Tag: gear

  • Rollink 360° Flex Spinner Suitcase – A Review

    Rollink 360° Flex Spinner Suitcase – A Review

    If, like me, you live in a small flat, or just don’t have a lot of storage room in your regular size abode, you are going to want to discover Rollink. They produce all kinds of collapsible and easy store luggage. When an advert for their 360° Flex Spinner popped up on my social media, I knew we had to get our hands on them. So does the ease of storage live up to the hype and are they sturdy enough to use for travel? Read on for my full Rollink 360° Flex Spinner suitcase review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    The Concept

    There are three main varieties of easy storage options offered by Rollink. One is a two-wheel folder, similar to the 360 Flex. It has the same folding design with a hard shell on the front and back. The other is the Aura which is also a two-wheeler, but it has an additional helpful pocket on the front. However, I have become accustomed to the four-wheel life so it had to be a spinner. We chose two Flex 360° Spinner suitcases, from the four sizes on offer:

    Check out the full range here.

    The Packaging

    Our suitcases arrived in two cardboard boxes, which weren’t too exciting. However, underneath their dusty exterior was another neat cardboard box displaying Rollink. It was quite fun to open these pass-the-parcels. One layer deeper and our new suitcases were both contained their own zipped fabric covers. I was thrilled as these will keep them dust-free as they live atop our wardrobe.

    The Exterior

    The front and back panels are just like a regular hard suitcase, made of polycarbonate with a dimpled, diamond design. It is a simple pattern but gives it a touch of class.

    Rollink offers some very cute colours. Originally, we were looking at Yellow Iris, a nice light lemon yellow for out carry on. However, everyone else seems to have had the same idea and it was out of stock. We opted for the Atlantic Blue (navy) for the carry on, subtle but still a hint of colour. Then we picked Rose Smoke (pink) for check in, as it seemed like it would be easier to spot on a luggage reclaim belt. They both look great but I wonder how long the pink will survive if it gets thrown around by baggage handlers. I guess we can’t be fussy if we are choosing to check a bag.

    When constructed, the sides seem a touch flimsy but they are made of a waterproof fabric that I think should be hardcore enough to last. They seem confident enough in the set up, as they offer a five year warranty. Technically, we have yet to test them as check in luggage but being packed full of birthday presents, they held up well. We have since sent the carry on from London to Paris with a baggage company and it remains to see if it is still intact! (Updates on 25th September)

    The Interior

    Both suitcases have the same interior. They are lined with what feels like pretty hard-wearing grey fabric, sporting the Rollink logo. The lids have two elasticated pockets for bits and bobs, with a zipped mesh pouch above. This has been handy for separating small bits and bobs, while the stretchy pockets were perfect for bottles of wine given to us…I am not sure they were specifically designed for them, it is just a happy coincidence.

    On the other side, you’ll find what makes these cases special. There are four flaps, which you lift up and secure at their base with the velcro attached. These create the expanded sides when it in use and fold slat when it is ready to be stored. I am interested to see how long the velcro will last if it is used a lot. I suppose that with our preference for travelling with hand luggage, compared to the medium size case, we will have a good comparison.

    The Fiddly Bits

    • The adjustable aluminium handle is nice and sturdy with a comfortable hand feel. There is one tiny sharp bit of plastic on the handle but it isn’t whre you grip.
    • Along with a decent zip, there is a TSA approved lock. This means you can lock the bag and check it in to the USA without fear of them busting open your bag. (They have a skeleton key that means they can look in your luggage without damaging the lock or zip).
    • Each suitcase comes with a strap to wrap around it and keep it secure when collapsed. There is a velcro pocket on the side which I believe is to store the strap when not in use…but I could be very wrong in that assumption.
    • The wheels on both of our cases glide beautifully. We had fun testing them out on both our street’s terrible patchwork of paving and the super smooth stone of the train station.
    • The final touch, which I love, is the finger grip on the bottom of the larger case. Anything that makes carrying things easier is a winner in my book.

