| There's a lot of grumbling at the airports today over | | | | instead of an iron; it's lighter and will do a good job. If |
| surcharges for overweight luggage. We all need to | | | | you're traveling outside of the United States and need |
| rethink this "more is better" and plan our packing more | | | | an electrical converter the newest versions are very |
| efficiently. The old large suitcases, which came in 30" | | | | lightweight. Instead of packing a heavy coat, wear it on |
| and 31" sizes, are no longer practical. Because of the | | | | the airplane. You can always take it off and put it |
| sheer volume you can carry in these big cases you will | | | | overhead or under the seat ahead of you. |
| be sure to go overweight. Most of the airlines are | | | | The new regulations for air travel require you to pack |
| allowing 50lbs per case. The good news is you are | | | | your cosmetics in the luggage. You are only permitted |
| usually allowed to bring two cases as baggage, along | | | | to take a clear, one quart sized bag on the plane with |
| with a carryon and a personal bag. Be sure to check | | | | bottles of 3 ounces or less. Many different companies |
| with your particular airline to make sure you are | | | | are offering these 3-1-1 bags for your convenience. |
| compliant with their regulations to avoid a surcharge. | | | | There are also travel-sized bottles available. Try not to |
| You can usually pack a 27" or 26" and not be | | | | pack that gallon-sized bottle of shampoo and either |
| overweight. Two of these cases will hold more than | | | | buy their travel version or pour some into these travel |
| the 30" or 31" size. Remember, as a rule, the older | | | | bottles available. You can reduce the weight you're |
| luggage was much heavier than the new models | | | | carrying easily with smaller bottles of cosmetics and |
| today. The manufacturers have adjusted to the new | | | | toiletries. Because the baggage is not pressurized, you |
| regulations and are offering lightweight luggage with a | | | | will need to double bag your liquids to prevent spilling |
| better, lighter frame on all of the newer models. You'll | | | | and leaking. Plastic wrap bottles first, and then pack in |
| see all of the advertisements read "lightweight" but | | | | a plastic lined cube or case for safety before packing |
| you'll need to actually lift the case and see for yourself, | | | | your discount luggage. Accidents with these liquids and |
| which is the lightest of the models. | | | | creams can be messy and expensive to fix. |
| You also want to continue to look for ballistic nylon in | | | | Pack a folding tote or duffel bag. These are handy for |
| the materials and a good wheel system and locking | | | | shopping and can be packed if your luggage is going |
| push or pull handle. You do not have to give up the | | | | overweight. There are many versions of these folding |
| quality you want. When you are packing try to mix and | | | | cases available. They are especially popular as |
| match your clothing. Shoes and sneakers will add up | | | | corporate gifts and can be monogrammed with |
| quickly in weight, so limit your footwear. For the | | | | individual initials or a company name or logo. A travel |
| women, there are now shoes available with different | | | | scale is available now for your luggage and is a great |
| tops. You can take one pair of shoes, and lots and lots | | | | idea to take along. They are easy to use and will |
| of different colored tops. You'll want to take a | | | | insure that you keep within the weight limits posted. |
| lightweight folding travel umbrella and jacket along with | | | | Now you're ready to travel light! |
| your other travel accessories. Pack a travel steamer | | | | |