(EN/JP)

Before we get to the main point.

In the previous story, I bought an airline ticket, and since this is a good opportunity, I would like to talk about travel preparation this time.
*(If you haven’t read it yet, start with the full story.)

What should I do with my travel bag?What should I do with my travel bag?

 

I had a lot of safety concerns about traveling to New York.

What if I was suddenly threatened with a gun? 
What if someone snatched my bag?
What if someone cuts the strap of my backpack and takes it away?

Looking through the guidebooks, there were many stories of people’s dangerous experiences, which made me feel uneasy.

What kind of bag should I walk around town with in such a dangerous country?

After much consideration, I purchased a Manhattan Portage’s messenger bag.

 

Why???

First : Backpack

The advantage of a backpack is that you have both hands free. It is also possible to carry a certain amount of heavy items or a lot of luggage. However, there is a concern about safety. Since it is always on the back, out of my sight, it could be opened while waiting at a traffic light or on the train and stolen.Rejected.

Rejected

Next : Tote Bag

The advantage of a backpack is that you have both hands free. It is also possible to carry a certain amount of heavy items or a lot of luggage. However, there is a concern about safety. Since it is always on the back, out of my sight, it could be opened while waiting at a traffic light or on the train and stolen. Rejected.

Rejected

Last : Handbag

Too small to carry. And one hand is always occupied.

Rejected

Then, by process of elimination, a messenger bag emerged.

One of the characteristics of a messenger bag is that it can hold a certain amount of luggage.
Even in crowded places such as trains, it is easy to bring the bag to the front.

And Manhattan Portage’s messenger bags are made of a very solid fabric, both the shoulder strap and the body of the bag, which makes it difficult to quickly cut it off as you pass by.

So, I decided on a travel bag.

 

Means of transporting all luggage to get to the site.

I think it can be broadly divided into two categories.

Suitcase or Backpack

 

Purpose of trip, destination, and duration

I think it depends on these factors, but I use a suitcase.
I use a traditional frame type suitcase, not the very light and sturdy zipper type that everyone seems to have these days.

The reason is safety.

 

First of all, I have been staying in hotels recently, but in the past, I used to stay in cheap dormitories, youth hostels, and Stay in a local’s home on Airbnb.
Of course, those who stay at such places overwhelmingly use backpacks and zipper-type suitcases.

However, zipper-type suitcases can have their contents stolen by breaking the zipper part, and backpacks are more unprotected than you might imagine.

Therefore, I bought a frame-type suitcase more than ten years ago, and I still use the same one all the time.

Of course, even frame-type ones can be opened by using tools to forcefully break the locks.
However, the hurdle is a little higher than with the fastener type.

Also, I often buy fragile items such as plates locally. I love the local traditional plates.

Thankfully, the handling of checked luggage for passengers by Japanese airport staff is incredibly courteous.
This is one thing I am proud of as a Japanese.

However, in other countries, it can be handled in a messy manner.

Zipper-type items, even suitcases, are made of a flexible material that can easily transmit shock to the inside.
I am a little concerned about keeping breakable items in them.

 

If you plan to stay at a hotel and do not plan to buy plates, etc.

Zipper type suitcase or typical carry-on bag such as The North Face's Rolling Thunder

People who want to stay in inexpensive accommodations such as dormitories but are concerned about safety

Frame type suitcases

For those who want to stay in inexpensive accommodations and travel from one country to another without worrying about safety.

Backpack

I think that the following would be a good choice.

Of course, in the end, it will be up to your preference.

Side Story ep1 Travel Preparations

In the previous story, I bought an airline ticket, and since this is a good opportunity, I would like to talk about travel preparation this time.

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