    Final Thoughts

    As with all good ideas, I am left wondering why they weren’t invented earlier. Was it that the technology wasn’t there? Perhaps the world just hadn’t conceived the idea? Was it that people used to be able to afford big houses and storing suitcases wasn’t a problem? Whatever the reason, I’m so glad Rollink has come up with it now. I wonder what we will fill the extra space we have created with these now!?

    Rosie xx

  • 12 First Day Cruise Carry On Bag Essentials

    12 First Day Cruise Carry On Bag Essentials

    Did you know that not only can you take a bag on board with you when you embark on a cruise, but you should. Just like a plane, you can pack a cruise hand luggage bag full of important and helpful things for your first day (plus bring a handbag too). Read on to make sure you don’t forget and of these 12 essentials for your cruise carry on bag.

    Depositphotos.com – Photo by belchonock

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Picture this: it’s the first day of your cruise. You arrive at the port, excited to board. Staff guide you to the luggage drop off point, your bag is tagged & off it goes. You board the ship & then, that bag doesn’t arrive at your stateroom for 8 hours. It happens and it is maddening when your important bits and bobs are elsewhere.

    See you later luggage!

    To ensure a smooth first day, bring a cruise carry on bag & here’s everything you need to pack into it:

    1.) Important Documents

    It is all too easy to pop your passport/ID & cruise papers into your checked bag and only realise when someone asks for them. Instead, carry a small pouch or dedicate a pocket in your cruise carry on bag for these important things. In my bag, the front zippy pocket is where everything important and imminently required goes. Then, once they are finished with, they go in a little clear folder in the main pocket.

    Travelling with someone else? Show each other the spot you are using and watch each other put the docs in there!

    Don’t forget to take your passports off the ship with you (if the cruise line doesn’t hang on to them). This makes getting home or to the next port if anything goes awry much, much easier.

    Jet2 boarding pass inside a red UK Passport

    2.) Your Medication

    Wherever you are travelling, ensure that all of your important medication should be with you at all times. Anything lifesaving should never leave your side; blood pressure, insulin and other important meds can all go in your hand luggage and you will have much greater piece of mind. Also, bring plenty spare (that goes for any time your travel anywhere).

    Remember, it doesn’t have to be medication per se, even if it is just helpful in your daily life, consider what would happen if it didn’t reappear. Will you be a sleepy person without your Vitamin C? Do you need a dose of B6?

    Depositphotos.com – Photo by poznyakov

    3.) Essential Toiletries

    After a long travel day, or just a hectic, sweaty morning you’ll probably want to freshen up. You will more than likely have shower gel etc in your room but if you have a firm favourite that you want to bring with you. In terms of skin or hair care, you might have specific requirements (sensitive skin, special shampoo etc) so pack some of that. You can decant a little into a small bottle so you aren’t lugging the full size one around.

    Bring everything you need to feel presentable (deodorant, make up, a comb etc). Even if it’s just a quick glam up for the sail away, you will want these items handy. (A slick of lippy, a swipe of deodorant and a refresh of mascara can work wonders)

    Depositphotos.com – Photo by natlit

    4.) Some Pool Gear

    On a cruise, the first day is usually the least crowded time at the pool. Everyone heads to the buffet & you can lay out for a relaxing afternoon. Of course you might want to pop down after a trip to buffet yourself and you might lost the best spot but it will still be far less busy. Either way ensure you have your swimming gear, some flip flops/sandals/sliders/jellies to wear poolside & of course, your sunglasses.

    (Don’t get too chilled and miss the muster though).

    Virgin Voyages Pool surrounded by blue sun loungers
    The pool on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady on day one

    5.) An Extra Outfit

    Whether you want to feel fresh after embarkation, or need something a little more fancy for dinner, make sure you have a change of clothes. Some people love to hit the gym and so they need their workout gear. Some like to hit the bar so they need their drinking shirt. You don’t know when your case will arrive at your room so think ahead. A dress is a really easy thing to pack and requires little to no styling.

