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Airfares are down as a result of the current slump in the economy so now is an excellent time for travel if it is still within your budget. However, airline fees continue to rise. Checked luggage fees now charged by most airlines frustrate travelers the most. To avoid these irritating charges, learn to pack less and fly with just one bag!
Packing expert and author Susan Foster has been teaching travelers what and how to pack for years. Her book, SMART PACKING FOR TODAY’S TRAVELER, is called “the packing bible”. Foster packs for a three week trip to Europe in one 22” rolling bag, and is well dressed for events from casual sightseeing to business meetings to dressed up dining. Watch exactly how to pack for a week or longer using only one small bag in the new companion DVD “Smart Packing – It’s a Suitcase, Not Your Closet!”
Here are Foster’s Seven Smart Tips to scale down to one bag:
1. Start with a small bag. It is human nature to fill the available space so start small (the largest legal carry-on is 22”x14”x9”). Make use of every inch of real estate in the bag – fill shoes with rolled up socks or underwear, roll casual clothes and tuck into the “valleys” created inside the bag by the handle assembly.
2. Mix and match. Let go of the idea of wearing a different outfit each day. Pack interchangeable pieces based on one basic color, and plan to wear each piece more than once. Two pairs of dark slacks plus one jacket plus four shirts/blouses will last for one week. For two or more weeks, launder/clean and repeat. Pack clothes that you love so you feel good wearing the same things many times in different combinations.
3. Choose items that pack small. A thin wool or cashmere sweater packs smaller than a sweatshirt; micro-fiber slacks pack smaller than jeans; loafers pack smaller than boots. Several lighter weight layers are as warm but pack smaller than a bulky coat.
4. Take only 3 pair of shoes – wear one and pack no more than two. Shoes are bulky and heavy; if you can cut back more here it makes a huge difference.
5. Minimize cosmetics and toiletries by taking only the amount needed for the trip. One ounce of shampoo lasts for two weeks with daily use; any more is excess weight. Buy travel/sample sizes ( http://www.minimus.biz is a great resource) or transfer to small containers.
6. Do laundry. Go high tech and purchase quick-drying underwear, socks and tee-shirts made of wicking fabrics. Wicking fabrics absorb perspiration so are comfortable to wear plus they wash easily in the bathroom sink and dry overnight (or less).
7. Just take less. Avoid the “what-if’s” that lead to multiple suitcases. Pack for what is known and for logical possibilities. Logical: rain, so pack the raincoat and umbrella. Not logical: an impromptu formal dinner, so leave the evening clothes at home.
Learning to pack less will allow you to travel with only one carry-on bag or to choose to avoid all carry-on hassles and to check your bag. Either way, you’ll save on those pesky bag fees and spare your poor back. Lighten your load and have more fun!
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