We put ourselves through this every year, what the hell do you buy your loved ones at Christmas? Thankfully Antler Luggage has some fantastic ideas on their site, so I thought you might appreciate a little bit of inspiration.

Aside from explaining the Carnaby Street luggage set designs, which are a particular favourite, Antler luggage also has a whopping 60% off the recommended retail price at the moment, meaning, credit crunch or not, it’s in everyone’s Christmas budget. From a distance this luggage set looks like it’s white quilted leather, closer up its made from polyester but has a Teflon coating, so it should manage to stay white for a while!

How about a nice shiny new laptop bag, with a 30% discount and a free continental travel adaptor? Antler Luggage are also selling an inexpensive laptop bag called the Executec for the business traveller in your family. It comes with a 30% discount and a free continental travel adaptor - £34.90 including delivery. Better than a briefcase any day!

Most hikers hook up with other people when they go out for a walk. But some prefer to go it alone and head out to the hills in search of solace and solitude. I fall somewhere between the two. I usually hit the hiking trails with my family or friends but every so often I like to stride out on my own. Going solo is great for exercise as you can go at your own pace; it’s also great for covering long distances as you don’t have to stop while group members rest, take photos or change layers. You’re your own man; you can go where you want, when you want.

However, long distance walking alone can be a lonely experience. Without a companion to talk to or share experiences with, you really do feel the sensation of isolation. A lot of people enjoy this freedom and independence, which is why they go it alone in the first place. I too like the solitude of a going solo sometimes. But sometimes I need something to fill the vacuum left by the absence of a hiking companion.

Just recently I’ve taken to carrying an MP3 player on the trail with me. Not only does it fill the void of loneliness, it creates an interesting soundtrack to a walk. Instead of quashing the sensations of back-country walking, good music seems to awaken the senses. I actually seem to notice more with music pumping in my ears – it’s as if the trees, birds, cows, clouds and grass are playing along with the tunes or participating in a live music video. Of course, the choice of music can make or break the atmosphere of a walk but for combating loneliness music is a great tool.

It’s all very well and good booking that luxury week’s holiday, purchasing some gorgeous new antler luggage for the journey, just so you look the part, but sometimes we could all use some assistance with the actual packing part so we don’t overload those trolley case.

I bet we are all the same, we wash everything in sight, iron it all, fold it all beautifully then stuff it all in at the last minute, sitting on top of the suitcase just to add some much needed weight to close it.

There is a better way you know…..

I am a die hard fan of the day by day planning method. I make steadfast decisions on exactly what I will wear each day and resist the urge to waiver, apart from a couple of extra tops (in case I spill something), a couple of jumpers (in case its cold) and a jacket (blame my Mum!). You can take it one step further and pack each outfit in a plastic bag separately, but unless you have OCD, it’s probably not necessary.

I expect many stick to the folding and stacking method. Everything is perfectly aligned and piled as high as you can, Mary Poppins style. Except of course, she doesn’t squidge it all down with her palms so she can close the lid.

The final method of course, used by hardened travellers and the like, is the rolling method. Everything gets rolled and squished and packed tightly side by side. It’s a popular myth that this reduces the wrinkling, so beware.

Finally, there are some superb little traveller toiletries packs you can buy. They tend to come in the form of a clear plastic resealable pouch containing several small plastic bottles in which you can put shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc. The perfect travelling companion.