Traveling Baggage

Next, our discussion turns to luggage. What exactly do you need to pack into your suitcase and how? What goes into your suitcase is important too.

Shop for the items you need several days before your trip to avoid last minute convenience buying.Empty cheap dollar-store equivalent plastic bottles filled with products like shampoo and liquid soap will go a long way to save you some money. Buyers beware of travel size items. Typically, you do not find these items economically priced. Mostly people can consider them a luxury and specialized item. Soap dish and toothbrush cases are also handy items to store your wet bathroom utilities in and keep your clothes dry.

Invest in a customized and general mini drugstore with various basic items like aspirin, band-aids, antacids, and cold remedies When in need the hotel convenient store or local pharmacy prices can be astronomically and notoriously over-priced.

Back-to-the-basics: always have an extra pair of socks, pantyhose, and underwear somewhere. Be prepared for anything and everything, including delays. If there are delays on your return trip, for any reason, it is reassuring to know that you will at least have fresh undergarments to wear!

Pack wisely and include a couple of extra outfits. Hotel dry-cleaning is expensive and having a quick change of clothes for a spill or other inevitabilities is always a good idea. Pack more than you need seems to be the rule of thumb.

Liquid laundry soap can be a good investment for clothing that needs a little spot cleaning or laundering, hand washing it in the sink will also save you a dollar or two while en route.

A trusted toiletry bag, stocked with all you might need, ready to go is always a good idea. Having your toiletry and bathroom essentials ready at all, times will reduce the likelihood of forgetting something important like your toothbrush and having to buy one.

A minimum investment for maximum payback! Something as simple as clearly marking and tagging your luggage, can be the difference between no additional money spent and or possessions lost or misplaced, for lost 'indefinitely' or mishandled luggage seemingly nowhere to be found. This makes it more traceable and easy to spot. Clearly, it is a worthwhile investment to buy a sharpie or permanent marker and some quality luggage tags. If your budget does not allow for this, consider using the airline or provider tags at your departure location. Never travel with an unmarked bag that does not carry your name and information on it. This ensures traceability and do not even hesitate to put some identifying characteristic element on it, like a colorful ribbon, sticker or other identifier that will make it stand out.

Carry-on luggage is a stopgap solution for inevitabilities and a safe haven for valuables. See it as your all-in-one solution to anything that can be thrown at you. Remember not to pack any dangerous or forbidden items in your on-flight baggage. It is a good idea to take a change of clothes in your on-flight bag for every person in your travel party.

Always verify your luggage allowances and flight details. Valued advice from another frequent traveler serves us well here to stretch our dollar: 'Without exception, always check in advance on the amount of luggage you may take. Planes, trains and motor coaches, all have regulations regarding amount and size of luggage. It is considered courtesy to stick to their requirements and can save you a lot of embarrassment, added expense, aggravation, and trouble.'

Another final, last minute check: as mentioned earlier, it is advisable to check every detail and aspect of your luggage. This will include the handles, wheels and zippers on every suitcase and bag before leaving on your trip.