Nowadays three checked bags could cost travelers as much as $150 each way per person, or $300 round trip. Travelers who pack light can completely avoid airline baggage fees. Think it’s hard? Think again! Follow our DestinationVillas packing tips and travel effortlessly for less.
Why Pack Light?
What if there was a way to save time, money and add hours of enjoyment to your vacation? If you could reduce the stress of traveling, would you? If you could arrive to your vacation destination sooner and save money on airline fees, would you? DestinationVillas.com travel expert Tori Milan takes a look at the joy of traveling light and all its benefits.
At the Airport
Traveling light is a great way to reduce airport stress. For starters, travelers can avoid the annoying airline fees per bag recently instituted by United, American Airlines and US Airlines. Cutting down to just one carry-on can help travelers:
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Skip the long line at airport check-in line
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Save as much as $150 each way in baggage fees ($300 round trip) Three checked bags could cost as much as $300 round trip per person.
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Never have lost luggage or valuables
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Skip Baggage Claim and go straight to car rental. Beat the crowds at the car rental desk. While the rest of your flight is standing at the baggage carousel, you’ll be in your rental car and on your way.
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Be more flexible: never worry again about your luggage should an airline put you on a different flight.
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Save as much as $150 each way in baggage fees ($300 round trip).
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Arrive when you want to. Arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to take off rather than 2 hours prior.
At Your Destination
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Be more mobile. You can travel easily on public transportation, through airports and hotels.
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Save on tipping. Since you can carry your own bags, you can save on tipping the bellman, taxi driver and airport curbside check-in attendant.
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Less straining. No need to strain your back or tennis elbow with heavy bags.
How to Pack Light and Beat Airline Baggage Fees
1. Take only what you really will wear – no cheating!
2. Take mix and match cloths that are also lightweight. This also eliminates the need for more shoes or jewelry.
3. Purchase travel size toiletries that you can throw away at the end of the trip to make room for souvenirs.
4. Wear the heaviest shoes, pants and jacket on the airplane (ex: running shoes & jeans)
5. Compress cloths in Ziploc bags. NO need to purchase expensive gadgets to do this. Pack the Ziploc, seal 90%, sit on bag to force out air pockets, and seal the Ziploc bag completely.
6. Leave hairdryers and irons at home. All hotels and vacation rentals provide these items. Bring only the most compact curling irons or hair styling gadgets.
7. Take fewer pairs of socks and underwear. Plan to wash undies and socks during the trip – they can be hand washed and air dried easily and save quite a bit of room in your suitcase.
8. Choose one set of jewelry that goes well with anything. Take only two pairs of shoes and wear the bulkiest pair on the plane.
9. Carry a tiny purse that can fit inside a briefcase. Make your briefcase you second carry-on because it can accommodate your small purse, snacks, laptop and reading material.
10. Bring a small digital camera and leave the big lenses and bulky film at home.
Read 10 Easy Tips for Packing Light
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