Do you try to fit everything in a carry-on bag when traveling to avoid checking your luggage? Even though the total number of lost airline bags decreased in 2011, you’ll still benefit from some travel-savvy packing tips to lighten your load.
Take note of our tips to help you condense luggage contents, and organize your packing routine:
1. Roll Outfits Together
This tactic forces you to really think about what you plan to wear on your trip, and not overpack. Start with pants, and fold then in half. Then, place a shirt and/or sweater on top, and roll together. If you plan on wearing a pair of pants or sweater more than once, just roll your extra tops together that you want to switch out.
Added Benefit: Your clothes will wrinkle less when compared to folding.
2. Stuff Your Shoes
Shoes take up a lot of valuable space in a suitcase or carry-on bag. Unless you’re packing flip flops or sandals, your footwear should have some extra space to work with. If you’re packing bulky boots or shoes, maximize space, and pack smaller items such as pairs of socks, hats, decorative scarves, belts, etc. in each.
Added Benefit: You’ll free up your smaller pockets and zipper compartments, allowing you to pack additional items.
3. Skip the Toiletries
Instead of packing large or multiple toiletry bags, pack a single, smaller travel toiletry case with only your major toiletry essentials that you won’t be able to buy at your destination, such as a certain hair product or perfume/cologne you use. For all other generic items, take an extra twenty minutes to walk to a nearby drugstore, and purchase travel-size toothpaste, mouthwash, body wash, shampoo, shaving cream, razor, etc.).
Added Benefit: This requires you to get out and walk, which is a good way to check out the nearby surroundings in the city you’re visiting.
4. Bring an Extra Bag
If you’re planning on visiting a city that has superb shopping, you’re sure to pick up some extras along the way. Stash a nylon duffel gym bag, handbag or backpack in one of the pocket of your suitcase instead of trying to cram everything into your already filled-to-the-brim bag. If small enough when packed, put your items that you’ll need to access in it as well, and count it as your personal carry-on item. You’ll dodge having to pay extra to check it.
Added Benefit: Thin, light bags like duffels or backpacks compact nicely, and you’ll avoid adding extra weight to your luggage.
Pack Smart to Travel Smart
Nothing’s worse than realizing you forgot to pack an important item when you’re en route to your destination. Take time to pack smart—and light—to ease your baggage worries. In doing so, you’re sure to have a more enjoyable travel experience, with suitcase-related stress.
For more insight on traveling light, download Suitcase.com’s 2011 Consumer Luggage Report.
Photo credit: iwinatcookie
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What are your tips for packing light?
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