    6.) Permitted Drinks

    Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring on a little wine or champagne. Often it’s one per person (two per cabin). Others allow a twelve pack of soda/fizzy drinks/pop. Although they are a little heavy, make sure these are with you in your carry on bag. Leaving them in your big bags can delay your luggage being delivered as security sometimes wants to check what’s in the bottles/cans.

    A mini fridge with a bottle of water and 2 bottles of fruity wine

    7.) A Charger

    There can be so many fun photos and exciting videos to take on your first day! It would be so sad for your phone or camera to die. If you have been travelling and navigating, or watching videos in the queue you might be lacking battery before you even board. Personally, I bring a power bank as it means I can charge my phone as it goes around the ship with me. You could also bring a plug and cable which you can have as a back up but that does rely on you having a plug socket to plug it into.

    Depositphotos.com – Photo by
    beer5020.gmail.com

    8.) Any and All Valuables

    The number one rule for travelling with your belongings: If you love it, don’t leave it!

    Laptops, tablets, jewellery, and family heirlooms should all be with you as you board. You know exactly where they are and you can make sure nothing is damaged. Once you are given access access to your room, you can put it all straight in the safe and rest easy.

    Depositphotos.com – Photo by natlit

    9.) Some Entertainment

    Some people want to run around the ship and do ev-ve-ry-thing! If you are after a much more relaxed cruise then you don’t need to spend your first day hurtling around to see where everything is. (This is especially true if you have sailed on the same ship before). Bring a book, some headphones, a deck of cards or a jigsaw puzzle. If you want a relaxed cruise full of the things you love to do then bring it with you and you can get straight down to chilling out.

    10.) Sanitisers

    Be buffet ready with a squeeze of hand sanitiser. Most ships have some sort of hand sanitiser these days (a good thing that came out of the pandemic) but it is still a good idea to have a little of your own in your cruise carry on. You can’t guarantee there will be any sanitiser in their dispensers, and you may not like it. We sailed with one line that had really sticky sanitiser so we used our own the whole time.

    Depositphotos.com – Photo by Sonyachny

    Some people also like to bring antibacterial wipes to clean down their stateroom. Hot spots that may be missed by housekeeping include the remote control, handles, and flat surfaces (especially those with your glassware on, or where you will pop your phone). Staying free of nasties is a good idea for everyone on a cruise!

    11.) Reef Safe Sun Cream

    Heading to the pool deck on your first day is a lovely, relaxing way to start your cruise. Obviously if you are planning to enjoy the sun then sun cream is a must. Alternatively, if you are planning to run around the ship, or head outside for sailaway then you will be exposed to the sun too. Sun cream can be very expensive on board so safe some pennies and bring it with you.

    And why reef safe?

    You may not think you need it to be reef safe if you aren’t diving in the Caribbean or snorkelling in Australia, but even a paddle in the chilly Mediterranean can affect the sea life there. It is an investment in the future if the sea.

    12.) A Lanyard or Card Holder

    This is a very personal choice. I love having my cruise card around my neck. This is especially true when sailing with a cruise line that needs to scan your cruise card with every drink you order. My wardrobe consists mostly of dresses and very few have pockets. It’s such a pain to dig it out of a bag every time so just having it right there is easier.

    Mr Fluskey has plenty of pockets in his shorts and trousers, and prefers to have it in a little protective holder.

    Either way, having these to hand as you are given your cruise card is a good idea.

    Depositphotos.com – Picture by Kenterville

    Final Thoughts on These 12 First Day Cruise Carry On Bag Essentials

    It may feel like a real drag to bring all of this on board with you, but it is totally worth it. To make carrying it easier, use a cabin-sized wheelie for your cruise carry on. You can park it up as you have lunch or chill by the pool and won’t knacker your shoulders carrying it all in a tote or backpack. You can always stash it in your room as soon as it is ready for you.

    Of course, if it is a shorter cruise, you could always go hand luggage only. You don’t have to check a bag in, tip a porter and you literally have everything with you from minute one. No dramas!

