subject: Packing Light and Saving Extra Baggage Fees [print this page] Packing Light and Saving Extra Baggage Fees
If you are like most travelers (me included) you tend to be heaving on the packing when traveling. Especially when traveling by air. By following a few simple guidelines you can avoid extra baggage fees by packing lighter.
Start your packing early. Lay out what you think you want to take at least a week in advance. Then when packing take only half of what you have laid out. To help make the final determination of what is actually going to go with you, check the weather forecast of your destination and select your final items packing them accordingly.
Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane and dress in layers. You can also make good use of the pockets you have by packing small items in them. Jeans are always a good choice to travel in. You can look great and still be comfortable. Always take a jacket or sweater with you when you travel and make that part of your outfit the days you fly. If it is cold on the plane you will have a jacket to keep you warm. If it is too warm on the plane you can take it off and use it for a makeshift pillow. No more packing that carry on pillow!
Keep to a certain color scheme such as black and white or kaki and white, packing clothes that you can mix and match.. Then add an accent color (or two) that coordinate. By packing only a couple of bottoms and tops, you can create a variety of outfits. Use jewelry and scarves to accessorize and also give you completely different looks. Again, layering pieces will give you variety. Keep that in mind while packing.
Cut way down on the amount of cosmetics and beauty items when packing. Most hotels provide a hair dryer, body scrub/soap, body/hand lotion and most will even supply you with a toothbrush and toothpaste upon request. This really helps with your packing delima. If you use a flat iron, consider buying a travel size and leave the big clunky one at home. The travel size works amazingly well and cuts down on space and weight when packing.
Take sample/travel size of any cosmetics and beauty items that you do take. Rather than packing these items in a purchased cosmetic bag, use zip lock type plastic storage bags for packing. They lay much flatter and take up a whole lot less space than a structured cosmetic bag.
Also consider using vacuum compression bags for your clothing. If you don't need to use them on the trip to your destination, chances are you will need them on the return flight after you have done some shopping during your vacation. Shopping means you will be packing MORE on the return flight!
You might also plan on leaving some of your clothes behind as you go. If you do this you will want to leave behind items that you no longer want. Possibly they are a bit worn or you are just tired of them. You know you are going to do some shopping so accomplish two things at once: purchase wearable souvenirs and get new wardrobe items at the same time! Great way to save space when packing for the return trip!
Even if you are going on a longer trip of two weeks or more, when packing, plan as if you were going for four to five days and make use of laundry facilities. Most hotels have laundry service or do-it-yourself laundry facilities. You will find these on some cruise lines also. Many fabrics can be hand washed, so when packing consider items that can be hand washed.
If you are really brave, consider packing NOTHING when you leave and shop for your vacation wardrobe once you reach your destination. I've not done that, but it's something I want to do sometime!
Use some or all of the above suggestions so you can reduce packing space and weight and avoid extra baggage fees. Not only will you be saving money (that you can spend shopping) but your trip will be a whole lot less stressful and you will also be more mobile.
