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Spring Break is here and you have a week to get your vacation fix in. Why not pack more time into your trip by packing lighter? Read on for tips to lighten your load!
Lose the Weight: Packing under 15 Pounds
Baggage weight is a big issue in some countries, especially with some of the discount airlines in Europe. In the U.S. they rarely weigh our carry-on luggage to see if it meets the weight criteria. In other countries, they not only weigh your luggage when you check-in, but also after you’ve gone through security. Here’s how to make sure you lose the weight and pack under 15 pounds!
Invest In A Luggage Scale
The luggage scale is your best friend if you’re trying to pack light! You may think that you’re able to estimate what 15 pounds feels like but you might be off a few pounds.
If you’re flying a discount airline, a few pounds (or kilograms) can make that cheap flight more expensive than it needs to be.
Use Your Pockets
You have some essentials but it adds a lot of weight to your luggage.
A must-have if you want to make sure you pack under 15 pounds is a personal luggage scale. Unfortunately, a luggage scale also weighs a bit.
Pockets are great for storing something important like a luggage scale or a wallet without adding to your 15-pound limit.
Pack Lighter Fabrics and Layer
Lightweight, quick dry fabrics are great for packing light because they dry quickly after washing.
They also have the added benefit of reducing the weight of your luggage.
Pack more of these clothes instead of bulkier things – if you need extra warmth, consider layering to make the clothes even more versatile!
Rent at your destination
It’s always nice to have your own gear but unless you plan on checking it in, its not worth taking up precious space in your carry-on luggage.
Plan to rent bulkier things at your destination if you can’t afford to carry more than 15 pounds during a trip. You won’t have to worry about whether it’ll get lost and you know that you’ll have what you need. If you have extra time to plan, call ahead and reserve your rental!
Downsize Your Toiletries
Bring items that work double duty or items that you can dispose and replace along the way.
I like bringing disposable wipe versions for my daily facial routine so that I don’t have to bring cotton balls and liquid containers. Solid lotion is great if you want to reduce your liquids and want a multipurpose moisturizer.
Wear Your Heavier Items
If all else fails and you find yourself at the airport with an overweight carry-on, wear it!
It doesn’t count against the weight of your luggage and you can use the pockets to add anything else you want to remove from the luggage.
Follow these tips so that your baggage doesn’t weigh your Spring Break trip down!
How do you keep your luggage light? Share in the comments below!
For more tips, please read:
- How to Pack Makeup for Travel: Minimize and Maximize
- Easy Packing Solutions for Trips with Cold and Warm Destinations
- 7 Steps for a Perfectly Packed Suitcase
- How I Downsized My Luggage To Carry-On
