Sarah is a writer and radio journalist who spends much of her time on the move for work. She used to be a reporter and producer in Minnesota, and before that, she worked as a clinical researcher in both Philadelphia and Atlanta. Cerebral palsy impacts her mobility, so she values tools that make it simpler to carry things, navigate busy places, and stay steady on challenging surfaces. Whether it’s a packed airport terminal or a slippery icy path, Sarah looks for practical solutions to help her get by.
Â
Over the last year, I've traveled from Minneapolis to Eugene, Seattle to New York, Hemel Hempstead to Marseille, Dakar to Lisbon, and back to Dakar again. It’s been quite the journey! To make it easier, I’ve learned to rely on durable luggage and a packing system that maximizes space without adding bulk. Checked bags are expensive and risky, especially since I struggle to walk while carrying heavy loads. So, I’ve found four essential travel products that make my trips smoother:
First up is the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage. I’ve had this hard-shell suitcase for several years now. It comes in various colors and sizes, and mine is bright yellow with a carry-on size (20 inches). Its four swivel wheels mean I don’t have to tilt it while pulling it along. When fully expanded, the zipper might make it too wide for some airlines’ carry-on restrictions, but I appreciate knowing that expansion is an option if needed. Despite its age and the many scratches it’s accumulated, the zippers still function perfectly, and the handle remains smooth. It’s been a reliable companion through countless adventures.
Images (2): Yellow Amazon Basics expandable suitcase with luggage tags around the handle, showing wear and tear; inside view of the suitcase, which features a black interior with a zipper divider.
Next is the Gregory Backpack. This carry-on-sized backpack holds 40 liters, making it spacious yet manageable. It has a dedicated laptop compartment, a large main compartment, and smaller zippered pockets on the waist straps. The waist and sternum straps buckle effortlessly and distribute weight evenly, which is crucial for someone like me who needs to keep the load light. Recently, the sternum strap broke, but after reaching out to Gregory Packs, they sent a replacement part to me in Spain. A local luggage shop helped me install it free of charge. I can also attach this backpack to my Amazon Basics suitcase using the straps, making it easier to manage both pieces together.
Images (3): Closed rust red Gregory backpack; open backpack showing multiple compartments; straps of the backpack with chest and waist buckles visible.
Then there are the TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes. These cubes are lifesavers! They require patience, but I can squeeze a winter coat and even a bulky sweatshirt into them. Once zipped up, they take up significantly less space. The set includes a compact laundry tote with a buckle that clips onto the handle, making laundry transport a breeze. Watching a quick demo online helped me understand how to use them effectively.
Finally, the FINPAC Laptop Sleeve is another must-have. This slim sleeve fits perfectly into my backpack’s laptop compartment, leaving room for additional essentials like copies of my passport and health insurance documents. The material feels robust and protective, and the magnetic closure is a game-changer. It opens smoothly with a gentle tug and stays securely shut when needed. Even when I’ve accidentally knocked it over, my laptop has stayed safely inside.
Image: Gray magnetic FINPAC laptop sleeve.
One key lesson I’ve learned is to pack as lightly as possible. Shoes with good ankle support and an extra trekking pole are non-negotiable for me, but it’s fine to travel with fewer t-shirts or tubes of sunscreen—they’re easy enough to replenish along the way. Here’s a photo of me with my gear during a recent trip.
__________
If you’ve ever traveled with a disability, what tips do you have for others? Share your thoughts below!
As someone who’s always on the move, I’d love to hear from others who face similar challenges. Your experiences could help us all travel smarter and more comfortably.
The wall mounted shelves is one of the main products we produce in our factory, with a variety of different designs and solid structures, you will love our products, all our products are designed in-house, if you have a style you like you can also send us pictures of the design. We can also do it for you and look forward to working with you.
Our factory mainly develops and produces various types of disassembled furniture, simple furniture, storage boxes,Our products include: multifunctional storage rack, assembled Coffee Table, side table, computer table, desk, chair, dining table, 3-layer shelf, 4-layer shelf, 5-layer shelf, wall shelf, tissue tube, storage basket, carrying basket,laundry rack ,etc .
Modern decoration is all about simplicity, cleanliness and generosity, and as our lives become more and more fast-paced, we have a lot of things that need to be stored and categorised to make our homes look more tidy and convenient.
Wall Mounted Shelves,Heavy Duty Shelves Small,Metal Industrial Shelves,Bookshelves Wall Mounted
Jiangmen Lihua Import & Export Trading Co., Ltd. Jiangmen Lihua Furniture., Ltd. , https://www.jmlihua.com