    Rosie xx

  • Why You Should Never Check In These 12 Vital Carry On Items

    Why You Should Never Check In These 12 Vital Carry On Items

    If you are checking in a bag for your flight, or even gate checking your bag, there are a few things that you need to keep with you. Now, this isn’t about comfort. I have already written an article all about how to pack liquids for hand luggage, and a long haul carry on essentials post. This, is what you should have in your personal item; the vital carry on items you should never let out of your sight.

    Deposit hptosos / efired

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    You just never know what is going to happen when you fly. Delays, lost luggage and cancellations could add hours or even days onto your travels. That is why you should keep these twelve things in your hand luggage: By this I mean your “personal item” not your small wheeled suitcase as these are often checked in at the gate at the last minute. Don’t let your excellent organisation go to waste as your board!

    1.) Your Passport

    I know I know, you would never be silly enough to put this in your checked bag BUT sometimes airlines offer (or demand) to check in large hand luggage at the gate. It has been known for people to slip their passports in their bigger bags and forget. Then, whoops, off it goes. Travelling as a couple, we often play the, “This is me putting my passport in this pocket“ game. Of course, this has been learned the hard way through the loss of two passports…mine. Even if you don’t have passport checks as you pass through the gate, just double check that you have it.

    FlyMe Villa Air boarding pass inside a red UK Passport

    2.) A Wallet

    You may have your phone to make payments but who knows when the battery will die or somewhere doesn’t accept Apple Pay. Card terminals may be broken and there are plenty of places that barely take credit cards. It is definitely best to keep cards and cash with you. Carrying a good fee free card like Revolut is a good option, but we do recommend having a few cards just in case the providers are not accepted. For example, American Express is not as widely accepted as you might expect, and there are whole countries that have problems with MasterCard. It is also good to have a credit card or similar with a large limit in case of emergencies.

    3.) Important Medication

    I have lost track of the number of tourists on TV telling news crews they don’t have their lifesaving medications with them when travel disruption strikes. It blows my mind. Keep your medication with you and again,, that means in your hand bag or personal item, so you know exactly where it is. Oh, and bring plenty of spare medication. If you are stuck somewhere for a few days, you don’t want it to run out! It is also a good idea to have a photo or notes with you of your exact medication in case you need to get hold of some more from a local doctor/pharmacy. (If you are stuck at UK airports, there is always a Boots pharmacy somewhere).

    Deposit photos / poznyakov

    4.) Some Spare Underwear

    Time takes a toll on your undies so having a fresh pair in the case of disruption is a must. In fact, even if you are just flying for a long time, having a spare pair to change into can really perk you up. If you are flying overnight, you can start your new day right! Some people like to use pantyliners to really stay fresh too. Needless to say, these should be as comfortable as possible rather than strappy and lacy. Ice silk/seamless for the win!

    Deposit photos / zakazpc

    5.) Your House Keys

    You really need to open your door when you get home so never lose sight of your keys (that goes for both directions of travel). Bags get lost and you don’t want to have to smash through your window or trek halfway across town with luggage to get your spare pair from your mum. I know it feels great to go on a trip and not think about the house for a while but just keep these close.

    Deposit photos / NewAfrica

    6.) A Warm Layer

    These are annoying to carry, I know, but what if the air con on the plane is cranked up to max? What if the plane diverts to Iceland on its way across the Atlantic? You never know so keep a jacket with you. A light down jacket weighs nothing and doubles as a pillow when it’s in its stuff sack. At the very least bring a cardigan and big scarf/shawl. I have never been one of those people that can wear those fancy ponchos (they don’t go with backpacks) but you will look damn chic if you are!

    Rosie standing in the snow wearing a black Ravean Down X Heated Jacket with the hood up

    7.) A Power Bank

    Phone batteries have come a long way, but you are travelling a longer way. If you are delayed or diverted, you are going to need all the juice you can get for entertainment and/or contacting the airline/your insurance etc etc. Bear in mind that many airports don’t allow power banks more than 20,000mAh so make sure you know where your power bank states the size. If security decides to check. it’ll make your experience much quicker. We prefer the wired kind so you can share it with a buddy and don’t have to hold both items whilst you are waiting in the lounge/gate.

