Planepack: Recent Episodes
Bobby Graham
Ever since 2010 I've been travelling and flying with carry on luggage only. This podcast is all about how and why I travel light: what led me to follow this philosophy; what I pack and take with me; what kind of luggage and other travel accessories do I use?
How much carry-on may you take?As airlines return to full capacity post Covid-19 travel restrictions, some of them have recognised that we like to fly with carry-on luggage only. I was pleasantly surprised (on my recent trip to Arnhem Land) that Qantas has increased the carry-on hand luggage weight from 7 kg to 10 kg.
In another pleasant surprise, I see that Etihad has introduced ‘hand baggage only fares’, which seem worth investigating. Why pay for hold luggage if you’re not taking any?!
Domestic and international flights to and from AustraliaI checked out what some of the large carriers are offering for carry-on weight and size. In the main they’re weighing in with 7 kg only, but I’m hoping that will increase to 10 kg as they all catch up with each other. Look at British Airways offering a massive 23 kg carry on luggage. Their only proviso is that you can heave that weight up into the overhead locker yourself.
- Qantas - 10 kg - 1 x 115 cm bag
- Etihad - 7 kg - 1 x 115 cm bag plus one personal item weighing up to 5 kg
- Emirates - 7 kg - 1 x 115 cm bag
- South African Airways - 8 kg - 1 x 115 cm bag
- Singapore Airlines - 7 kg - 1 x 115 cm bag
- British Airways - 23 kgs - 1x 125 cm bag
Bag sizeIt’s a little challenging to picture what size 115 cm bag size might be. And to make it more confusing, the dimensions vary from airline to airline (56 + 36 + 23 cm or 55 x 38 x 20 cm for example – what the heck – we all have to carry tape measures with us!) The better description is to think of the long part of the bag being 56 cm and the short part being 23 cm. The other dimension the airlines provide is the thickness or depth of the bag.
As always, I advise you to check out what your airline baggage allowance might be. And remember, the lighter your bag (mine is a featherweight 1.5 kg), the more you can carry in it. A word of caution: if you favour a soft bag, walking through large airports with 10 kg slung over your shoulder might not be the best idea. For long-haul flights, I still prefer a wheelie bag. Whichever your choose, don’t forget you need to be able to lift it into the overhead locker yourself.
Adventure artIn May I joined a group of 10 artists visiting remote Australia. We congregated in Darwin - at the Top End of Australia - boarding an early morning flight to Mt Borradaile.
*The 10 travelling artists: touchdown at Mt Borradaile*
We swept along the coast in our 13 seater Caravan, buzzing the mangrove swamps and estuaries. It’s a hostile and beautiful landscape, filled with birds and crocodiles, ancient inhabitants of the shores of the Arafura Sea. Our airplane left the coast to cruise over trees, covering rocky outcrops, showing us a different terrain.
*The Arafura Sea fringed by estuaries: flying from Darwin to Mt Borradaile*
It took us an hour to reach our destination, Mt Borradaile in West Arnhem Land, just over 300 kms by road from Darwin.
We touched down on the dirt landing strip, whipping past the waiting jeep and land cruiser. The previous guests were flying out, making way for us 10 newcomers.
The artist groupI had joined a group of seasoned artists and remote travellers. These women had explored parts of Australia that most of us never get to see: the Pilbara, the Kimberleys, Kangaroo Island - to name a few. For the past ten years, Val Johnson, has led these trips - and this year we were going to Davidson’s Safari for art and adventure.
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Our designated tour guide, Ryan, took charge of his ‘Ten Grandmothers’ and for the next five days, he drove, guided, led and even drew with us as we explored the 700 square kilometres of country.
The art galleries of Arnhem LandI had wanted to join this trip to see the rock art, which is awe inspiring. We scrambled over rocks, under overhangs and through tight spaces to see ochre drawings created 1000s of years ago.
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Ryan described the characteristics of the three periods evident there: Pre-Estuarine (c.40,000-6000 BC), Estuarine (c.6000 BC to 500 AD) and Current (Fresh Water) c. 500 AD to the present day).
