Now that most airlines are charging, $15 for 1^st bag, and $25 for 2^nd bag, and a hefty price for any overweight bag, we all really need to start packing light. In today’s tough financial times we have to improvise in all areas of our life, and the same applies to traveling light, less is more (in your pocket). It’s a little difficult to take the things off the list your kid’s need, so I guess the burden falls on us parents to shorten our list.

• Plan ahead on which luggage to carry: Make sure your suitcase or duffel bag itself is not too heavy. A good time to check on this would be right after reading this article or when you’re even thinking of a trip. The right luggage makes all the difference. You can compare the weight, price, and read reviews, and shop for luggage online.

• Space Saver bags: These transparent, compressible bags are great not just for space, but helps you stay really organized. If they do a random check at the security, or if you’re traveling during the winter season with heavier clothes. You can buy travel space saver bags at amazon for $8 and up. If you’re carrying towels, check out these light load towel. They are light weight, absorbent towels, which can roll into a size that can fits in your pocket.

• If you’re visiting friends or family you can just borrow the extra jackets, hats, gloves, snow shoes.

• Always make a list of things to pack, and review at least 2 times. I promise this is a great way to cross some things off the list, before you even start packing. Cross off things that you think you need, but didn’t use in your last trip.

• If you’re staying somewhere for a long period of time, say for the summer, you can buy some things to wear at a consignment store, and donate them before you leave. This way you still have a good set of clothes to change into, for a small expense, and be charitable.

• When you’re traveling abroad, check the currency rate, and if the dollar is relatively strong against their currency, you can buy clothes, toiletries, shoes there very inexpensive. This way you can travel ultra light. At the end of the trip, just donate it. For instance, if you’re visiting Bangkok, 1US $ equals 34.91 Thai Baht (at the time of this writing), so $20 should buy you a good bit of clothes, nothing fancy, but things you can wear for travel. Of course this strategy wouldn’t work in Europe or other more industrialized nations.

• Pack some dark colored clothes: It doesn’t get (look) dirty as fast, especially with pants. A black dress or pants can be casual or a dress up. Also pack some clothes with high tech fabric, in case u need to wash it at the hotel sink, it’ll dry faster than other fabrics like Lycra or Microfiber.

• Toiletries: Take the travel size. Even if you take two of these it’s lighter than carrying the ones from your bathroom.

• 4/7 rule: I generally pack 4 outfits for a seven day trip, a combination of comfy, fun, and elegant clothes. In addition I carry a couple of extra shirts /tank tops, and I’m good to go. As for shoes I always wear a comfy, something like Sketchers or Crocs on the plane, and carry one open toe or boots depending on the season.

Also check out this related post from Have Baby Will Travel, Baby Travel Gear Guide- Getting Around.

What are some of the ways you travel light?

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