When you’re heading off on an autumn city break, there’s one travel tip you need to be aware of. If you’re not a frequent flyer then you might think the best way to pack is a suitcase – but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, one frequent traveller is urging everyone to ditch their suitcases for backpacks. Netflights spoke with Karl Loudon from PR company Rise at Seven about his top tips. Karl travels at least twice a month for work and is no stranger to the airport.

His top recommendation was that anyone taking a trip to another city should carry a backpack rather than a suitcase. He said: “A wheelie trolley case always feels like a clever idea, but they end up being a pain when travelling in cities.

“Travelling with a backpack that complies with the airline’s luggage allowance allows you to pack plenty inside it, and it is much more practical to travel with. Find backpacks online titled ‘MLC’ (maximum legal carry on), which are the best luggage to use!”

If you have hand luggage and checked baggage, Karl also recommends always keeping an extra t-shirt in your carry-on. Plane seats can be cramped, spills happen and you don’t want to turn up at your destination looking scruffy and feeling sticky.

If you’re travelling for work, then remember you might not need to waste space in your bag with a powerbank. Karl said: “When travelling, organise your cables prior to flying. Remember, you might not need a power bank when travelling, as your laptop is one giant power bank, which many travellers forget about.”

As soon as you land at your destination, it can be tempting to go to your accommodation and lie down, but you should avoid this. Instead, go out for a walk to blow away the cobwebs from your travel, and familiarise yourself with where you’re staying. If you’ve travelled a long way, this makes a difference to the sensation of jetlag, and also lowers your risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis can occur in frequent flyers but stretching and exercise are great ways to combat it.