Did you know that most airlines charge fees to check a bag for a domestic flight? Fees start at $25 for the first bag and go up from there. Sure, its only $25, but wouldn’t you rather spend that money on great food, an exciting adventure or souvenirs?
Another great reason for packing lightly is weight. How often are you going to have to carry your bag? You have to pack it in the car, drag it through the airport, cart it to the rental car, toss it in the trunk, lug it into the hotel room and repeat the process on the way back.
8 Tips for Packing Light
- Start with packing small luggage. By just making do with a carry-on bag, you can escape the fiasco of the baggage claim and the extra weight of a larger suitcase.
- Make a list of everything you will need. Bring clothing that is made from wrinkle and stain free fabrics. Be sure to coordinate shirts with bottoms. To maximize your travelling wardrobe, stick with solids & versatile basics. Rule-out any clothes that do not match other items.
- Don’t forget to include accessories, such as scarfs and necklaces to add variety to your outfits. Another great idea for women is changing the length of your pants. Rolling pants into Capri length can change the look of an outfit. You could also do that with long sleeve shirts.
- Roll ’em up please. The best way to fit all your clothes in your bag is by rolling pants & shirts. First fold each item in half and then roll.
- Employ shoe smarts. For men, any leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day & night transition. For women, a pair of flip-flops, strappy sandals & comfy wedges can serve all casual – chic dressing needs. Socks can be stuffed into shoes to save space.
- Put underwear on the top. To reduce the embarrassment of underwear becoming the side show attraction of the open luggage scan, place all panties in a plastic bag free of any other items that might need extra inspection. For expedient security review, place the transparent bag on top of your other items so security can access the bag without ruining your efficient packing method.
- Use the Just Right Travel Kit to packet toiletries. This new kit includes 21 individual heat sealing packets that hold one use of whatever product you want to put in it. Squirt the amount you need for one use into the packet, grab your flat iron and seal the packet in 10 seconds. The kit includes a carrying case and a marking pen for labeling your packets. There are enough packets to cover a whole week of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. This kit, when filled, weighs less than 4 ounces.
- Lose Extra Baggage. Leave the heavy travel guide at home. Duplicate important resources to keep your luggage free of extra pounds. Most hotels provide blow-dryers –leave yours at home.
If you use these 8 tips for packing lighter, you will be much happier with your smaller, lighter weight bag to carry around and still have everything you need to have a fabulous trip.
