Traveling Light

Home Lifestyle Vacations Airlines Traveling Light

By now, you've probably heard or read about the extra charges most airlines are tacking on for excess, overweight and oversized baggage, which can easily run $100 or more per bag! It's insanity, pure and simple, and I don't think many people are crazy enough to buy into it. But what can you do? It's time to learn to pack smarter and lighter for airline travel and that takes some pre-planning. On that note, here are ten tips to help you do just that:

• To begin with, consider purchasing lightweight luggage. If you haven't bought any in awhile, you may want to purchase one or more pieces of lightweight luggage. Some pieces weigh as little as seven or eight pounds, a great start to help you pack lighter.
  
  
• Where are you going and what will you be doing? If you are going on a business trip, you will be packing mostly suits, jackets, pants and shirts. Depending on how long your trip is, you may be able to get along with just one or two suits by changing jackets and shirts to offer up multiple outfits.
  

If you're headed for a vacation, plan ahead by thinking of what you will actually be doing and where you will be doing it. For example, if you're going to be hiking, you probably won't need city sight seeing clothing or evening dresses. If you're going to a rainy climate, be sure to pack your raingear. And remember, too, lightweight wash-and-wear clothing is best. In cool weather, you can layer for added warmth without the bulk.

• Leave all the equipment at home. Travel light by not packing excess equipment, like blow dryers, curling irons, etc. Most hotels offer blow-dryers, but if you really can't live without your curling iron or travel iron, at least get the portable type that won't take up a lot of space or add unwanted weight to your luggage.
  

• Limit toiletries. You can't take them all, and you don't need them all when you can shop almost anywhere for all types of toiletries. Also, be sure to check with the airlines if you're not up on their latest restrictions for liquids, gels and other items.
  
  
• Don't bring items that may leak. I would advise not to take them as I've personally been the victim of a leaky shampoo bottle that drenched most of my clothes. It was not a good experience. However, if you must take them, please put them in resealable bags.
  
  
• Carry extra plastic bags with you. These are handy for dirty clothes, shoes (you don't want dirty shoes touching your clean clothes), and placing between clothes when packing. They also are great for protecting breakable items.
  
  
• Maximize space by rolling. You've probably heard this somewhere before, and it works! Roll one or two (or even more if they are thin) items together, and you will be amazed at how wrinkle-free they will be when you reach your destination. This works particularly well with pants and shirts and will give you a lot more room in your suitcase.
  
  
• Put small items like socks, pantyhose and belts into shoes or purses. You'll be surprised how much you can get into these small receptacles. Also, don't forget to use all the nifty pockets and compartments on your luggage.
  
  
• Place all necessities like glasses, medications (in their prescription bottles, if you please), passport, wallet, etc. in a carry-on bag to take on the plane. It's a good idea to also take an extra change of clothing just in case your baggage doesn't end up where you do.
  
  
• If you pack light, you will have extra room for the items you want to bring home, like souvenirs and trinkets. By using up some of the things you've brought with you, such as the small bottles of toiletries you've packed, you will be saving space, too.

Here's one more tip to help navigate the sea of luggage at the baggage claim. Put a colored ribbon or other identifier on your luggage. If you have black suitcases (on wheels) like so many others, this may save you considerable time when you retrieve your bags. Bon voyage!

Take the Next Step:

• For all of your traveling needs, check out Expedia.com
• Taking a trip soon? With most airlines tacking extra charges on for excess, overweight and oversized baggage, it pays to really think about what and how you are packing. Follow the above 10 tips to pack smarter and lighter for airline travel.
• For other articles on airline travel, please click here.
• Share your thoughts about this article with the editor: Click Here

Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.

Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805

"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.

Also In This Week's Issue

• How to handle your parents moving in with you
• 7 tips for renters
• 9 reasons your credit card was declined
• Filing Ch. 7 on your own? Avoid these mistakes
• How to pay debt while improving credit score
• Avoid making this common investing mistake
• Life insurance from marriage into midlife
• Affordable life insurance after 50? Or 60?
• How to track unclaimed life insurance money
• How to quickly boost your credit score
• Why good manners can boost financial success
• When it's OK to tap your IRA

In The Dollar Stretcher Community

• Homemade smoothies
• Dollar Stretching Recipes: Slow cooker refried beans

Reader Favorites

• Cleaning fiberglass showers
• Grandma's beauty secrets
• Why use a pressure cooker
• Make money at the farmers market
• Easy desserts