Standing in line at the baggage claim is the last thing you want to do after you get off a long plane ride. Add to that the chance of lost luggage and the fact that many airlines charge a hefty fee for checked luggage, and you can see why many people wish to avoid checking bags altogether. However, can you really travel with just a carry on? Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
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Ditch the Liquids
Standard air travel guidelines require that a liquid container in a carry-on bag not exceed 3.4 ounces. You can have multiple three-ounce bottles, but all containers must fit in a single one-quart clear zip-top bag. Buy travel-sized containers of toothpaste, shampoo and hair gel. Better yet, if you are visiting family, call ahead and ask your hosts if they have toiletries that you can use. If you’ll be in a hotel, most establishments offer at least some of these products, so plan to use what they provide. They might not have the brand of shampoo you prefer, but if it saves you from checking your bag, it might be worth it to forgo your favorite for a few days.
Select the Right Shoes
Shoes are bulky and take up a lot of space in your bag. Wear the most versatile shoes you have. If you can get away with wearing the same pair of shoes in every situation on vacation, you won’t have to worry about bringing an extra pair. In the event that you do need a change of footwear, bring the least-bulky pair of appropriate shoes you have. Of the two pairs, wear the bulkier ones on the plane and pack the slimmer ones in your bag.
Cut Down on Clothes
If you’re only traveling for a few days, packing a change of clothes for every day won’t be an issue. If you wear a pair of pants that can be easily dressed up or down for different occasions, you can pack even fewer outfits. If you’ll be at your destination for a significant amount of time, fitting enough clothes into your carry-on bag can be trickier. If you’re visiting family, you can get around this by packing fewer clothes and using your host’s washing machine. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the front desk if they have a laundry service. Many hotels offer this service or have a coin-op facility you can use yourself.
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Whether you are looking for flights to New York or a plane to Mexico, flying with less luggage can be achieved with a few simple considerations.