Airline restrictions are becoming more stringent with the amount of checked baggage limited and overweight baggage being charged an additional fee. So for the frugal traveler, packing light is packing well. There are a few tricks to make that allowance stretch without resorting to buying the new expensive lightweight luggage.
A smaller suitcase
Huge suitcases when empty can almost push travelers past the allowable limit. Converting to the next size down saves weight that can be used for clothing and souvenirs. Soft-sided suitcases are fine for items that don’t break (like clothing).
rolling clothes
You’ve moved to a smaller suitcase but how do you make all your clothes fit? A simple answer is to roll them up. Rolling clothes takes up less space than folding them. Every section of the suitcase is packed, including the airbags. One advantage is that clothes usually have fewer wrinkles.
An extra duffel bag
I always carry an emergency soft duffel bag in case I do more shopping than I plan to. They are also useful as laundry bags, limiting the need to do laundry.
black sneakers
Shoes are perhaps the heaviest items to pack. That’s why having pairs spread numerous times makes sense. Planning to pack a sports shoe to reduce pain while touring cities on foot? Make it a black running shoe. These shoes not only fit better in European countries (where few people wear running shoes every day), but can also pass for operas and ballets (where running shoes are often not allowed).
Wash and wear flight clothes
Baggage is lost or delayed. That is a reality of flying. So unless you want to spend money on a whole new wardrobe while you wait for your luggage to be found, I suggest you wear clothes, while flying, that can be washed easily and dry quickly.
Not only do I have one set of clothes that are easy to wash and dry, but I also have an extra set.
Shop with baggage restrictions in mind
On a first trip to Mexico I bought a hat for my sister. Not only did I have to take it to every city I went to, but I had a hard time getting it back on a flight.
On the other hand, I once bought a painting the size of a wall in Bali. I broke the frame, rolled up the tarp and wrapped it in a plastic similar to a pair of skis. I had no difficulty getting it onto the plane as the airline was used to shipping skis.
When I make a purchase while traveling, my first thought is “How am I going to get this back?” If I can’t put it in my luggage or pack it as a separate piece, I consider shipping it direct. If that’s not financially feasible, I’ll leave it behind.
With increasingly strict baggage restrictions, it makes sense to reduce the amount of luggage needed as much as possible. Using these tips will save space and hassle.