learn the phrase "I'm here for work" in the local language. This simple phrase can be a polite yet effective way to deter overly enthusiastic vendors at tourist destinations.

Unveiling the Fastest eSIM for Travel & Live Streaming in Thailand: It's Not Who You Think!

Thailand's Fastest eSIM or SIM For Travel or Live Streaming: AIS eSIM Takes the Crown

My Thailand and Dubai trip is coming up shortly. As a content creator, staying connected with a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial, especially for live streaming. I was searching for the best travel eSIM or physical SIM, but choosing the right eSIM provider in Thailand can be tricky, especially when companies don't disclose exact speeds.

After a lot of research I found out that AIS, a leading Thai network operator, reigns supreme in terms of internet speed. Their download speed clocks in at an impressive 36.89 Mbps, while the upload speed reaches a staggering 208 Mbps (median speeds). These numbers far surpass competitors like TrueMove H and DTAC, making AIS the clear winner for live streaming bandwidth.

While some providers like Saily and Airalo offer attractive eSIM plans, their actual speeds remain shrouded in secrecy. I contacted both companies directly, but their responses were vague, emphasizing "good speed" and "unlimited maximum speed" without concrete figures.

After digging deeper, I discovered that AIS consistently ranks as the fastest eSIM internet provider in Thailand. Their website proudly displays their position as the 2023 speed champion.

Internet Speed Testing App OoKla confirmed AIS's dominance. Download speeds averaged around 36.89 Mbps, with some users reporting reaching 50 Mbps. Upload speeds, crucial for live streaming, were even more impressive, with a median of 208 Mbps. This blows away the competition, with TrueMove H lagging behind at 20 Mbps and DTAC falling short at 14 Mbps (median speeds).

The good news? AIS offers eSIM plans! This means you can ditch the physical SIM card hassle and enjoy the fastest internet speeds in Thailand for your travels and live streams.

I recommend purchasing your eSIM directly from AIS or other 3rd party providers before your trip to ensure a seamless travel experience.

How to Handle Cancelled Flights

Takes These Steps When Your Flights Get Cancelled

Flight cancellations happen more often than we think. Here are some simple strategies to help you deal with flight cancellation should it happen to you.

Contact Airline Immediately – Contact the airline desk at your airport immediately. Everyone on the same flight will be trying to rebook the next flight at the same time, so you have a better chance of success if you act right way. At the same time, call airline customer service while you are waiting for the service desk to resolve the issue. Sometimes calling directly results in faster rebooking. Try contacting them via social media as a last resort.

Travel Insurance – If you have travel insurance, call your travel insurance provider's customer service to understand the specifics of your coverage related to flight cancellations and what you would be required to do on your part.

Airline Compensation and Assistance - Enquire about immediate compensation provided by the airline! Have documentation ready to show. There’s a good chance you are entitled to meal vouchers, food expenses, hotel accommodation, and monetary compensation based on your scenario.

If you are not sure, do some research and have conversations with other stranded passengers. If you are dealing with these issues as a group instead of a single person, the airline will more likely cheap out on entitled compensations.

Bonus Tips – Make the most of your time. Visit shops, restaurants, or airport amenities. Some airports even boast unique attractions like art exhibits, gardens, or observation decks.

Relax, catch up on work, read a book, or simply unwind. If you have free lounge access, visit an airport lounge.

If you are facing a significant delay, inform anyone expecting you at your destination. Adjust accommodations or other travel reservations if necessary.

Remember, a cancelled flight doesn't have to ruin your trip. However, how you handle it may ruin your trip. With a positive outlook and this guide, you can overcome it and everything will be fine.