Travel agent’s space-saving travel hack needs just one item
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Packing all the electronics you need for a holiday has become a mammoth task. Phone chargers, battery packs and the cables to use then plus extras like laptop plugs mean your suitcase resembles a mini Apple shop.
Packing all the electronics you need for a holiday has become a mammoth task. iStock
But a seasoned traveller has a tip to save on space.
Travel agent Caro Imrie, who is the director of World Travellers Mangawhai and Milford in New Zealand, told Stuff she had a simple solution.
“Pack a multi-plug power board and just one adaptor,” she said.
“We all travel with so many cables and chargers these days, and this way you’ve got four or six plug-in options from a single adaptor, instead of carrying extra bits and pieces.”
She said it may be old-fashioned but it works. Just make sure it’s safe.
“Think of the old multi-box Mum used to have tucked behind the bedroom lamp to create extra power points. It’s basically that, just not quite as old,” she added.
Make sure it has a current electrical safety test tag, or buy a new one, before you pack it.
The simple piece of advice comes with one note. While this might work at a hotel, it could be banned if you’re travelling on a cruise ship.
Travel agent Caro Imrie has a simple solution: “Pack a multi-plug power board and just one adaptor.” iStock
Many cruise lines have strict rules about electronics. In fact, cruises often have a ‘table of shame’ of all the items they’ve confiscated, and often times it is loaded with power boards.
Power boards are not allowed on for safety reasons.
Carnival Australia confirmed “multi-plug box outlets/ power boards/ adapters/ extension cords are not permitted on board.”
However, the company said you can borrow one by asking your steward.
Royal Caribbean’s rules are similar with ‘electrical extension cords’ on the banned list.
Many new plane seats now have USB chargers. Qantas
Another piece of advice around charging is to make sure you have a separate USB charger for the plane. Most new aircraft have the charging spots now.
But make note of which cord you have. If you have an older phone charger, it may not work.
It’s even more important considering the recent crackdown on portable chargers on aircraft.
