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With the exception of Southwest Airlines, all airlines charge for baggage now. It can get expensive. The standard fee is $50 per bag. So do you really need to check baggage?
If you’re going on an extended vacation, the answer is yes, probably. But most people only travel for a week, maybe two at most. You can get 7-14 days worth of clothes into one bag that you can carry-on and stow instead of checking. Not only does this save you money, but it also saves you from having to sit at the airport baggage claim, scanning the rotating suitcases for your familiar ones. It also saves you from the nightmare of lost baggage, when your whole trip suddenly gets rearranged as a frantic airline tries to figure out where your bag went.
By carrying on one piece of luggage, you can go about your trip on your schedule. So here’s the “weapons and ammo only” approach to packing:
Recycle Your Clothes
No, not literally. But things like socks and underwear can be washed. Pack a week’s worth, and do laundry.
Dressed to…
Think about the clothes you’re packing. Are you bringing that sweater because you really need it, or because it might get chilly and if it does you want to impress someone? What’s your motivation? It may sound silly, but it’s a valid point. Treat your pants the same as the socks: wear them a couple of days, and wash them. You’ll save space, time, and money. It’s a win-win.
Pockets
Forget to leave space for a bathroom bag? You can carry a pretty mean load in a pair of cargoes.