    Deposit photos / beer5020.gmail.com

    8.) A Water Bottle

    Filling up on free water whenever you can is the best way to save money and stay hydrated at the airport. Just remember to empty the bottle when you are going through security. It would be best to choose a thermos style bottle which keeps your water nice and cold. This will help your water stay appetisingly chilly, there is nothing so unappealing as water that has warmed up.

    Deposit photos / jukai5

    9.) Toothbrush & Tooth Paste

    Again, if you are disrupted or even just travelling on a long haul flight, the chance to brush your teeth and stay fresh can make a world of difference. After a couple of airline meals or overly flavoured snacks it can make you feel better, especially being in close quarters with others. Some airlines will provide them, and of course every airport will sell them, but seeing as you will need it when you get to your destination anyway, just take yours with you.

    Deposit photos / frantic00

    10.) Wired Headphones

    I mean in addition to your AirPods or similar. This allows you to connect to entertainment on the plane easily. There are those smart AirFly, Bluetooth connectors but the batteries don’t last forever. I carry a little converter so I can use regular wired headphones with my iPhone, as well as the plane’s 3.5mm jack. This allows me to turn off the Bluetooth and save lots of battery, especially important on long, budget flights with no entertainment.

    Deposit Photos / dmitryi

    11.) Your Phone

    Obviously, you’d never put your phone anywhere silly but double check you have it before you board and before disembarking. Some people leave their phones charging on the posts provided in airports, or tucked in secret plugs….and there they stay. Once you are on board, don’t putthe phone in the seat back pocket. It is gross in there and you are more likely to forget it.

    Your phone should have access to your insurance details, some entertainment and numbers you need during your travels. I also like to screenshot arrival information and hotel details. There is no guarantee there will be WiFi or data when you need it.

    Check out our full guide on Why Getting Travel Insurance is Vital!

    12.) Expensive Items

    If you value it, keep it with you. Jewellery, fancy cameras, prized belongings, they should all be in your under seat bag. You can keep an eye on your things much more easily here than in the overhead, and definitely better than if you check these things in. You can lock a check in bag but you have no power over whether it makes the flight!

    Deposit photos / Saksoni

    Final Thoughts on Our 12 Vital Carry On Items

    Full disclosure, I know the theory behind all of these and even I make mistakes. After three weeks of travelling with my house keys in my backpack I checked them in and stressed about it for 14 hours until I saw the backpack again. Now, I’ve got a list ready to go for the final pack to ensure I have everything with me. Have you ever checked in something important that you never got back? Let me know in the comments I hope this list means it will never happen to either of us again.

    Rosie xx

  • Full Interrail Packing List – Don’t Miss These Interrail Essentials

    Full Interrail Packing List – Don’t Miss These Interrail Essentials

    If you are planning your first train travel adventure in Europe, packing can be intimidating. I am aware that not everyone loves to pack as much as this weirdo over here! Don’t worry, this Interrail packing list, full of your Interrail essentials will help guide you through what you’ll need for your Interrail or Eurail trip through Europe. Oh, and there is a downloadable Interrail packing list at the bottom of the page for you to tick off.

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  • 20 Backpacking Gear Essentials for Carry-On Backpacking

    20 Backpacking Gear Essentials for Carry-On Backpacking

    Backpacking is in our blood. Even when we are travelling to a fancy resort or city break, the lessons we learned during a five-month trip to Asia (and around 60 subsequent trips) have honed our packing skills. We love hand luggage so we have really nailed down the backpacking gear essentials that we really need when we are carry-on backpacking. Here are the 20 backpacking gear essentials we never travel without!

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  • Carry On Only! – 20 Top Tips for Hand Luggage Travel

    Carry On Only! – 20 Top Tips for Hand Luggage Travel

    Packing for a trip can be daunting at the best of times, especially if you aren’t a fan of packing. Add in the restrictions that come with hand luggage travel and it might seem like an impossible task. However, there are plenty of tricks that we have tried and tested that we can’t wait to share with you. But first, why do we travel carry-on only?