Our own artEach day at 8.30 am, Ryan collected us in the big land cruiser: destination art setting. We had plenty on offer. We drew under the ‘Tassie Tiger’ rocks (so-called because of a drawing of a Thylacine Tiger). We painted in mosquito-infested swamplands. We sketched from the boat on the billabong. Not content with just a morning’s excursion, we went on late afternoon drives as well, stopping to explore sacred burial grounds, which included an ossiary containing the bones of the dead. Late one afternoon, we swam in a waterhole. My toes just managed to touch the sandy bottom of the clear, cool water. There were no crocodiles this high up in the hills, but we did see these beautiful sleek reptiles in the billabong.
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One of the highlights for me was speeding home through the water channel, following the lead boat as it twisted and turned on the water, under the darkening paper-bark trees.
Comforts of campWhile we tramped and panted our way along dirt tracks, our accommodation always provided respite and comfort. The meals in particular were tops: how the solitary chef managed to produce gourmet meals for 30+ lodge residents every day was a masterful act. Our host was ever helpful, as were all the staff and our cabins were comfortable and contained everything we needed.
We finished off our stay with a fun ‘show-and-tell’ where we wore elements of our designated birds of Borradaile. This was a challenge as we had to include our costumes in our hand-held luggage, but as true Planepackers, we stuck to our weight limit of 10 kgs per person.
*Ryan and his 10 Grandmothers: at the end of our trip*
On our day of departure, we were the outgoing visitors as we watched the incoming flight disembark on the dirt strip. My personal adventure was flying back to Darwin in the cockpit with the pilot - a highlight of what was an exceptional trip in so many ways.
I showcase a weekend getaway wardrobe for the coast or for the countryside. Always planning for light travel!
Illustration by Antipodigital (aka Slobodanka Graham)
What do I take in my handbag? How big is my bag? Usually bigger than this purse! This is my essential handbag packing list.
Are you an anxious traveller? I used to be, but not any longer. Since travelling with just carry on, I’ve shaken off quite a few anxieties. I hope you do too!
The magic of Montenegro! Visit the old walled cities of Kotor, Budva, Herceg-Novi; swim in the Adriatic Sea, and climb the fortress heights for amazing views.
Sri Lanka! If you can’t get there, what better than to read about Susan’s experiences? She travelled light, of course.
I believe in shopping for experiences - not products - when I travel. What do I mean by that? Read this post to find out.
Are you ready to travel lighter than before? These are the Planepack essential tips to help you make that transition.
What’s so great about travelling light? Why is it liberating to do so? I’m not the only one who thinks so . . . This is what other light travellers have to say.
Are you a light traveller? Great! That means you’re naturally environmentally aware. But it’s always good to read a few tips.
What’s a ‘capsule wardrobe’? I write about my travel essentials and what I take in my carry on bag.
Planepack speaks to fashion icon Adam Moore who has an Instagram following of 11,700 - all drawn to him by his iconic Australian style.
Wearing a hat to protect your head from the sun is essential. So what does Planepack suggest you take in your carry on bag?
What’s your best carry on bag? Are you tussling between a wheelie bag and a duffle bag? Let Planepack help you decide.
As a light traveller, it's great to know your rights and obligations when travelling with medicine.
How to enjoy a resort holiday in winter less than 2 hours flying time from Australia? Visit New Caledonia.
Clip on a choice of wide-angle, fish-eye or macro lens to increase your smartphone camera’s functionality.
Certain powders now have similar restrictions as liquids, aerosols and gels. Find out which ones are safe to carry onto a flight.
Going to the South Pacific on holiday? Chances are you might island-hop in a small plane. Are you prepared for that? Going on a small group tour provides preparation for all light luggage getaways.
Planning and packing for a trip can be time-consuming - and even stressful. But if you draw upon your inner geek - and use a flowchart - planning might just be a little easier.
