I recently got my new passport after washing them in my jeans after My Trip to India and I thought I would show you a few of my essential items that I bring with me for a short / weekend trip. Clothes-wise I try to pack as light as I can on short trips and usually try to keep to hand luggage. So I normally pack only 2 pairs of trousers: usually a good pair of jeans and a pair of chinos / smart trousers. Then 1 pair of smart shoes and 1 pair of trainers. The same goes for shirts, 1 smart, 1 casual and weather permitting a short sleeve shirt too. Then you have basics like underwear, shorts and t-shirts.

Now I’m a bit of a geek so I love to always be connected and that’s why my Tablet, HTC 10 and laptop pretty much come everywhere with me. One major thing for me whilst being abroad is data and using my phone for tweeting, Instagrams etc. I’m with EE and they offer an amazing deal when it comes to using data in Europe, you are able to use your pay monthly allowances abroad for Free, which I think is brilliant! A number of times Sara and I have been stung when using our phones whilst been in Europe which has been terrible, so it’s really nice to not have to worry about this anymore and use my phone as if I would back home! Also, download TripAdvisor, city guides and maps onto your phone; which is super helpful!

As you know I’m a big fan of music and also a sucker for sound quality, which is why I always bring my BeatsByDre wireless headphones with me when I travel.

A few others things I’ve included are my Kiehl's Facial Fuel moisturiser, cleanser and midnight oils. Then I’ve got my Canon 500D camera, Sara and I have spared this camera for a few years now.  So which camera do you think I should get (Leave your suggestions in the comments below).

So last by no means least I have reading material, I’m currently reading the Justice League NEW 52's which is brilliant and also one of my personal favourites series and The Office US version which finished a few years ago but I can't stop watching.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and let me know in the comments what a few of your travel essentials are.

Stephen. x

So one of my favourite things to buy are shoes, but also love trainers, they were the top of Xmas every year as a child and it hasn't changed much as an adult.  Recently I have been are really liking the ‘smart running’ style trainers that are out at the moment.  So when my favourite men's brand AMI came out with a collection of smart running sneakers I thought I should buy a pair.  As you can see I went for the "statement" colour. Its bright orange laces, burgundy underlay, dark green quarter and with royal blue mudguards. This has colour is sold out but you can also get them in white or black. But love that they stand out and I’ve  to say they are top of the list of footwear when going out whether something casual or formal plus they are "Snygg" as they say in Sweden. Today I just styled them with some black rolled up Weekdays’ jeans and a dark green fleece from Fjällräven (which you can’t see).  I’m really enjoying these AMI’s right now and think I will for a long time. So all in all a great pair of trainers to add to the collection!

Stephen. 

Stephen. x

I’ve been looking for a good backpack for so long now; one that can fit my Macbook, camera stuff and other bits and pieces, without being the size of a small rhino. I found Sandqvist brand in Urban Outfitters while browsing their store. So once I got and had a little read about how the brand is set by two brothers and friend in Sweden, I fell in love with the brand immediately. They are based in Stockholm but have stores in Göteborg and London.

I purchased wthe Roald bag in black but it is also available in blue, grey, olive and yellow. The thing that stands out to me is the uncomplicated but functional design. I am happy that I have chosen a strong black design because I can accessory the backpack with most of the clothes that I wear.

I have used this bag as my carry-on for My Trip to India and it worked well. The thing I love about this bag is secure outer compartments because when you are travelling I hate having to carry my keys, wallet, passport in my pockets or having to hunt around my bag. So the outer compartments are fantastic for items like these. Overall the backpack is a great size and has three internal sections, one for my laptop and two other sections for books also has two outer compartments which I can keep smaller items like keys and pens etc and it is very comfortable on my shoulders and back when I am carrying very heavy items.

I think this bag is pretty reasonably priced at just under £100. Which might be pricey for some, but it definitely a quality backpack that you should spend the extra money. You can find the Roald on the Sandqvist website. They also numerous other great designs which I think I might I have to purchase as well soon.

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what you think in the comments.

Stephen.