Packing tips for the budget minded traveler
Packing properly is an important consideration for the budget
traveler. Traveling on a budget means traveling light. The more
unencumbered you are by junk you don't need, the more chances
you will have and the less expensive your travel will be.
For instance, while the traveler with only one bag is free to
hop on the inexpensive city bus and pay as little as one dollar
to get into town, if that same traveler is loaded down with
three or four bulky suitcases, it is likely that an expensive
taxi, and a potential fare of $50 or more, may be the only
option.
This is just one example of how packing light can help you keep
your travel budget under control, but there are many more
examples, all borne of experience. In addition to saving money,
traveling light makes sense on so many levels. For one thing,
you will enjoy your trip much more if you can just head straight
out of the airport, without that long wait at the baggage claim.
Traveling light also makes getting around town, from the airport
and to the hotel, much easier. Carting a lot of luggage around
unnecessarily is a waste of time, money and energy, and most
seasoned travelers have learned not to pack too much. Over
packing, however, is a frequent mistake for the first time or
inexperienced, traveler, and we are presenting the following
list of tips for keeping your packing, and your budget, under
control.
As you are laying out all the things you want to take
on your trip, separate them into three different piles - the
essential pile, the maybe pile and the non essential pile. Then
put the non essential, and half of the maybe pile, back in the
closet.
If you possibly can, try to get everything that remains
into one bag that can be carried on to the airplane. If you are
unsure what constitutes a carry on bag, be sure to check with
the airline.
Do not pack any items that can be purchased
inexpensively once you have reached your destination. Be sure,
however to pack items that may be more expensive in a tourist
area. One example of this, of course, is camera film. Film is
often two or three times as costly in a tourist area, so if you
have extra film at home bring it along.
Keep the amount of clothing you pack to an absolute
minimum. Choose clothes that can be combined into a variety of
different outfits. Keeping the clothes you pack to a minimum is
especially smart if you know you will be dong a lot of shopping,
and buying a lot of clothes, once you arrive at your
destination. Why cart your old clothes halfway around the world
if you can wear your snazzy new clothes instead?
If your vacation is a long one, do laundry while you
are away instead of bringing a suitcase full of extra clothes.
Always pack some versatile clothes. For instance, a
pair of swim trunks or shorts can double as sleeping attire.
T-shirts are equally versatile and comfortable.
Pack a collapsible bag in your suitcase. This bag can
be used to carry souvenirs and other purchases on the return
trip.
Be sure that all your luggage is clearly labeled with
your contact information and name. Avoid putting your street
address on luggage tags, however. It is best to use a post
office box or a work address.
Always place any items you need and cannot immediately
replace, such as prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and important
documents, into your carryon or purse.
Place all travel documents, maps and printed
itineraries on the top of the suitcase, or in a separate
zippered compartment, so they will be easy to find.
If you have an extra pair of eyeglasses at home in a
drawer, you may want to bring them along, especially if you need
glasses to read signs, find your way around, etc. Pack them in a
hard sided case and place them either in a purse or a separate
compartment of the suitcase. Eyeglasses can be difficult, time
consuming and expensive to replace while on vacation.
And finally, consider packing an extra wallet, with one
or two credit cards but no cash, into a separate compartment in
your suitcase. The purpose of doing this is so you will have
emergency funds in the event your regular wallet is lost or
stolen. If the credit cards in the suitcase are lost or stolen,
they can be cancelled immediately and you will not be liable for
any fraudulent charges.