Tips for Traveling Lightly

Increased baggage fees coupled with the hassle of lost luggage has caused many travelers to carry on all of their luggage. For those who wonder how they can get away for an extended trip with just a carry-on suitcase and a personal tote bag, here are some suggestions for traveling light.

1. Be sure your carry on bag fits the size requirements for carry on luggage. Not all bags with wheels will pass inspections. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, get a bag that can be used as a backpack. A bag with wheels is ideal if you will be maneuvering airports frequently though the added weight can make it harder to lift the bag into the overhead compartment.
2. Get a large canvas tote bag for the personal bag a passenger can bring along on most flights (the exception are airlines like Ryan Air that only permit one bag - there you will have to pay to check one bag in unfortunately). Inside this bag, put sleeve for computer, purse, clear quart bag of liquids - remember all bottles containing liquids must be 3 ounces or less), items need for the flight, tickets, and other items you would like to have available for easy access. Also, put in this bag, books and other heavy items, thus making the carry-on bag that's placed in the overhead bin lighter and easier to lift over your head.
3. Make photocopies of passport and other valuable papers. Place originals in tote bag for easy access and then put the photocopies in the carry-on This will ensure you'll have the items with you.
4. If possible, send materials that you don't need for your flight to your destination in priority flat rate boxes. The cost to ship these items to your destination and then back to your home costs less than the fee charged to check in a bag. Also, one can mail business presentations, books, and other heavy items that will weigh one down when traveling.
5. Check the weather report before departing so you can bring weather appropriate clothing. Should the weather change, a quick trip to an area thrift store can provide say an evening gown for an unexpected formal evening or a winter coat should the weather turn suddenly chilly. You can then donate or sell the item back to the store should you decide not to mail it back home.
6. Don't pack any clothing that doesn't match with the rest of your wardrobe. Along those lines, two pairs of pants or a skirt and a pair of pants when combined with three shirts can make enough outfits to last for a week. When selecting travel clothes, look for items that don't require dry cleaning and are wrinkle-resistant.
7. Pack items inside of other items (e.g., stuff shoes with socks) and then roll clothes into small rolls to reduce wrinkling. A garment sleeve is a must-have item to ensure that any items needed for business and more formal events remains wrinkle free.
8. The quick dry travel underwear may be a bit expensive but they dry very quickly. So you only have to bring two pairs along for the entire trip.
9. Bring along travel size sample of laundry detergent. If you are in a place for more than an overnight, hand washing shirts, underwear, and socks will ensure you'll have clean clothes.
10. Wear pair of slip on walking/hiking shoes through airport security. Then pack a pair of slightly dressier shoes for going out in the evening. If you're staying at a hostel with a shared bathroom or going to a beach resort, slip in a pair of flip-flops
11. Even if it's warm, bring your coat/jacket. If needed, you can put one jacket inside of the other and bring both on board.