If you’re like me, you can’t help but have that little question nagging at you each time you fly…”Will my luggage be there when I arrive at my destination, or, will I need to find a Wal-Mart and get some clothes at midnight?”
A sure-fire way to avoid ever having to entertain this unpleasant thought ever again is, don’t let your luggage leave your sight! Travel using carry-on luggage only. Following are some tips of how to do that:
1. PLAN YOUR OUTFITS OUT AHEAD OF TIME AND, MIX AND MATCH. This enables you to “pack light.” This is the only way I travel now. I plan out an outfit for each day. I also pack key mix and match clothing items that can be used with more than one outfit.
2. PLAN OUTFITS THAT YOU CAN EASILY DRESS UP FOR EVENING. This is another trick that enables you to pack light. That black tank dress you wore with flip flops to shop today can be greatly transformed for evening wear by adding heels, a long necklace, a shrug or jacket, an up-do hairstyle and evening makeup.
3. KEEP UPDATED ON THE LATEST BATHROOM ITEM RESTRICTIONS AT THE AIRPORTS. Pack your lipsticks, lotions, etc. in the proper sized containers and the proper sized ziploc bags. If you have items you just cannot carry on with you, leave them at home and buy small versions at your destination. If you must bring them with you, but can’t get them on the plane, bring a small bag you can check just for these items.
4. BRING A LARGE PURSE WITH YOU (LADIES) OR BACKPACK WITH YOU (MEN). This is one of my favorite tricks. I have never been stopped when I come onto the plane with my “as-large-as-they-allow” carryon luggage and my enormous “purse.” Likewise, my husband has always been able to board with his large carry-on and his large backpack. This is a great way to get those “extras” on with you.
5. LAYER WHAT YOU WEAR ONTO THE PLANE AND WEAR YOUR LARGEST, CLUNKIEST SHOES. Wear clothes and shoes that take up the most space in your luggage. Even if it is too warm to wear that jacket or sweatshirt, tie it around your waist and bring it on that way.
6. ROLL UP THE CLOTHES YOU ARE PACKING, RATHER THAN FOLDING THEM. Rolling up these items allows you to fit more clothes into the same space.