Pat and I are still in Georgia visiting our kids. We will be flying back to Arizona on Tuesday. As I was thinking about all of the problems with packing and carry on, I though I would share them with you.
Apart from the fact that so many airlines are now charging you for checked luggage, learning how to pack so you don't have to check luggage can save you time and the possibility of lost luggage. When you arrive at your destination, it is a great feeling to be able to bypass the baggage claim area. Here are five things to consider so that you will not have to check your luggage ever again.
#1: Use the hotel amenities or collect all of that free stuff they give away during your next stay. Most hotels offer some amenities in the room – shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and more. Additionally, if you ask, you can often pick up more at the reception desk such as toothpaste and deodorant that are not normally in the room. And, if you have picked up the ‘hotel stuff’ from your last hotel visit, and packed them, you will also have that to choose from.
#2: Stay away from liquids and go solid. If it's not liquid, it can be packed in your carryon luggage. Deodorant, makeup, and even sunscreen have solid or powder alternatives. And, if you do have liquids to carry on, be sure to follow the rules for carry on liquids. The 3-3-1 Rule. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
#3: Use travel sizes whenever possible. You can find these, even some of the more upscale products, in many stores and online. You can find them at a discount store like Target for the basic grocery store items. Frequent travelers should stock up on basics like toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, hair sprays and the like.
#4: Buy it when you get there. I use this trick if I'm staying somewhere a week or more, especially if it's a familiar destination. Once I arrive I simply stop by the store and pick up the items I will need during the trip. Not only can I do this with things such as sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other easily purchased items in full-sized versions; but I can also look for some good bargains on underwire, shirts and slacks. I know I always have to replace items of clothing so; I just wait until my next trip and pick them up then.
#5: And finally, don’t carry it – ship it! If you are going to be gone for a longer period of time, but will still be staying in generally the same location, ship your stuff ahead and have the hotel hold it for your arrival. You can use the regular shipping companies, such as UPS or FedEx or even the USPS. Normally, you will find the cost to be around $30 for a normal sized suitcase. There are also several companies that specialize in shipping your luggage. You will find that it is worth it for the time and headaches saved. Plus, there is the additional savings over having to replace the contents of your luggage if your checked bag is lost.
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