Tomtoc Travel Backpack 28L: After One Month Travels - A Review

Tomtoc Travel Backpack 28L: A Review

Disclaimer: This review is based on personal experience and may not reflect the views of all users.

I recently embarked on a month-long adventure through Thailand and Dubai, armed with the Tomtoc Travel Backpack 28L. While this budget-friendly option offered some practical features, it fell short in terms of comfort and organization.

One of the most significant drawbacks with this backpack was the lack of comfort during extended wear. The shoulder straps, though padded, weren't sufficiently supportive for long hours of travel. This led to discomfort and fatigue, especially during extended wear. Additionally, the bag's organizational compartments were limited, making it difficult to keep items in place and easily accessible.

The laptop compartment proved to be particularly problematic, especially during airport security screenings. Accessing the laptop from the compartment was cumbersome and time consuming, often slowing me down. The bag's dual-sided access, while convenient in theory, rendered the locking system ineffective. The zippers, though not entirely uncooperative, were not as lock friendly as I would have liked. While I managed to secure one side with a lock as a deterrent, locking both sides felt redundant and unnecessary.

Furthermore, even when using the compression straps, the bag still seemed bulky. A more effective compression system would have helped maintain a compact shape, making it more convenient for air travel.

Despite these shortcomings, the Tomtoc Travel Backpack 28L did have a few redeeming qualities. Its affordability made it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. The bag's versatility allowed me to use it as both a carry-on and a personal item, which was convenient for many travel scenarios. Moreover, the quick-access pocket proved to be invaluable during airport security checks, saving me time and hassle.

In conclusion, while the Tomtoc Travel Backpack 28L offers some practical features, its shortcomings in terms of comfort, organization, and laptop accessibility make it a less-than-ideal choice for frequent travelers. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that prioritizes comfort and functionality, I recommend exploring other options on the market.

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! 🌎✈️

Trip Report: Thailand-Dubai Travels | Ahmed Dawn & Walking Lady

My Month-Long Thailand-Dubai Trip

Hello everyone! Today, I would like to update you about our upcoming trip to Thailand and Dubai. This nearly month-long adventure will provide us with opportunities to create lots of exciting content for our YouTube channels.

Travel Itinerary

We will be taking an Air Canada flight from YYZ to NRT, and then Thai Airlines from NRT to BKK. On the way back, we are taking Cebu Pacific from BKK to MNL to DXB, and then Turkish Airlines from DXB to YYZ. We will have Turkish Airlines Business Class flight for the DXB-YYZ leg of the journey, while all others are Economy Class.

In Thailand, we will concentrate on Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. In the UAE, we will spend a few days in Dubai and one day in Abu Dhabi.

What to Expect

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, Thailand promises a diverse and exciting adventure. I'll be immersing myself in the local culture, trying mouth-watering street food and exploring hidden gems.

Dubai! This futuristic city is a must-see, with its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. I can't wait to experience the city's grandeur and contrast it with the laid-back vibes of Thailand.

Throughout my trip, I'll be sharing daily vlogs, giving you an exclusive look into our adventures. Expect stunning visuals, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and plenty of travel tips.

Stay tuned for:

• Exciting city exploration vlogs from Bangkok and Dubai

• Luxurious hotel reviews and recommendations

• Local food experiences and hidden culinary gems

• Cultural insights and travel tips

I'm excited to take you along on this journey! Let's explore the world together!

 Bonus Content

As a bonus, here is a Cinematic Thailand Video I created. If you enjoyed it, please like the video and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Your support means a lot to us!

Thank you for your continued support and welcome to all our new subscribers! We're excited to share our Thailand-Dubai adventures with you soon.

Links

Ahmed Dawn YouTube Channel

Walking Lady YouTube Channel

Thailand Travel Regular Videos

Thailand Travel Live & Shorts

UAE Travel Regular Videos

UAE Travel Live & Shorts

Global Travel Videos

Thailand Etiquette: Top 5 Cultural Mistakes to Avoid

Navigate Thailand with Respect: 5 Cultural Taboos for Tourists

 Traveling to Thailand offers an array of experiences, from bustling city life to serene beaches. However, to ensure a respectful and enjoyable trip, there are certain practices to avoid. Here’s an article on five things not to do in Thailand.

 1. Don’t Disrespect the Royal Family The monarchy in Thailand is deeply revered, and it’s illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the royal family. This extends to handling money (which bears the king’s image) with respect. Avoid any critical remarks about the monarchy to stay out of legal trouble and maintain good relations with the locals.

 2. Don’t Touch People’s Heads The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. It’s highly offensive to touch someone’s head, even children. Always be mindful of this to avoid causing offense.

 3. Don’t Point with Your Feet Feet are seen as the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Using them to point at people or objects, especially religious images or statues, is seen as highly disrespectful. When sitting, make sure to tuck your feet away and avoid showing the soles.

 4. Don’t Keep Your Shoes On Thais always remove their shoes before entering someone’s home and often in temples and some shops. If you see a row of shoes outside a doorway, take this as a sign to take yours off too. It’s a sign of respect for the home and its inhabitants.

 5. Don’t Ignore Etiquette with Monks Women should never touch a monk or hand something directly to them. If a woman needs to give something to a monk, it should be handed to a man first or placed within the monk’s reach without direct contact. Additionally, always give up your seat for a monk if public transport is full.

 By being mindful of these cultural nuances, you can ensure a trip that is both respectful to the local customs and enjoyable for you. Thailand’s rich culture is part of what makes it such a fascinating country to visit, and understanding these practices will enrich your experience.

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.