One of the pleasures of travelling light is clearing security quickly and easily. But sometimes I forget a few things . . . this is a good reminder to leave behind the sharp objects!
Q&A with Planepack. Send me your light travel questions; I'll answer then as best I can. This one's how to travel and arrive in reasonable style.
I always enjoy a light read when I'm travelling and flying. These are a few from my recent Kindle list of books.
Would you like to travel lighter, but don't know how? I have some tips to help wean you off your addiction to heavy luggage.
Do you fancy a small group tour in your own home town? I discovered a great walking food tour right here in Canberra. You may like to try it too.
What is a small group tour? Where do these tours go? What do you need to take with you? Join me as I plan and pack for this way of travel.
Adventure, danger and derring-do! I talk to Kieran, Antarctic explorer, biologist and photographer, about his experiences visiting this great polar region.
Fairytale fashions with couture savvy! I spoke to Vicky, Rockstars and Royalty designer and dream maker, about her fashion philosophy: how to be sustainable, travel light in this world - and still look like a million dollars.
We all want to look our best when we travel or are on holiday. And having bad hair is definitely not on! I look at shampoo: what's the best kind to use for light travel?
When your house is your castle! I chat to Maria Filardo, Canberra architect and interior designer. We talk about style, design, sustainability and of course travelling light!
Travelling can be hot and smelly, but wearing a good deodorant helps me feel fresh and comfortable. I review the Native bar deodorant which comes in a handy travel size as well.
How to pack light when your trip straddles a few climates? I get asked this question a lot so I put it to a team of travel experts. This is what they have to say.
What is a digital strategist? I ask George Dunford and we also chat about his role as the 'Lonely Planet Local', writing and travelling light.
Skiing is a popular sport, but how to pack right for your next ski trip? I asked an expert skier to provide us with some tips: what to take; where to go; and how to look good on and off the slopes.
What to give the light traveller for Christmas? Planepack cruised through our posts and found these ideas for you.
How iPad patterns become prints and other products. Or, how to buy a Planepack image as a wall clock! I've added many of my Planepack images to an online store where they are available for purchase as art prints, stationery, clothing and many other fun and quirky items.
I talk to Clyde Rathbone of Karma.wiki about letters, living tributes and life in general. It's all about the people - and how to live a meaningful, well travelled existence.
How to prepare for that next hiking trip! Things you could take - and how much they weigh!
Add colour to your blog posts! I like to interview light travellers - and share the content through other channels. Read how I prepare and publish these audio interviews.
I chat to Sonia Burke, textile artist and fashion designer. Sonia's range of light, quirky and casual clothes suit the traveller who likes to cruise. You can wear her tunics as you stroll the deck - or dress them up for dinner at the Captain's table. And best of all, they roll up into next to nothing to pack into your carry on bag.
I interview Rebecca, environmentalist, science writer and a seasoned light traveller. She shares with us her tips and her wardrobe. How to travel light across climates for three months away.
Planepack interviews Robyn Pearce, time management consultant and business owner of 'Getting a grip: helping you find more time'.
How to weigh in like a pro! Use my handy little calculator to weigh, select and discard your toiletries. This takes the guesswork out of your carry on decision making.
Going to a conference? What are the three things that will make your trip and experience successful?
What is your colour style? How does knowing your 'season' help you to pack and wear colours right for you? In this post I shed light on your colours. Consider your hair, eye and skin colours to pick and pack what's best for you.
Trust an engineer to use a packing system! I talk to Clare about packing cubes: what they are; how she uses them, and even how to colour code your clothes when packing and travelling.
Planepack provides tips and advice: how to plan, prepare and pack for light travel. Help Planepack chart a new course: deliver online training! Answer a few questions to make sure we're on the right flight path.
BONUS: Be one of the first to submit your answers and you'll be in the lucky draw for naming rights! How cool is that!
Want to know what it's like to be a blogger? Apart from writing and producing the content - light packing, flying, travelling and fashion advice - these are the things I've learnt the past six months.
Dreading that 14 hour plane trip? Don't know what to do with yourself? I have a few ideas.
