Travel Tips, Part 3

Remember the good old days, when we could take as much luggage as we wanted? Well, now, at least with some airlines, we have to pay $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second one, EACH WAY! That could cost $30 to $80 per trip! And, if your bag is over 50 lbs, you'll pay a lot more than that.

Here are some tips to handle this situation. First of all, if you buy a new bag, get one that is as light as possible, but still durable. They're making them with this in mind nowadays.

Secondly, be mindful of the weight of things you pack. Try not to take a lot of shoes, and wear the heaviest ones if you can. If you're taking books, consider putting them in your carry-on bag or tote. Toiletries can be heavy, so carry the smallest, lightest bottles that you can. I recently discovered that a complimentary hotel shampoo and conditioner and lotion will last a week for me (and if you're staying in a hotel, more will be available). BONUS TIP: Don't use flip-top bottles. They are much more likely to leak under pressure than those with screw-on lids.

I'm pretty good at lifting my bag and estimating whether it reaches the 50-lb. mark or not. On the way back from my last trip, with extra things I had bought, the porter said, "Hmmm...heavy bag..." and placed it on the scale. "49 lbs." I'm good! (I was prepared to remove a couple of books and put them in my tote bag if necessary.)

Tomorrow, the last day (for now) of travel tips. Stay tuned.