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Packing A Suitcase Light

Since June 15, Many airlines began charging money to check your bags. American Airlines charges $15.00 for the first bag and $25.00 for the second. How do get all your stuff in a carry-on and not feel like you left something important behind?

Here are some suggestions that were published in our local paper on packing a suitcase:

Examine your luggage - Airline size requirements for a carry-on are 22 inches. You want a suitcase that is easy to manuever and relatively lightweight. Some of the new suitcases are asymetric - more like a back pack on wheels. A soft sided suitcase can be more easily squeezed into a small space. You also need zipper pockets on the outside if you plan to store your boarding pass and other paperwork in your suitcase.Plan your wardrobe wisely - It’s all about basics - neutral bottoms (think khaki, navy blue and black) and brightly colored tops. Women can bring a dress that doubles as a swim suit cover up. You can purchase especially versatile travel wear from catalogs like Walkabout Travel Gear LLC.

Wear your heaviest shoes (probably your walking shoes or tennis shoes) on the plane and pack the lighter weight shoes.

Create a packing list of only those items you need not items you might wear. The golden rule of packing - pack half as much as you think you need and take twice as much money as you think you will need.

Pack strategically - Devon Corley, vice president of sales and marketing Luggage and Leather, says shoes should go in first to help balance your lugggage. Pack toiletries on top of and around them, then add the clothing last. The extra spaces can be filled with small accessories such as belts or scarves. I also roll up underwear and socks and stick them in those small spots. If your packing for tropical, lightweight items can be washed and hung to dry in your hotel room.

Include some space savers - The article recommends such products as Pack-It, a compact case for stacked shirts, but I have a much cheaper option. I pack items in large freezer bags, close them almost completely with just enough room for a straw. The I take a straw and suck the air out of them. It really helps save space and is a much cheaper option.

Limit souvenirs - As tempting as it is to buy them, too many souveniers may expand your luggage causing you to have to check it and pay additional money.

See our post on How To Vacation Cheap at
Cheapskateliving.org
tips for packing a suitcase,packing a suitcase

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