Travel bags are essential, but which one to take? Clam-shell? Or another size and shape? I have some ideas.
Since 2013, Hans-Jorg has cycled - sometimes alone, sometimes with friends and family - on European holidays. I catch up with him to talk about the places he's seen and the benefits of pedaling your own path.
Josie is an artist and light traveller. She recently visited outback Australia with an en plein air painting group. Listen to how she met the challenges of art, travel and freezing winter nights.
What drives you to travel light? I talk to seven women about their travel tips and advice.
Does packing for a trip drive you crazy? Help is at hand! Planepack provides packing lists and advice to pack clothes and toiletries for your next holiday.
Grab a glass of wine; settle on the sofa and listen to real people talking about light travel. Let Planepack lift your spirits as we chat to interesting light packers and travellers.
Tokyo! Dynamic, energetic, busy - and humid in summer. This is how I packed and dressed for four days in this megacity. See my light packing list!
Tokyo! It's a megacity of 13 million people. Good idea to travel light when visiting. Here are my 10 top tips to do so.
I put my new Samsonite Spinner to the Planepack travel test - and it passes with high marks!
Help Planepack take off. What do YOU want to know? What will help you travel light?
We need your lift-off to reach our destination. Give me your feedback!
Where I talk to my friend Bridget about cruising: exotic destinations, food and entertainment.
Colour, energy and fizz! How a dancer and light traveller rockets through Stylebook to plan her travel wardrobe
How to manage your period, birth control - and fashion! I chat to Elisabeth Beyer, blogger and traveller at 'Sidetracked' to find out how she does it.
Geoff Huston - Chief Scientist at APNIC, and major traveller - talks to me about his science of packing.
Talk about traveling light! This is James' minimalist packing list that shows we can all do it!
Sarah packs a punch! Blogger, writer, traveler, mother - what doesn't she fit into her life? Sarah graciously answers a few questions: pay attention!
Tony Ozanne has a big job: COO for Pizza Hut Pakistan. We chatted over a pizza and beer.
I spoke to Cindy Heazlit, cave explorer, Electronics Engineer and elegant Lady Light Traveller. This is what she had to say.
I chatted to Lynda - old school friend - and experienced light traveller for all seasons.
I chat to my friend and colleague, a true Indophile, who visits India every year - and travels lightly.
Where I chat to James McPhillips, content strategist, business owner and world (light) traveller to find out what it's like to pack like a man.
Headphones are not just for pimply teenagers! I've discovered blissful sounds on those long haul trips.
I talk to Roslyn Russell, museum specialist, author, editor - and world traveller. In this interview we chat about how she travels light.
To celebrate Mr Petman's birthday, we travelled to New Zealand where we soared to new heights in a microlight.
What do you look for in a travel bag? I decided to buy a new bag and this is what I got.
What cosmetics and toiletries to pack? Should you take suntan lotion? Or buy it on the other side? This is my essential toiletries list to survive two weeks away.
What is style? Is it learned or inherited? One of my early influencers was Richard Hepner, a student architect and my partner for six years.
How many shoes do you need? A pair for hot days; a pair for cold days? Something for the evening? And a pair for the daytime? No! I suggest you combine all of these into one pair of shoes. But choose them wisely.
What is your colour? We talk about seasonal palettes and how to analyse your own hair, skin and eye colour to choose the colours that suit you best.
How much carry on can you take with you? Is there an airlines standard for the size, weight and bag you can carry on board your flight? Check this list to compare airlines that operate in and out of Australia.
A tribute to my colleague Jurgen Fomm, a book designer, typographer and all round splendid man. In this podcast, I read his obituary.
Which cabin bag to choose? Wheels or not? Clam or fold? Perhaps a backpack? These are all things to consider with Planepack.,
What is your wardrobe? Which colours suit you best? Planepack helps you sort through the piles and travel with the essentials only.
An interview with Planepack author and evangelist Bobby Graham. Hear her describe her philosophy of traveling light with hand held carry on luggage only.