The Luggage We'd Like to See Developed Tomorrow

Let us be purely fanciful for a moment and imagine that we have been given the task of designing the kinds of luggage that travellers will be using sometime in the undetermined future. In the ideal world with science and technology blazing a path through all our lives, how would it help us to see scientists address some of the more basic desires of the average tourist?

For those of us still excited by the advent of wheels at the bottom of a suitcase, perhaps we could imagine the science of Star Trek built in to the average suitcase. Rather than wheels, perhaps the suitcase could float on a cushion of air, or even perhaps, some sort of anti gravity disks built into the base? Any technique at all that helps to decrease the weight or struggle of a case can only be a good thing. Perhaps if we have such science in the future we could forget the bag altogether, because by that time we shall be able to compress our luggage so that the average suitcase will fold up small enough to pop in our pocket.

The fact that should technology have advanced to this point means that it is unlikely we would all be boarding a great cumbersome plane to go on holiday is merely being cynical, since we are here being purely fanciful.

Perhaps suitcases which are not merely a great cavern of space into which our lives are thrown in random fashion, but instead, more of a giant folder, with a dozen or so sleeves into which our organised lives can be slid in equally organised fashion, helping to separate items and allow for easy access.

Perhaps it would also be handy to have built into the handle of the case a kind of sensor which is picked up by a key fob in our possession, so that rather than waiting for hours or your case to arrive along the conveyor belt with other baggage, your key fob beeps as your case arrives, and perhaps the handle of the case could even be programmed to flash to draw attention towards it.

This could even work the other way around, and to help with security the sensor and fob could work as a proximity alarm. This would mean that should your bag be removed from your possession without your knowledge, the key fob would detect the case once it is a set distance from you, and sound an alarm on both the case and your fob. Certainly this is likely to assist the security guards, since tracking down a case that is sounding an alarm is easier than one which is silent and looks just like everybody else's.

We have been told that fridges of the future will be able to monitor their own contents, and advise us if we are running low on, say, milk. Perhaps the luggage of tomorrow will advise us if we have not packed our passport, tickets and other essential items? Frankly, why don't we just ask those nice scientists to develop a suitcase which packs itself with complete accuracy, folds up into the size of a packet of cards, weighs nothing, and ensures all our clothes arrive in pristine condition. It's not much to ask, is it?

Advice on Packing Your Children's Luggage

It will depend of course on the age of the children you are taking with you on your holiday. In the case of very young children, it almost certainly preferable to pack the majority of their items in your own case. With very small children it will also be important to have certain items in your carryon bag. These items will be the ones which need to be most accessible, such as changes of underwear, bibs, special food, drink, a blanket, and items to keep them happy and entertained.

Once children reach an age where they become more independent, you may consider providing them with their own case, either as a token gesture or more fully. Initially, their case will almost certainly be classed as a carryon bag. However, should you consider obtaining a suitcase or bag for your child, which will experience the mysterious world of unseen baggage handling, then you will be best advised to look beyond the measures with which your child ascertains the most appropriate case for him or her.

From their point of view, a case must look good, be colourful, and probably adorned with their favourite cartoon character. But at the same time, you must be very well aware that their case needs to be built to the same degree of durability that your own do. Children' cases are subject to exactly the same hardship as any other baggage, yet it is not always the case that they are built to the same standard.

Granted, it is unlikely that a children's case will be particularly heavy or overly full, But this in itself can pose a problem. Based purely on the fact that a child is unlikely to have the height to carry a suitcase clean off the floor, they will most likely use any wheels fixed to the case. Making sure that their case is packed evenly to allow good steering is certainly advisable. Also advisable is to check key areas such as locking mechanisms, hinges and handles.

Finally, one point often overlooked by parents when buying their children's luggage - look out for bits that stick out. This can include handles that retract, as it is often these parts which are both exposed and brittle, which are first to be damaged should the case experience a knock. Bizarrely, it is possible to find children's cases which have things such as ears and noses sticking out! Do not for one minute expect these to still be attached to the case at the other end of your journey. Essentially, buy your children's suitcase based on quality and not merely popularity.

It might also be worth reminding all parents that it is important that you check he contents of your child's case or bag before you leave the house. They do sometimes tend to have a habit of sneaking extra items in without you knowing, and potentially this could be a disaster at the airport. Needless to say, you do not want to find yourself at airport security trying to explain why you son has a toy gun packed in his case, and your daughter has an aerosol deodorant hidden in hers.

Cyprus Airports Are Growing

With the increase in tourist numbers visiting the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, the local infrastructure is having to grow at a similar rate. What does the future hold for the people of the island?

The political turmoil that has taken place in Cyprus since the end of the Second World War has clearly left its mark on the people of this land. In fact, it still continues to have an impact - this is, after all, a divided island.

To the north, we find an area that is closely linked to Turkey. To the south, sympathies are aligned to Greece. Given this background, how is it possible that the island can sustain any sort of tourism industry?

The reality is that tourism isn't simply sustained here - it has been growing at a fast rate. Visitors are drawn by so much of what this island can offer.

For those of us travelling from the UK, a key factor is the great weather that Cyprus seems to experience. While summers at home may see temperatures and weather conditions vary, many of us feel that a trip to Cyprus will mean long, hot summer days.

Fortunately, this is usually the case. As more and more visitors looked to travel to the island, the authorities and private individuals have responded. New hotels, bars, restaurants and nightclubs have taken shape.

If you want to enjoy a high quality hotel, then there are now plenty to choose from. As you'd expect, all of the associated activities have also appeared - take advantage of the wonderful sports opportunities, for example.

With millions of people now flocking to the island, it's been important to ensure that transport and communications links are of the required standards.

This has been achieved, with Cyprus airports growing in response to the tourist numbers. The modern international airports are now comparable with many places around the Mediterranean and are clearly better that some locations.

This growth has been necessary, although some regret that tourism has also brought an end to an older way of life.

That's always a difficult balance to strike. Visit Cyprus and you'll soon see why it remains so popular.