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  • What to Pack for a Safari in South Africa

    What to Pack for a Safari in South Africa

    Booking your first safari is so exciting! Anticipation runs high as you start to imagine the animal encounters that await you, but then you have to consider the practicalities. What should you pack for a safari in South Africa? Do you really need a £1000 lens to capture the photos? Why does all that safari gear have so many pockets!? Never fear, this guide is designed to be a totally truthful roundup.

    You are welcome to read through all the rationale behind our packing list, along with examples we have learned from ourselves or you can head to the bottom of this post and just download the printable PDF that accompanies it. Tick it off as you pack and have a great time on your trip! (more…)

  • Women’s SunDrift Panglao 55L Backpack – A Review

    Women’s SunDrift Panglao 55L Backpack – A Review

    Backpacks are the best! I am sure I have listed all the benefits in the past (who cares if there’s a pavement/they aren’t easily stolen if attached to you/soft sides that don’t crack/great for hopping on and off transport etc etc etc). However, the search for the perfect backpack as a short, curvy girl can be tedious. I have tried women’s packs, children’s packs and universal packs but all fall short of fitting me properly. I just have a very short back which means most adult female rucksacks don’t fit me, and some lady humps and bumps that means the kids ones don’t either. So, when the women’s SunDrift Panglao 55L backpack popped up on my Instagram feed, I was super keen to get my hands on it. I packed my shiny new bag with 12kgs of gear and set off for a 12 day trip to Israel to test it out. The result? Well, you’ll have to read on for my women’s SunDrift Panglao 55L Backpack review!

    Rosie wearing a SunDrift Panglao 55L Backpack in Israel
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  • Top Ten Tips to Pack Your Liquids Bag for Carry On Luggage Like a Pro!

    Top Ten Tips to Pack Your Liquids Bag for Carry On Luggage Like a Pro!

    Travelling without checking a bag is a great way to travel. It saves you time, money and stress. If you are a hand luggage traveller, you have probably mastered rolling your clothes to save space, you can probably nail the art of the capsule wardrobe and you have whittled your travel gear to smallest, lightest version you can cope with, but when it comes time to pack your liquids bag it can be a real pain! You have to contend with airline liquid restrictions, the scary security in the UK or the terrifying face of TSA. Don’t panic, come with us into the liquids bag of a travel blogger and learn our top ten tips  to pack your liquids bag like a pro.

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  • Ravean Down X Heated Jacket – A Review

    Ravean Down X Heated Jacket – A Review

    “Becasue being cold sucks” – So reads the tagline for Ravean‘s winter gear, and I couldn’t agree more. I am a complete nightmare when I am cold and so it beggars belief that I booked a trip to northern China and Russia in January (average temperature -20°C/-29°F). Panic set in about just how miserable I was going to be, and so the hunt began for the best way to stay warm. After a little online research, I came across the wonder that is Ravean and their heated products. I got a jacket straight away and so I am pleased to share with you my Ravean Down X Heated Jacket review.

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  • 30Seven Gloves Comfort Stretch Waterproof – A Review

    30Seven Gloves Comfort Stretch Waterproof – A Review

    Planning for our trip on the Trans-Siberia railway in Russia, I started to panic about just how cold it was going to be. I mean, -30°C is pretty cold, especially as I have always struggled keeping my hands warm. I have been wearing thick gloves, shoved deep in my pockets and still, I have had freezing digits. After browsing USB powered, fingerless gloves and USB charged plastic lumps, I found exactly what I was looking for; 30Seven Heated Clothing make proper heated gloves!! I ordered two pairs of the 30Seven Gloves Comfort Stretch Waterproof (one for me, one for Mr Fluskey) and eagerly awaited my parcel.

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  • The New Kathmandu Litehaul 38L – A Review

    The New Kathmandu Litehaul 38L – A Review

    I am obsessed with my Kathmandu Litehaul 38L. I owned one, I saw a new one and HAD to buy it. Imagine my embarrassing over-excitement when I found out that they have come out with an even newer version. What else could I do but review the new Kathmandu Litehaul 38L!!


    The Kathmandu Litehaul Range

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