Road Test: Ikea Fold Flat Suitcase

I've been considering a new suitcase to replace the current medium sized one that took a beating in Japan and is starting to show signs if wear.

It was very surprising to see luggage at Ikea, let alone bags that fold flat, and at only $59! After a very quick online scan for information was positive it was an easy decision.

Firstly how flat does it go?

So it isn't exactly "flat" but it is a lot smaller than a standard suitcase and is a lot easier to store. 

One of the big concerns I had was about the stability of the bag once it was constructed. It is very easy to set up, only requiring two internal panels to be folded up.

Once it was up it actually was quite solid. The outside is a lot stiffer than normal soft cases and there is plenty of room along with some internal pockets.

Some if the great features are the four wheels, telescopic handle that zips away, back pocket to easily access small items and of course the Lego block colour/appearance.

It was very easy to move around the airport, soft carpet is a bit of an issue but nothing major, but the lack of a side handle does make picking it up a little harder than normal. Also of concern is the plastic zips where the locks attach.

After the first plane flight (Melbourne to Cairns) the bag has pulled up very well. There are a few black marks on the outside of the bag but nothing major. Everything inside the bag was fine.

During the week it has been very easy to access and work with. The pockets are a little small inside the main case, but packing differently can resolve this problem.

After the journal back to Melbourne the case arrived with a dint in the front but a quick knock and it was gone. The locks, zips and wheels have all lasted. The case itself has a few marks but nothing unexpected.

Overall for the price this has been a fantastic suitcase. Would I use it for a around the world trip - no. It is useful if you are going on a road trip or not transferring across a number of different modes of transport or locations on your journey. For my trips around a week in length I will make this my go to suitcase.

Auckland: Day 3

Our final day in Auckland and the glorious  weather returned. Our destination was Devonport, a 15 minute ferry ride across the harbour. 

The town itself was very quaint and nice to walk around. The real attraction was walking up the volcano and being rewarded with amazing views over the whole area.

After lunch we caught the ferry back to the city for some last minute shopping before catching our shuttle to the airport to end a very pleasant long weekend.

Looking forward to getting off the flight and into our own beds tonight!

Auckland: Day 2

A very wet and gloomy morning greeted us today. Our plan was to visit one of the many islands in Auckland's harbour but given the conditions hiking to the top of an extinct volcano was out of the question.

Our new destination became Auckland Museum. A short bus ride took us almost to the front door. Sitting on top of a hill it has fantastic views over the city. Inside it provided a wonderful overview of the Pacific nations, Auckland and also houses the War Memoral.

Rather than catch the bus back we chanced our luck with the weather and walked back through Parnell, a lovely shopping strip, and east Auckland taking in some of the places we had yet to see.

Dinner took us deeper into the Auckland Old Port area to North Wharf tat also have us a new view of the city.

Auckland: Day 1

A very early start today to catch our flight to Auckland. I didn't know customs opens at 4:30am in Melbourne but I do now. Our flight was actually quicker than expected, Auckland customs was very quick, and an adventurous shuttle bus ride through some of the suburbs we were out exploring by 1pm local time.

Our walk took us part way along the Aucklamd waterfront, through the shopping areas around Britomart and Queens St finally ending at the SkyTower.

The views from the top of the tower are amazing and stretch a long way. It gave us a better understanding about Auckland and its harbour. The only distraction were the few people controlled bunjy jumping off the tower or walking around the outside of the tower. They really love the extreme in New Zealand.

We finished the day with dinner at the Viaduct Harbour, a restaurant and nightlife area established for the America's Cup. Luckily we finished before New Zealand and France played their Rugby test, which would have filled up the area. There are a lot of French tourists here off the back of this match.

If the weather holds off tomorrow we'll be out on the harbour otherwise we'll see where the wind blows us.

Back in the air again

It's been a while since my last post and return from Japan. It seems like it was 5 years ago as it's been frantic since the day we got back. We still haven't had a chance to go through the 6000 or so photos from the trip or fully digest everything we experienced. I know Japan will be a place that we visit again;  even if it is in many years time.

The long weekend sounds like the perfect time to catch up on our last trip but instead we're heading back out into the sky for Auckland. I haven't been to Auckland (except the airport) for almost 8 years and Tamie has never seen outside a New Zealand airport. The weather is looking very similar to Melbourne, the time difference isn't an issue nor is language this time. Really looking forward to exploring another city and sharing some of the discoveries we make this weekend.