With all the new fees for checked bags, if you’re flying this summer (or in the foreseeable future) it’s more important than ever to pack only what you need. So to help you pare down and still get all the necessities onboard with you, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite tips and tricks for packing light.
Invest in a soft-sided duffel, like the Clava Large Barrel Duffel or The Vacationer by Cinda B.. Both bags have large, cavernous spaces that maximize room and minimize bulk.
Pack in basics – especially for pants and skirts. Take three essential bottoms, then pack shirts for each day (assuming you’re packing for a week). Make sure what you’re packing can be dressed up or down with a few accessories – and pack even those judiciously.
Jeans are wardrobe staples, but they take up a lot of valuable real estate in the bag, so if your favorite pair just has to come along for the journey, wear them on the plane.
Limit the number of shoes you pack. Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane and pack no more than two other pairs. To maximize your space, don’t forget to tuck your socks, underwear and accessories into the shoes you’ve packed.
Keep toiletries to the 3-1-1 Rule and you’ll fly happy every time.
Pack a great pair of sunglasses. Not only can they protect your eyes from harmful rays, but a sophisticated, stylish pair of sunglasses can change the tone of an outfit in an instant.
Got any favorite tips of your own? Send them our way by clicking the comments link at the bottom of the page.
