➡ Section #2 – Packing & Carry Light:idea:

Carry Light & Save Time

     Packing must occur if you want to travel and it can cause more stress than you ever imagined before you even get to the airport. I will share proven tips and tricks to avoid packing too much, how to carry light,  by-pass carry-on fees,  and go over the do not forget items.

Suitcase versus Backpack packing

     Which is better for traveling, a suitcase, or a backpack? This can be a very confusing topic because not many people have tried out both ways. Suitcases and backpacks both have their advantages. Suitcases that meet airline sizing protocol can defiantly limit your travel stress. Backpacks on the other hand rarely get asked to be sized as long as they are not the humongous backpacker backpacks that are bigger than the traveler.

     Suitcases of all sizes are often asked to be placed in the sizing boxes while most backpacks are not. You can also be sneakier with backpacks. As the airline associates walk around looking for potential people to ask to be weighed, you can avoid them and position your backpack so they cannot see. This is much harder to do with a rolling suitcase. Next, Suitcases have a huge bullseye for scammers and hustlers when you are leaving the airport. When carrying a backpack and wearing your headphones many scammers will tend to think you know what you are doing and go after the easier targets.

     Suitcases are generally chosen for their durability and the fact that it relieves physical tension. If you choose a suitcase simply because you don’t feel like carrying a backpack perhaps consider a rolling backpack. They make backpacks that have wheels so then you can utilize it as a suitcase when needed and put it on your back when leaving the airport avoiding being a walking bullseye. Backpacks are also much easier to handle up and down floors of stairs. In my experience throughout Asia and Europe, I have found many hotels, and hostels with only stairs to use. Elevators always seem to be out of order. There will always be a debate on suitcase versus backpacks. Both have which have their advantages and their limitations. Now, you get to make the choice and figure out which bag type fits you.

Carry Light & Limit Carry-on Fees

     How to avoid carryon baggage fees? Everyone wants to avoid paying extra money for carryon fees because that leads to more money in our pockets. Throughout Europe and the United States bags are asked to be placed in a bag measurement display to see if they are within the airline regulations. On the other side of the world in Australia, many airlines ask for your bags to be weighed at check-in. The weight of the bag is viewed to be more important than the actual shape of the bag. After you know how the check-in process occurs then you can begin to find ways around the fees. Always remember that you need to be very polite at check-in because you will see those same employees again when you board the plane. I have once again learned this the hard way a few times ha-ha.

     It is important to think about your luggage weight before you leave your home because you may need to be wearing a travel outfit in which you can stuff your pockets with clothes so you can make the baggage weight. If you are wearing skinny jeans and a t-shirt this may prove to be quite difficult. A proper outfit for your travel day can be exactly what you need to keep that luggage weight down. They weigh your bags but they do not weigh you.

Workarounds for baggage weight

     It may be time for you to invest or create a travel jacket. If you find the right travel jacket it can be filled with an entire carryon bag. A friend and I actually had a contest to see who could put more in their travel jacket when boarding the plane. It was absolutely hilarious to us but not as funny to TSA and airline employees. You can search for a travel jacket on eBay, Amazon, and any other retailers to get some ideas.

     Circular magnets can help all travelers out. The circular magnets are an awesome addition to have with you while traveling. These are small magnets that you can use in conjunction with your travel jacket so you can put even more stuff in your jacket. If you put two magnets on the outside and two magnets in the inside of your jacket you can pin a small bag allowing for an extra pocket. I have had several airline employees compliment me on this travel idea and only had issues in one country and it was because they said and I quote, “The magnets will interfere with the airplanes navigation system.” Needless to say, I wasn’t very happy and laughed hysterically, but they are only 8$ magnets from amazon.com. I want to send a special thank you out to Tirana International Airport in Albania.

Clothing Material Matters

     Practical clothing choices can be key. Before you head out on your next adventure you may want to look up the countries you will be visiting. See what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. In some countries, some fashion is not allowed. If you will be entering churches, monasteries, and other tourist attractions you may need to wear certain clothing. Also, when it comes to packing space remember that certain fabrics roll up easier. Stretchy clothing can be stuffed inside ziplock bags so even more room can be gained. Stretchy materials are always the best choices because stretchy material rolls up nicely. Jeans are by far one of the toughest pieces of clothing to roll up so remember to wear your not so skinny jeans on your travel days. This will save you space and allow you to have a pair of jeans while you travel.

     The packing step is a fundamental part of any successful trip. Packing the right items with the proper bag dimensions will help. Also, ensuring correct baggage weight can alleviate unnecessary stress and can lead to a very positive and healthy travel adventure beginning. The suggestions above will not guarantee a perfect traveling experience, but they will most definitely set you up for better success.

*Bonus Tip* I have discovered over the past few years of traveling that clothing colors matter. I love bright colors like orange, green, pink, and baby blue but these colors do not always mesh well. I have come to focus my travel attire on darker colors. Darker colors generally go together, and you can take three shirts and three pants and make nine outfits, 3 x 3 = 9.

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