How To Pack In One Suitcase
Checked luggage fees getting you down? Learn to pack light, not only is it good for your wallet but it’s good for your back too. Personally, I always pack light. I haven’t checked a bag in years. Although checking a bag can be convenient- meaning you don’t have to lug around a carry-on, or heft it into the overhead bins (if there is room) it also can be very inconvenient if the airline happens to lose your luggage. You’ll save upwards of $50 from the newly added fees tacked on by airlines. Controversy or not, packing light has always been an art. One that I excel in. So here are a few tips that may or may not help you out:
1. Pack only the things you know you will need i.e. leave your hairdryer behind (most hotels have them), your extra large bottle of tums, and your third pair of shoes
2. Plan your wardrobe appropriately. Do you really need that winter coat in Phoenix? Probably not.
3. Roll your clothes- do not fold. Don’t worry you can iron once you get there.
4. Don’t waste an ounce of space- I love rollerboards because they are easy to maneuver throughout an airport, but they aren’t always the best thing to pack conservatively in. Duffel bags allow cushion room and you can pack them more full.
5. Most importantly as you are packing think to yourself: “Can I do without this?” If the answer is yes then not packing it will be quite simple!
There are many websites that offer other tips and advice that you may find valuable:
And as always happy traveling- email me and let me know of your upcoming trip! Â Would love to have some guestbloggers blogging thier tips!
Tags: airline luggage fees, luggage, pack light, packing, packing tips
December 13th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Last year I traveled solo around the world for 6 months. I had a smaller backpack to carry all my equipment (I’m a photograper/writer) and only a 22″ carry-on. Still, I took too much. It’s really amazing how little we need when we get right down to it.
November 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I found your blog on Google. I’ve bookmarked it and will watch out for your next blog post.
April 15th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
[...] This is my most important piece of luggage. It gets the most use. In about two years of heavy traveling (we are talking on average two roundtrip plane rides a month) I have checked luggage MAYBE one time and that was probably the flight attendant forcing me to check my carry-on because there was no more room in the overhead compartments (biggest pet peeve ever people!). I have only used my big suitcases three times and two of those times were to move. Even if I go on long vacations I still only bring a carry-on because I have (somewhat) learned how to pack. [...]