I can fit…PLEASE don’t go without me!
 

I should know. After traveling through Germany, The Netherlands, and France for ten straight days with a single piece of 19″ carry-on luggage, I managed to escape paying a single luggage fee, and jaunted around major European cities care-free with a very light load to carry.

How did I do it? With a little planning and a few frugal air travel packing tips you too can take flight without the extra cost and luggage weight.

Here’s how to pack a suitcase in ten simple steps:

1. Check the weather.

Living on the farm for the last few years, I’ve grown to appreciate the insanity farmers have for weather reports — Carl included. I call it ‘Weather P0rn’ ’cause the delight my man gets from barometric pressures, dew points, and capping inversions gives me cause for climatic disturbance.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you glue yourself to The Weather Channel (like Farmer Carl) before your business, holiday, weekend, or family trip. But being inclined to glance at a few weather forecasts will make it easier for you to pack for any kind of getaway. Check out Weather.com or WunderGround.com for meteorological updates at your destination.

I traveled to Europe in the fall, so I needed a good mix of warm and cold weather clothing. Yes, I packed it all in one carry-on suitcase.

2. Plan your destination events.

Visiting relatives, partying at swanky soirees, hiking up glaciers, or sunning your bum on the beach all require different attire. So pack only the clothing you need for your planned events — nothing extra! If you suddenly need a string bikini on a beach in Brazil then *cough* think twice about it, and buy it there.

My biggest events for Berlin, France, and Amsterdam included excursions to the Bodemuseum, Gemäldegalerie, Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Georges Pompidou, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and numerous national and war monuments. So basically I needed a pair of very comfortable shoes for viewing thousands of priceless paintings. I guesstimate I walked a minimum of 10km a day! Carl was thrilled.

3. Limit footwear, embrace double-duty items.

Ladies sure love to pack shoes. Get over yourself! You only need two, maybe three pairs: walking shoes, ballerina flats, and perhaps a pair of sandals. Those kitten heels sure look cute, but fashion footwear isn’t comfortable to walk in and takes up a lot of space.

What’s a double-duty item? Cardigans, pashimina scarves, a neutral trench coat — anything can be dressed UP or down. I wore my basic Banana Republic trench coat nearly every day on my trip and I fit right in with the fashionable locals in Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

4. Create a packing list.

I fully admit that I’m a list person. If you’re going away for ANY length of time I’d highly recommend you embrace the packing list — it will help you get organized and take inventory of the stuff you actually need.

Years ago I created this Printable Travel Checklist and Packing List for weary travelers.

Today I pack very little. Here’s my pared down packing list for Europe. Yeah, it looks like a lot but it all fits in one 19″ carry-on suitcase, minus the stuff I’d wear on the plane.

Clothing:

• 2 pairs shoes (comfy walking, sturdy ballet flats)
• 1 light nylon jacket
• 1 beige trench coat
• 3 pairs pants (blue jeans, nylon khakis, black slacks)
• 1 skirt (knee-length, black)
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• 2 short sleeve shirts
• 5 3/4 sleeve shirts
• 2 cardigan sweaters
• 1 thick sweater
• 1 black dress
• 2 tank tops, with built-in bras
• 2 scarves (1 dressy, 1 wool buff)
• 1 pair of PJs
• 6 pairs underwear, 1 bra, 3 pairs socks
• 1 pair black tights
• 1 bathing suit, goggles, swim cap
• 1 sling pack day bag

Toiletries, Odds and Ends:

• 1 Travel plug adaptor
• 1 iPod Touch
• 1 Canon PowerShot ELPH digital camera
• 3 GoToobs: shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen
• Travel makeup brush set, and travel-sized makeup
• 1 Diva Cup
• 1 Microfiber travel towel, 1 Salux skin towel
• 4 Ziploc bags, 2 laundry bags
• 10 Clif Bars
• 1 Europe Travel Guide with map!

