Packing Light: A few resources to “lighten” your load as you travel.
To lighten your load when you travel– first check out your suitcase…
Do your muscles still ache from heaving your carry-on suitcase into the overhead bin? After all, you were only going away for a long weekend and you thought you had packed the bare necessities.
Let me show you how to lighten your travel load. You may be surprised how simple it is.
Lift your suitcase and put it on your bathroom scale. Now you realize how heavy it really is … and you haven’t packed anything in it yet (some suitcases weigh almost 20 lbs empty).
TravelPro®, Delsey®, Samsonite®, are three of the top suitcase manufacturers who carry travel bags and suitcases that are at least 30% lighter than other brands (and… prices are reasonable). Travel Smith, the Travelers’ Outfitter, also carries a light suitcase. These are sturdy but have lighter frames. Some models are even expandable.
Lift up the suitcases when you’re in the store and compare their weights; you’ll feel the difference. Buy the size you really need. Don’t be tempted to buy a larger suitcase because the price is right … you’ll only feel you need to fill it with clothes and you’ll probably not wear half of them on your trip.
Here’s a tip to “getting value for your money”: Visit a luggage store or the luggage section in any department store. Check out the suitcases as described above. Look inside too… are there zippered pockets, a sturdy lining, detachable suit-carrier, is it roomy? Write down the prices for each piece.
Then, shop around on the Internet and compare prices with the online luggage stores. Quite often, the prices are less and there may also be free shipping.
Don’t forget to buy that Fanny pack!
OK! You’ve selected some clothes; you’ve ordered or bought your luggage… NOW you’re ready to pack!
