Remember when it didn’t matter when you got on the plane because there was always space in the overhead compartments? I mean, I know that’s been freaking ages and now we all rush to be the first in line – even if it means sitting in the cramped plane for an extra half and hour – just to be able to get our bags up before they begin gate checking them! I wrote this post almost seven years ago (okay, seriously? HOW have I had this blog for that long?!) and now I’m rolling it back out: how to make the most of your luggage space. The following tips come from myself (a seasoned traveller) and other well-travelled folk.
Have a tip you want to share? Leave it in the comments!
making the most of luggage space
In this day & age where airlines charge for each checked luggage, passengers refuse to pay additional fees, and space is tighter than ever before, it’s important to pack savvy. If you’re travelling internationally, restrictions vary from country to country. You will also be subject to any baggage laws from a country you may transit through. For example, travelling from Australia to Canada via the USA, you’ll have to comply with TSA regulations since you’re transiting LAX or SFO. Passing through Asia or the Middle East? Bear in mind that what you have in your luggage in one country may very well be illegal in another, and you could be subject to detainment or prosecution. (I’m not an expert in all that, I just want you to be aware of it!)
Follow the below tips to minimize your luggage and avoid heavy fees.
pack items that do double duty
This seems obvious, but soooo many people take extra pants, shoes, and shirts. What you pack definitely correlates directly with the reason for your trip and the length of time you’ll be gone. I get it. For a casual trip (no matter the length!), take ONE pair of jeans that can be paired with heels or with flats, a cardigan or sweater that can be paired with a skirt or jeans/shorts, and shoes that are comfortable as well as stylish. T-shirts and tank tops are the perfect item to travel with, as they layer well and look good under a cardigan or a blazer. You also don’t need to spend a fortune on the basics, especially if you’re backpacking. Think stores like H&M, Zara, The Gap, and Cotton On. For a business trip, pack the same plus one suit/skirt. Ladies, jewelry and scarves are a huge game changer and neither take up much space at all.
roll your clothes
Trust the backpackers: this is a packing trick we swear by. Rolling your clothes reduces wrinkles in knit items and pants and it’s much easier to cram extra things in. Start by laying the clothes flat and folding in the arms, then roll from the bottom to the top. Put them in packing cubes.
use packing cubes
I swear by this too. Instead of opening my bag and having all my clothes tumble out (and unroll), I open my bag and pull out the packing cubes. Repacking is a cinch. Use one for panties, one for shirts, one for make up/etc.
wear your heavier items on the plane
Hiking shoes, rain boots, snow jacket… all of these things take up extra space in luggage. Wear them (or carry them) on the plane instead of in your checked luggage. We all know airplanes are cold vacuums in space too, so having a jacket with you is a smart move.
buy toiletries at your destination
Unless you are headed somewhere remote, forgo packing up 1/2 bottles of shampoo and shower gel, and just buy small bottles when you get to your destination. You avoid worrying about whether you’ve got the right size for a carry-on liquid or whether they’ll spill in your luggage. Travel size toiletries are a great option, regardless of whether you’re checking your bag or not.
skip your hairdryer
I don’t know why people carry hairdryers and straighteners at all anymore. If you’re staying in a hotel, they have one in the room (or the front desk can send one up to you). If you’re staying with family or friends, you can beg the use of one. And if you’re camping or “roughing it,” you probably don’t need one anyway. The last time I blow-dried my hair? 2014. (I’m SO serious.)
Don’t forget that all airlines will have their own restrictions and every country is different as far as carry-on liquids go. For international travel, you won’t be allowed more than the 3-1-1 rule (3oz of liquid, 1 plastic bag, 1 per person). Check your airlines website for their individual restrictions, and for advice and restrictions from the TSA, view the TSA’s travel tips here.
Do you have travel tips you swear by? Tell me about them in the comments below!
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