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The importance of packing light
Many people do not realize how important packing light is to
budget travel, but I can tell you from personal experience that
it is very important. Trust me - if you over pack, you are much
more likely to drop extra money on porters, luggage carts, taxis
and all those other little costs that could be avoided if you
just packed more sensibly. Even though those costs can seem
insignificant, they can really add up, especially on a long,
multiple city trip.
Think of it this way - while a traveler with just a backpack or
small carryon will be comfortable taking the inexpensive city
bus into town, the traveler loaded up with several suitcases
will need to opt for a much more expensive taxi ride. It is easy
to see the impact proper packing can have for the budget
traveler, so we present some light packing tips borne of
personal experience.
Try to avoid checking bags whenever possible. If you
can live out of your carryon, you will be much better off. Not
checking a bag means no wait at the baggage carousel, and that
means you can get into town and start having fun while everyone
else is still waiting for their bag.
Airlines have gotten much more strict lately with
carryon limits, with most major carriers now allowing only one
carryon plus a purse or other personal item. To make the most of
this policy, carry a large purse and pack it with extra items,
like toiletries or cosmetics, that would otherwise take up
valuable luggage space.
Wear your largest shoes and bulkiest clothing on the
plane to preserve space in the suitcase. For instance, a pair of
hiking boots or sneakers can take up valuable luggage space, so
pack your smaller dress shoes and wear your boots or sneakers on
the plane. In addition, you will appreciate having comfortable
shoes as you make your way through the airport.
Plan your outfits carefully to minimize the pieces
needed. A stylish black skirt or pair of pants can easily be
made into several outfits with some creative accessories and a
couple of nice shirts. Pack small items like a scarf, a tie or
favorite pieces of jewelry to give your outfits a new look
without taking up a lot of room.
Try packing a large oversized t-shirt in place of a
bulky bathrobe. An oversized shirt can be great for wearing
right out of the shower, and it can double as quick cover up
after a visit to the hotel pool.
Invest in a quality pair of stylish yet comfortable
walking shoes. Shoes that are comfortable and attractive can be
paired with a variety of outfits for a different look. Since
shoes take up more space in the suitcase than many other items,
it is best to choose versatile footwear when traveling.
Try rolling clothes instead of folding them. Rolling
clothes allows you to pack more clothes into a smaller space,
and helps keep clothes wrinkle free as well.
Stock up on small sample sized products like shampoo,
conditioner, toothpaste deodorant. Many seasoned travelers keep
a bag of such tiny soaps, shampoos and conditioners (gathered
from hotels during previous journeys) in a bag at home for quick
packing.
Pack a large but foldable extra bag in your suitcase,
and use this bag to carry the purchases and souvenirs you buy on
the return trip.
About the author:
Tony Robinson has travelled extensively throughout this
wonderful planet with his family in tow. For great travel saving
tips, techniques and articles on visit
http://www.budget-travel-site.com
Written by: Tony Robinson
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