Airline restrictions are getting tighter 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 making the allowance stretch without resorting to buying expensive new lightweight luggage.
a smaller suitcase
Huge suitcases when empty can almost push travelers beyond the allowed limit. Converting to the next smaller size saves weight that can be used for clothing and souvenirs. Soft-sided suitcases are fine for items that won’t break (like clothes).
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 the clothes usually have fewer wrinkles.
An additional duffel bag
I always carry an emergency soft duffel bag in case I make more purchases than I plan on. They are also useful as laundry bags, limiting the need for laundry.
black sneakers
Shoes are perhaps the heaviest items to pack. This is why making the pairs spread numerous times makes sense. Planning to pack a running shoe to reduce pain as you traverse cities on foot? Make it a black running shoe. Not only are these shoes a better fit in European countries (where few people wear running shoes every day), but they can also happen at 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’d suggest wearing clothes, while flying, that can be easily washed and quickly dried.
Not only do I carry a set of clothes that are easy to wash and dry, but I also carry an extra set.
Shop with luggage 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 taking it back on a flight.
On the other hand, I once bought a wall-sized painting in Bali. I broke down the frame, rolled up the tarp and wrapped it in plastic similar to a pair of skis. I had no difficulty getting it on 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 bring this back?” If I can’t put it in my luggage or pack it as a separate piece, I consider shipping it directly. If that’s not financially feasible, I leave it behind.
With luggage restrictions becoming more stringent, it makes sense to reduce the amount of necessary luggage as much as possible. Using these tips will save space and hassle.
