Check the airline's luggage policy. Some airlines allow you to check one bag without an additional charge. Others allow only a carry-on and one personal item. The airline's website will tell you the size allowed for carry-on. Read it and measure your luggage. If your carry-on is too big, the airline will require you to check it anyway, and the cost is more when you pay for that at the airport. Your carry-on should be no longer than 22 inches by nine inches deep and 14 inches long (56-by-23-by-36 cm).
Wear bulkier items and become a clothes "mule." You can layer, tie a coat around the waist if the weather is warm, stick smaller items in coat pockets and even wear a fanny pack under your clothes for smaller items or as your purse. Anything you don't have to pack leaves more room for other items. If you wear a jacket, select one with big pockets. If you carry a purse, fill it to the brim.
Call ahead to see if there's a hair dryer available and toiletries at your destination. If you stay at a hotel, some provide you with a hair dryer in your room. Pack less if you have access to a washer-dryer and take clothing you can mix and match for new outfits after you wash the items. Take only the necessities, particularly in shoes. These take up a lot of space in your luggage.
Purchase travel size products to take with you. Almost all toiletry items come in a travel size if you don't want to use the hotel's shampoo. If you can't find a favorite brand in a travel size, normally you can buy refillable, plastic travel size bottles. Use those to transport your favorite shampoo and skin care products.
Roll your items when you pack. Rolling your clothing allows you to put more in your suitcase and uses space more efficiently. If you worry about wrinkling, take the items out as soon as you arrive and hang them. When you shower, hang the clothing in the bathroom and let the steam do its magic. Use nooks and crannies in your suitcase for socks and underwear. Consider vacuum bags to save space.
Use a backpack, laptop backpack, book bag or sling pack as your personal item carry-on. These items provide more space than a purse or laptop bag. You can put your laptop or purse in the backpack or sling bag and still have more room for clothes.
Mail your clothes to your destination ahead of time. You'll find the rate for the USPS and other parcel services is often less if your clothing is lightweight. Consider paying $10 to mail it rather than $25 or more to check your items. If you're staying at a hotel, make arrangements with the hotel and mail your clothes there a day or two before you leave.
Pack clothes you're planning to retire and shop while you're away. If you plan to buy new clothing, consider shopping on your trip and take along just enough items for the first few days. Buy new clothes, then donate the items you brought from home to Goodwill or a similar charitable second hand shop before you go back, and receive a tax deduction. If you're on a budget, you can also purchase items at a second hand shop while on your trip and donate them back before you head for home.
