More Packing Tips

Here are a few suggestions for packing that will provide more space for your souvenirs on your return trip.

1. Collect old clothes throughout the year or clean out your closet before packing. Wear them on the trip and then leave them behind. It frees up space in your luggage as you go. Just leave behind a note for the maid as she might not be able to keep them if she can't prove you intended to leave them. You can do a good deed for someone in need and lighten your load. And no stinky laundry to tote around!

2. Pack a collapsible suitcase or duffel bag in your checked luggage. It doesn't take up much room and on the way home, pack the dirty laundry in it then pack your fragile souvenirs in your sturdier luggage. Or you could pack everything in a medium suitcase which then fits inside a larger suitcase. Either way, you have 2 suitcases for the return trip.

3. If you are a reader, take along old paperbacks that you don't really care about keeping. Just leave them behind as you finish reading and your luggage lightens as you go...and frees up more space.

4. Roll your clothes when you pack. They say it takes up less space in your luggage and helps prevent wrinkling. Just smooth out all the wrinkles as you roll them up.

5. Put things in other things. Stuff socks in shoes which also helps to hold the shoe in shape. Stuff underwear in nooks and crannies. Fill up up outside pockets with extra items.

6. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest items onto the plane.

7. Pack only travel size toiletries and make use of those free hotel toiletries you've collected. They are small and disposable. And bring only the essential toiletries. Some things you CAN live without for a few days!

8. Consider vacuum bags that take the air out and compress the items or use oversize ziploc bags and squeeze out excess air.

9. Leave behind anything unnecessary. Travel with the minimum. After all, you are only going to be gone just over a week!

Take a look at this Ultimate Packing List. It has some handy tips and is designed for using only a carry-on bag. Perhaps you'd like to try that this trip!