Photo by sun dazed / creativecommons.org
Maybe you caught the news report last week – in response to soaring oil prices, American Airlines announced last week that it will now be imposing charges on your FIRST checked bag. Ouch! This comes on the heels of new surcharges from several other airlines for a second checked bag, something we all took for granted when we flew the friendly skies till now.
As I reported in an earlier blog, packing light is the responsible way to travel right. It’s an extension of the tenets of simple living that translates beautifully into travel experiences that stress people and places, not stuff.
So here’s the new challenge: can you fit everything you need into one carry-on? No problem, says Doug Dyment, the packing guru who runs the website onebag.com. His website equips travelers with the tools they need to bring all the essentials for any country and climate in one single carry-on bag.
Among his top tips for packing in one bag:
Develop a master packing list and stick to it when you pack. Don’t fall prey to the “What if something comes up and I need this” syndrome that plagues last-minute packers in the heat the moment.
Don’t let any space go unused when you are packing. Remember that you can nestle things inside tennis shoes, for example.
Bring versatile items that can work in a variety of situations. Shoes that can be dressed up and dressed down, clothing that all follows the same general color scheme, and reversible items are all examples of this.
Choose efficient, effective luggage that you can make the most of while still fitting in the overhead compartment.
Check out Doug’s master packing list (over 100 items to fit in a carry-on?!) as well as his special “bundle wrapping” technique for clothing at www.onebag.com.