Note: With the exception of my bathing suit, I used and wore EVERYTHING.

5. Pack neutral colors, light washable fabrics.

Pack a neutral color palette (brown, blue, gray, tan) to keep your wardrobe flexible and interchangeable. Opting for light and quick drying fabrics like merino wool and nylon over heavy cotton makes it easy to wash and wear your clothing quickly while keeping your suitcase light.

Peeking into my suitcase you’ll notice I’m a HUGE fan of Icebreaker merino wool clothing. These garments can be worn for days without any smell, plus they wash and dry quickly. Icebreaker is high quality stuff, and it ain’t cheap.

6. Pack outside your bag.

Dump your planned travel gear onto the floor and ruthlessly edit the nice to have items. Now do it again. And again.

Don’t pack directly into your suitcase — you’ll be tempted to cram in a few extra items and add volume. Seriously, you will.

7. Bundle, roll, shove, layer, tame.

I use a myriad of packing techniques to fit everything into my trusted carry-on. Here’s how to pack a suitcase in five easy steps:

Step One: Bundle.

The first step is to layer (or bundle) like garments together. Bundling can help reduce wrinkles while organizing all your similar clothing in an easy to access stack.

Step Two: Roll.

Roll each layered bundle into a tidy tube. Rolling a small bundle of clothing can save space in your suitcase and prevent your clothes from creasing. Because rolling doesn’t reduce the weight of your stuff, you’ll still need to be aware of how much junk you’re shoving in your trunk.

Since I wear a lot of merino wool and nylon fabrics, I never walk around wearing wrinkled clothing.

Step Three: Stuff.

Packing a second pair of shoes? Go ahead and stuff your socks, bras, and underwear into each foot bed. Shoes take up a lot of space, so be sure to use your soles and all surface areas. I like to stuff each shoe into a Ziploc bag to keep my suitcase clean and tidy.

Step Four: Layer.

Most carry-on suitcases have wheels and an extendable handle. While these are great features for hauling a$$ through big airports, they can make for uneven packing spaces. So embrace those awkward areas by layering your shoes and nesting your clothing rolls between these spots.

I always start by layering my shoes and pants into the bottom of my suitcase, between the handle slots.

I then take each clothing roll and layer them between gaps and spaces.

But what about my dress, nylon jacket, PJs, wool buff, travel book, energy bars, laundry bags, and swim gear?

Easy. I roll my dress, jacket, and wool buff and shove them in any available space. I like to roll and layer my PJs on top with my travel book for easy access when I arrive at my destination at night. Laundry bags, energy bars, and swim gear go into the top flap of my suitcase.

Step Five: Tame toiletries, organize electronics.

After boarding eight flights in Europe, I’ve come to the conclusion that airport security sucks when you’re carrying too many liquids and a clutter of electronics. The solution is to carry only the liquid essentials and stick your electronic gadgets in an easy to view Ziploc bag. Both the liquids bag and electronics Ziploc were accessible in my sling pack purse for quick security checks.

To save maximum space, consider buying some of your toiletries at your destination.

If a flight was super strict about boarding with one bag, I still had plenty of room to stuff my sling purse into my carry-on.

8. Wash and wear.

Do a little laundry for five minutes each night in your hotel room bathroom sink. A dollop of shampoo can do wonders to clean socks, wash underwear, and launder shirts. Use your shower to hang your gear to dry overnight. If you’re staying with family or have access to machines, go ahead and use your laundry bags to keep things organized.

9. Invest in travel-sized bottles, brushes, towels.

Leave your full-sized shampoo and cream moisturizer at home. Do yourself (and airport security) a solid by investing in quality travel-sized reusable bottles that won’t leak. I love my super handy GoToob travel containers since they’re leak-proof, fun to use, and gorgeous.

Go ahead and downsize your hair brush, toothbrush, and makeup brushes too. This inexpensive travel makeup brush set was a huge space saver (and skin fixer) in airports and anywhere else I needed to powder my nose.

