Travelers are becoming increasingly creative in doing what it takes to keep cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages really cheap. These days airlines like to quote low base ticket prices and then add on as many fees as possible, particularly baggage fees, once customers arrive at the airport.
The following are a number of ways to how to pack lighter and smarter:
Vacuum packing clothes, storing personal items as hotels you will be returning to, and not carrying laptops and power cords, are some of the cost saving packing tips experienced travelers have implemented.
Find out in advance if you will be traveling on a regional jet. Savvy travelers substitute their regular carry-on bag with a duffel bag that will fit in the smaller overhead bins of regional jets. Not having to wait in the jet bridge line is well worth carrying a smaller bag for many travelers.
20 inch carry-on bags that are 2 inches shorter than what is allowed by U.S. airlines, but are wider than most 22 inch bags and are becoming more popular, particularly for people traveling abroad where the luggage height requirement of many international airlines is 21.6 inches.
People traveling to the same city weekly are getting more creative, often leaving clothes at a dry cleaner instead of bringing them home to be laundered.
Some hotels are now providing loaner laptops to guests who leave their computers home and store luggage for frequent guests.
Netbooks are an increasingly attractive option to travel with vs. the typical heavier laptop.
Some travelers have started using surge protectors that have USB ports that can charge multiple electronic devices (such as a camera, iPod, and iPad) with a single cord.
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