Frugal Travel Tips for Packing Light
Airline restrictions are becoming more stringent as the amount of checked baggage is limited and overweight baggage is charged an additional fee. So for the frugal traveler, packing light is packing well. There are a few tricks to stretching tolerance without buying expensive new, lightweight luggage.
A smaller suitcase
Huge suitcases when empty can almost push travelers beyond the allowed limit. Converting to the next smaller size saves weight that can be used for clothing and souvenirs. Soft-walled suitcases are fine for items that cannot be broken (such as clothing).
Rolled up clothes
You’ve moved to a smaller suitcase, but how do you fit all your clothes? A simple answer is to roll them. Rolling clothes takes up less space than folding them. Every section of the suitcase is full, including the airbags. An advantage is that the clothes usually have less wrinkles.
An extra duffel bag
I always pack a soft-sided emergency duffel bag in case I do more shopping than I plan to. They are also useful as a laundry bag, limiting the need to do laundry.
Black running shoes
Shoes are perhaps the heaviest items to pack. This is why having couples stretch numerous times makes sense. Planning to pack an athletic shoe to reduce pain while touring cities on foot? Turn it into a black running shoe. These shoes are not only better suited to European countries (where few people wear running shoes for everyday use), but they can also pass into operas and ballets (where running shoes are often not allowed).
Wash and wear flight clothes
Luggage is lost or delayed. That is a reality of flying. So unless you want to spend money on a whole new wardrobe while you wait for your luggage to be found, I suggest you wear clothes, while flying, that can be easily washed and dried quickly.
Not only do I wear a set of clothes that can be easily washed and dried, but I also carry an extra set.
Make purchases with baggage restrictions in mind
On a first trip to Mexico, I bought my sister a hat. Not only did I have to take him to every city I went to, but I had a hard time getting him back on a flight.
On the other hand, I once bought a painting the size of a wall in Bali. I broke the frame, rolled up the tarp and wrapped it in plastic similar to a pair of skis. I had no difficulty getting it on the plane, as the airline was used to shipping skis.
When I make a purchase while traveling, my first thought is “How am I going to bring this back?” If I can’t put it in my luggage or package it as a separate piece, I consider shipping it directly. If that is not economically viable, I will leave it behind.
With increasingly strict luggage restrictions, it makes sense to reduce the amount of luggage required as much as possible. Using these tips will save you space and hassle.