With airlines now charging for your checked baggage, I find myself adding an extra $50 to $100 to the price of each ticket. Oh sure, you can travel Jetblue or Southwest Airlines (they don’t charge for the initial bags) but they aren’t always the cheapest option. So what does one do? I say ditch the extra baggage and learn to travel using only a carry-on bag. “One bag for a week! No way!”
But, yes, it can be done.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m the Queen of finding the largest “maleta” in existence. However, rising prices and added fees have made me a much smarter packer. I have come up with a very simple formula that will save you time and money!
With airlines now charging for your checked baggage, I find myself adding an extra $50 to $100 to the price of each ticket. Oh sure, you can travel Jetblue or Southwest Airlines (they don’t charge for the initial bags) but they aren’t always the cheapest option. So what does one do? I say ditch the extra baggage and learn to travel using only a carry-on bag. “One bag for a week! No way!”
But, yes, it can be done.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m the Queen of finding the largest “maleta” in existence. However, rising prices and added fees have made me a much smarter packer. I have come up with a very simple formula that will save you time and money!
Know Where You’re Going!
I know this sounds like a no-brainer but, it’s super important to research where you are going to be staying and what activities you will engage in to ensure you have all that you will need and leave all this is unnecessary.
Know The Weather Of Your Destination!
Rain or Shine, Cold or Hot; know what the weather will be at your travel destination. This makes it easier to plan your outfits.
Optimize Your Wardrobe!
Lay all your outfits on the bed then make sure to use the 5-4-3-2-1 Method to minimize the amount of clothes you are packing. Some people swear by picking a neutral color scheme and using a singular accent color to spice up your outfits. As a Gemini, I am indecisive and have no idea what color I will want to wear at any given moment. Instead, I tend to use statement pieces to make an outfit.
See below:
Either way, make sure to stick to multifunctional items. No more than 3 pairs of shoes on any given trip. Use packing cubes whenever possible or the roll up method to maximize the space in your carryon. And last but not least, wear your bulkiest items. This will leave you more space in your bag for more essential items.
Tada!! You just saved $50 and Lord knows how much time waiting for bags. The best part, you never have to worry about lost luggage.
For a little more hands on approach on packing with cubes check out the following YouTube video by Alejandra.TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIK5-FVYqq8
For the roll method check out this video by California Travel Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzTZjK2ZbJ0
By Ninnette M. Aquino
