Digital luggage scales are the game-changing item I'll never travel without

Since acquiring this about a year ago, I estimate it's saved me hundreds of dollars, and at least four airport melt-downs.

Firstly, I’d like to clarify that I am not one of those travellers who subscribes to the “pack light, carry-on only” technique when it comes to air travel.

I pack everything I might possibly need and use every precious kilogram included in my baggage allowance. And before the chorus of "but there are shops where you are going, just buy things at your destination if you need" begins, it cheeses me off to spend my precious holiday time hunting down an extra pair of socks, and spending money on stuff I already own.

My days of backpacking around Europe are over, and I now use a wheeled suitcase, so when I'm not having to haul my gear on my back, why wouldn't I max out my suitcase? 

But if you're going to play this maximalist game, you need to be sure you don't go over your luggage limit. Because as we all know, airlines charge like a wounded bull if you turn up to the airport with too-heavy luggage.

I'm an over-packer from way back. Picture: Simone Mitchell

Weighing my luggage before heading to the airport used to be an ordeal. I did the old bathroom scales method, where you'd weigh yourself, then stand on the scales holding your suitcase, then subtract your weight from the total to ascertain the weight of your suitcase. This usually comes with a cute side order of body image issues. Which is not what you want when you're about to embark on a beach holiday.

The other big flaw with this method is when you're returning home at the end of your trip. Either your accommodation has bathroom scales and you're going to spiral for a week because you now know the exact number of kilos you've put on eating every form of pasta in Rome, or they don't have scales, and you're stuffed when it comes to weighing your suitcase. You have to fly blind. This has resulted in me paying silly amounts of money in excess baggage fees over the years.

But no more. Enter the $15.99 Shanje digital luggage scales that I acquired about a year ago. It's now one of the most valuable players in my travelling kit. I can't believe it took me so long to get it.

The key to never crying at an airport check-in counter again.

This particular model has an almost perfect 4.5 star rating from over 4,400 reviewers.

It weighs less than 100 grams, which means it won't take up precious weight in your suitcase. It will weigh bags up to 50kg (though good luck hefting that bad boy into the back of an Uber), and easily switches from pounds to kg, which is handy if you're flying an airline that's not using metric.

I estimate it's saved me hundreds of dollars, and at least four airport melt-downs.

And that, pardon the pun, is worth its weight in gold. 

Buy the Shanje luggage weight scale

The other MVPs in my travel kit

These damn near perfect pants have been purchased by over 10K people.

The best pants for long haul flights: CRZ Yoga lightweight drawstring jogger pants

Leggings are a no-no on flights for ghastly reasons, and wearing jeans on flights is like committing a hate crime against your lower half. So last year I started hunting for a lightweight pair of flying pants that are more respectable than trackies, but still comfy.

I have worn this pair from Amazon on the last five international flights I have done and they have quickly become a most valuable player. To the point where four of my family members now own a pair. They are comfy, and quick drying, so you can give them a quick wash and dry when you are on the go in hotels. They are great for warmer climates (especially ones with mozzies, where you might need to cover your legs but still stay cool).

They come in a range of colours (I have them in the olive green) and at the time of writing they cost around $52.99. Absolutely worth it.

Buy CRZ Yoga lightweight pants here

The best pillow for flying: Cabeau Evolution travel pillow

It keeps your head upright, so you don't get the dreaded plane-nod.

I have banged on about this repeatedly. Fellow travel writer Sue Williams put me onto the Cabeau Evolution travel pillow on a trip years ago, raving about the fact that it is structured enough to stop your head from doing the dreaded nod as you’re falling asleep. I refuse to fly on a long-haul flight without it.

Buy the Cabeau Evolution travel pillow here

The best earplugs for travel: Groundshaker high fidelity ear plugs

Welcome to a peaceful, quiet, flight.

Child wailing nearby? Cretin playing a Fruit Ninja on their phone in the aisle across from you with the sound up? No worries. After trialing countless pairs of earplugs thanks to a partner who snores, I stumbled across this pair and they are genuinely amazing at blocking out noise (and they stay in your ears beautifully). I can stay in a hotel on a freeway with noisy trucks and it no longer bothers me. There can be a genuine disturbance on a flight and I am blissfully unaware. A revelation.

Buy Groundshaker ear plugs here

The best bumbag for travel: Cotopaxi hip pack

I did it. I found the perfect travel bag.

I love this brand from Utah. I am mad for their clashing colours, and the sustainable, durable products that they produce. Since buying one of their hip packs, I haven't had a single moment of airport passport panic, as I know it is right there, strapped to my front. I put a pen for departure cards in it, it's also the perfect size for my water bottle, sunnies, phone and wallet when I am exploring a new city. 

Buy Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5l hip pack here

The best backpack for travel: Nat Geo travel backpack

Nat Geo Travel Backpack. Picture: Nat Geo Store

The other bag I take with me on every flight now is this travel backpack from Nat Geo. It's just the right size. It has easily accessible pockets at the front, so you can have everything in its place. There's a laptop sleeve at the rear. It's light enough that you can pack it away in the bottom of your suitcase if you don't need it on your trip. It also fits a huge amount of stuff if you go overboard with the shopping and need extra carry-on for your trip home. 10/10, no notes.

Buy Nat Geo travel backpack

Originally published as Digital luggage scales are the game-changing item I'll never travel without