Monday, 13 April 2009
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What's the Most Economical Way of Packing For a Plane Trip?
I'm a girl who packs too many things too often! Especially now with the airlines' hikes on baggage fees, and the U.S. restrictions on airline baggage after 9/11, how can I learn to pack the things I need and not the things I want to have or should have but don't really need?
I am going on a 1-month long trip to the Philippines in mid-June, and a weekend trip to Orlando later on.
What should I pack and how can I pack compactly? I know it depends on the length of the trip and the destination, but in general, how do you pack your bags? What do you do, experienced frequent business flyers? Help!
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- From: Bitswt02@xanga
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Comments (11)
What I do is lay out all the stuff I want. Then, I look at the mess and think, "You need, like. Half of this stuff. Underwear is necessary. Toothbrush, toothpaste, maybe. Hair-dryer. Possibly. Five pairs of jeans? What are you, nuts?" You can take a few thin shirts - maybe five or six - that you can mix and match with jeans. If you don't care about mixing or matching, even better! If you're doing clothes shopping while you're on vacation, you can take out one or two items from the tops and bottoms categories. If this still doesn't work, think of how much it'll hurt when you're charged for having luggage exceed 30 pounds (or is it 50?). Good luck, and have fun! =]
Especially when I'm traveling to areas of the world with very cheap goods, I underpack for those things, that way I can buy them cheaply while I'm there. My general rule for long trips is a carry-on with a few basic essentials (don't forget the rule of 3 by the faa), like toothpaste, a toothbrush, a travel book (or two), maps or itineraries i need, a notebook, and one change of clothes, plus music stuff (mp3/cd player). That usually fits neatly into a backpack. Also, my laptop has started to travel with me. other than that for long trips, i usually just get the stuff i need when i'm there. And, I often don't even pack toothpaste or toothbrushes - most transcontinental flights offer them for free.
If I have a location for my trip I send a box ahead with my hygiene items that way I don't have to mess with lotions, shampoos etc at customs. If I am traveling to an area with washing machines and good stores I only carry about three outfits with me and one extra pair of shoes & I put them all in my carry on. I tend to get cold on the plane so I wear layered clothes usually a t-shirt with long sleeve shirt over and jacket on top. Biking shorts & then jeans for the bottoms (thats two extra outfits right there). I mostly use my checked baggage space for my climbing / hiking equipment and gifts for my host family. By the way, you said you are female so if you are picky about Tampons/pads you might want to send a supply ahead because several countries I have visited have a limited selection of those. When packing I put my clothes into gallon or two gallon ziplock bags and use a straw to suck the air out so they don't take up so much space. Have fun on your trip.
just think long and hard about every item you're putting into your suitcase. it's not difficult
Just focus on the essentials.
Philippines will be hot I'm guessing. Go to Target or Wal-Mart of something like that and get a 5-pack of hanes v-neck white tees lol
But in all seriousness, did you know that if you fold your shirts and pants length-wise in half, you can roll them up (like a sleeping bag) and save a ton of space so you can fit more stuff!
@tastytimmm@xanga - can't you still roll them if you fold them width-wise too?
well, one of the easiest ways to make the clothes and stuff you do bring more compact (so you can bring more!) is to buy like gallon size plastic bags, put some clothes in there like an outfit for each bag, etc, kneel on them to get all the air out and zip them up. it really does cut down the bulk by quite a bit
ROLL! i tried rolling my clothes for the first time and i think its more compact than folding-plus less wrinkles! and only pack tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched- so if one item can't be worn several different ways with other things, don't bring it. (that way you can have more versatility out of your clothes to make multiple outfits).
also, try to bring stuff that you absolutely need and can't buy over there. so stuff like shampoo/conditioner- if you're staying with family they might have these things for you so you don't have to lug them overseas. ask them ahead of time what you should/shouldn't bring. and if you stay at a hotel they often have the sample ones for you and you can keep asking for them. =)
just pack what you need.
I ALWAYS bring my clothes on board with me, so that I dont have to worry about them getting lost.
TSA is REQUIRED to check EVERYTHING in your suitcase, so If they have to check your suitcase, you are going to have a MESSY suitcase inside, so rolling your suitcase brfore a plane trip will NOT help!