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Summer Vacation Packing Tips to Save You Time, Money ... and a Little Bit of Headache

Summertime is finally here, and it’s time to pack up and head out for a well-deserved vacation.  Whether packing bathing suits and flip flops for a flight to a beach getaway, shorts and bug repellant for a backpacking trip, or loading the family car for a road trip, packing efficiently is always a challenge. 

And, with checked bag fees being adopted by almost all of the airlines, vacation travelers planning to hit the airport need to streamline their baggage like never before if hoping to avoid baggage fees and spend extra cash on vacation fun.

Here are some tips to help you pack smart, bypass the baggage check station and skip the fees:

• Start with a list.  It’s the easiest way to ensure you have everything you need, and nothing extra. 
• Don’t skip the essentials.  Are there prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you might need?  Think ahead and be sure to pack any necessary documents and identification cards, like your passport or driver’s license, and travelers checks or travelers insurance information.
• Pack versatile items.  Whenever possible, opt for solid-colored separates that can be mixed and matched for a variety of outfits.  Try to pack as many wrinkle-resistant, wash-and-wear pieces as possible to avoid having to iron everything once you’ve unpacked.
• Be realistic about what you’ll be doing on your trip. Unexpected lunch engagement? Entirely possible, so packing an extra casual outfit makes sense.  Last-minute invitation to a black-tie event?  Not likely!  Skip the cocktail dress and satin pumps.
• Make it small, and take it all.  Pack bulkier items, like shoes, at the bottom of your bag and try Space Bag To Go Bags to double the amount of clothing you can fit in your luggage, and bring more of the things you want without carrying more bags.  Space Bag To Go Bags can be packed, sealed and flattened without the use of a vacuum, so they’re perfect for people on-the-go.  The Push-Down Bag is great for bulkier items and shrinks down to a compact cube that fits easily into your luggage, while the Large Roll-Up Bags can fit neatly along the edges of your suitcase or duffle bag.
• Check the weather forecast.  Summertime can bring everything from record high temperatures to afternoon showers.  Make sure you have weather-appropriate clothing on hand.
• Pack travel size toiletry items.  Keep your toiletry kit streamlined by filling travel-size containers with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, lotion or shave gel.  You can also pick up miniature-size bottles of your favorite products at your local drug store.  Remember the 3-1-1 rule.  One traveler is allowed one one-quart plastic, zip-top bag containing bottles that hold no more than 3.4 ounces of fluid.  Visit tsa.gov for more information and additional travel tips.

Sources: Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler, LoveToKnow.com