| As the summer travel season approaches, families start packing for their annual summer adventure. Over the past few years many airlines have begun charging excessive weight or baggage fees. Since most families save all year for a summer vacation, nobody wants to spend their vacation cash on baggage fees. Many airlines now charge a luggage fee for any bag that’s checked. The checked bag fee can range from $15 to $20 depending on the airline. If you are checking more than one bag per ticket holder, the second bag fee increases to $20 to $30 dollars. Any additional checked baggage racks up fees between $50 to $100 per bag. So this year, do your vacation budget a favor, and encourage your loved ones to pack light. Begin by making a list of essential items, like daily medications and medical supplies. For example, if you are a diabetic you may need extra medicine or testing strips to monitor your blood sugar. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your sleep apnea machine will probably be counted as carryon luggage.
Baggage weight is also a consideration. Most airlines now charge a fee for bags weighing over 50 pounds. The overweight baggage charge can range from $50 to $100 per bag. Do some research before you travel to avoid the extra fees. Peruse your airlines’ website and look at the baggage and weight fees, and also verify if the airline enforces checked bag charges. A smart traveler starts with being an informed traveler, so make sure you can bring your sleep apnea machine or CPAP mask.
Where ever your vacation destination is, start monitoring the weather a couple weeks before your vacation. If you have a general idea of the weather conditions at your vacation site, you can pack accordingly. In general, packing light is about minimalistic clothing choices. Pick your favorite pair of jeans for the trip, not your top-five favorite pairs. Ladies should practice minimalism with shoes. Pack shoes that are comfortable and broken in, as you don’t want to get blisters from breaking in shoes on your vacation. These days comfortable walking shoes don’t necessarily mean an orthopedic look. Over the past few years flat shoes have made a tremendous comeback and are widely available in different fashion styles and colors. Choose one pair of heels for evening dinners and entertainment activities. Pack clothes that can easily be dressed up or down.
Purchase travel-size toiletries to cut down on baggage weight. Packing big bottles of shampoos, conditioners and lotions add a lot of unnecessary weight. Pack one tube of toothpaste for the whole family to share. Toiletry items should be packed together in a large plastic zip lock bag. This will prevent them from spilling onto your clothes if they open during flight. Cut down on weight by purchasing sunscreen or tanning lotion at your vacation destination. If you’re heading to the beach, most hotels have beach towels and lotions available for guests, and make sure to bring that sleep apnea machine for the night!
Leave extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs, this is especially important when traveling overseas. Global travelers usually purchase more than a T-shirt or ball cap. Some global travelers have found it cheaper to insure and mail their purchases home, especially if they are on an extended or backpacking trip. If your plans include overseas travel, make sure you have extra of any prescription medication. It’s also a good idea to put some of your medication in your carryon luggage, in the event your checked luggage is delayed or lost. If you have medical equipment that needs special batteries or electrical charging, purchase extra batteries and electrical adapters. For instance, some sleep apnea patients use a sleep apnea machine to regulate breathing during sleep. If you’re traveling overseas make sure you have the correct adapter to ensure the machine will run. This year pack light and save those vacation bucks for the fun and not the extra baggage charge. |
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