Pack Light and Carry On Your Luggage to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

Tag : Microfiber Towels

Ashland, OR (PRWEB) July 24, 2008 -- Caught between a saggingeconomy and rising fuel prices, most airlines have started charginga checked baggage fee to increase revenue. And while most travelersown a carry-on bag for short trips, often they don't see analternative for longer trips but to fork over the extra $15 eachway for a checked bag--or even a further $25 for a second bag--inorder to handle their packing needs.
But travel experts Bob and Nancy Bestor say that carefully packedcarry-on bags can replace a large, checked suitcase, savingtravelers at least one of those charges. And by being moreselective about what they take, travelers can often skip theluggage charges altogether and carry on everything they need for a7-10 day trip.
"Just about anyone can carry-on and still bring everything theyneed for a great vacation," says Nancy Bestor, "You just have to besmart about it. Do you really need your curling iron? Usually, theanswer is 'No'," she says. "You don't have to stand in line tocheck in and you don't have to wait for your bags after you land.And, best of all, when you carry on, the airlines can't lose yourluggage."
Here are several tips that Bob and Nancy, who own TravelEssentials, a well-known luggage and travel accessories retailer inAshland, Ore., offer to their customers who are looking for ways toget a lot of luggage into a little space:
Top Carry-On Packing Tips
" Start with a durable, 22-inch rolling bag, which is themaximum carry-on size. "Remember, you get what you pay for so it'sa good idea to get a better bag with a better guarantee. You'll behappier in the long run," Bob says. He notes that while bothTravelpro and Briggs & Riley make excellent bags, he finds thathe most often recommends Eagle Creek's Tarmac carry-on, which isseveral pounds lighter than competing bags without giving awayanything in looks or durability or warranty coverage.
" Add additional carry-on packing space with a tote or smallduffel as your "personal bag." Along with your in-flight comfortand entertainment items, it will hold any "overflow" necessitiesfrom your larger carry-on as well. You'll store it under the seat.While the airlines offer no guidelines for the maximum sizeallowable for this bag, you should be okay if it's soft-sided andno bigger than 18 x 12 x 10. And make sure it has a slip panel soit can fit over the handle of your rolling bag, plus a comfortableshoulder strap for when you'll need to carry it.
" Use packing organizers. "It seems counter-intuitive at first,"Bob says, "because you'd think the organizers would take up space.But they actually compress your belongings and make it easier tofit more. You can start with an overstuffed bag and repack it withthe help of some organizers, and suddenly everything will fitneatly and easily." Organizers are also a big help if the TSAdecides to search your bag--which inevitably happens when you areon the tightest schedule. Bob notes that Eagle Creek offersorganizers in lots of sizes for everything from electronics to aweek's worth of shirts and pants.
" Your jacket is the bulkiest item in your travel wardrobe. Sodon't pack it. Either wear it or carry it separately. You can stuffthe pockets with your phone, watch, sunglasses and change when youare passing through security, and you'll always find room for it inthe overhead.
" Design your wardrobe around two or three complementary colorsfor an array of outfits from just a few garments. Travel clothingcompanies, such as ExOfficio and Royal Robbins, design their linesaround color schemes, and generally offer lightweight, quickdrying, and wrinkle-resistant garments. Many also feature built-insun protection.
" If you really need to take your laptop, buy a simpleprotective sleeve for it and carry it in your tote. "Unless you'reon a business trip and you have a very large briefcase, your totewill hold more and the padded sleeve will provide plenty ofprotection for your computer," notes Nancy. She says their newestsleeves, from GreenSmart, offer excellent protection and are madeof recycled plastic bottles.
" Travel-specific socks and underwear can save precious space.Made of modern synthetics, these travel garments are as soft andcomfortable as their conventional counterparts yet pack smaller anddry overnight after a quick hand wash, the Bestor's say. "You canget by on just a couple sets and a small bottle of detergent," Bobnotes.
" Take items that offer more than one use. "Microfiber traveltowels are always great to take on a trip--they pack down into asmall package, they dry quickly, and you never know when you willbe stuck somewhere without a towel," says Nancy. But she points outthat a large travel towel can easily double as a blanket, sarong oreven shawl.
" When in doubt - leave it out! Or as Nancy puts it, "If youwant to get away from it all, don't take it all with you!"
Travel Essentials is a local, family-run business, owned by Robertand Nancy Bestor since 1994. For more information about TravelEssentials' store or products, visit http://www.TravelEssentials.com or call 1-800-258-0758.
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