Most hotels in Europe offer towels to travelers. In Paris I was somewhat shocked (but mostly horrified) to find a single tiny towel hanging for both Carl’s and my use. Thank goodness for my microfiber travel towel — it got me dry fast without adding a lot of suitcase weight.

10. Wear your heaviest shoes, sweater, and jacket.

If you wear it on the plane, you won’t have to pack it in your suitcase.

My travel wear consisted of a trench coat (fashionable around the world), blue jeans, tank top (with shelf bra), thin wool shirt, light wool sweater, and a blue scarf. Summer travelers won’t need as many layers, but I was thankful for my clothing choices on long-haul flights and short jaunts. Some flights were freezing, others were hot stuff.

Your Turn: How do you pack your suitcase? What’s the biggest excess baggage fee you’ve been charged?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

Sure, vacationing at home has its stress-free and cost-conscious merits, and if you haven’t become a tourist in your own hometown then there’s fun to be found by visiting your local museums, parks, festivals, and swimming holes for a refreshing day away. But what if you’ve dined locally and seen it all? Or maybe you want to get away from it all!

Getting Away: Enjoying the view from a local winery.

If you’ve got even a little cash in your pocket, then perhaps it’s time to leave town for what I call a “modified staycation” — a vacation where you pack your things and drive one town over to enjoy the sights and sounds of a neighboring community. Daring to drive to the town, city, or quaint village just a few miles away can afford you many vacation benefits without spending the big travel bucks.

Depending on where you live, it can be easy to plan and dash away for a refreshing weekend on the cheap. I’d love to share a few of my frugally fun “modified staycation” ideas with you and get you on the road to a little vacation fun. Here’s how to build your own modified staycation vacation package! Yay!

1. Pick a Place

If you’re going to hit the road it helps to know where you’re heading. To pick the perfect place, head to your local Tourist Info Center and ask about seasonal activities just outside of town. Does the next community over host a big sporting event, boast amusement parks, host city festivals, offer picturesque camping grounds, or run tours through farms and wineries?

Stunning Staycation: A local winery offers free tours and wine tastings.

Chances are you’ll find many local activities for a lot less. Being a member of AAA or CAA could score you free travel maps and give you access to local travel deals — so don’t forget these resources to help you pick the perfect local travel location.

If you don’t want to blow your budget on fuel, here are 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas, and check out this Gas Mileage Calculator to help you calculate your costs.

2. Plan Your Adventure

Are you looking to lounge around or actively pursue an adventure? Whether you’re a beach bum or a thrill seeker, there are lots of opportunities around town. You just need to know where to look!

Best Travel Sites for Helpful Tips

If you’re stuck for activity ideas, then why not get online and search around — there’s an endless amount of information on the internet for free. I’ve often consulted large travel sites to get the goods on local areas and events. I’m constantly amazed to find honest reviews and candid experiences posted via online travel guides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Trip Advisor
• Virtual Tourist
• Budget Travel
• Let’s Go!

Just enter your local travel area into the site’s search and find awesome reports on what’s happening in and around town. You may just find some of the following frugal activities:

• Wine tasting and winery tours
• Local resort discount packages
• Sunset cruises on local lakes, served with dinner
• Local theater, a touring circus, or a one-stop Broadway show
• Farm tours, hay rides, and U-Picks
• Concerts and music festivals
• Gallery and museum special collections
• Historic home tours
• Off-season ski lift rides
• Local Bed and Breakfasts
• Local bike tours, hikes, and serene secret beaches
• International sporting events

Using these simple tools and travel guides I’ve found many amazing outdoor activities for free — many of which I never would have discovered without doing a bit of online research.

International Sporting Event: Watching Ironman Canada and getting inspired by the athletes at the finish line.

For example, I’ve done several road trips over the years to Penticton B.C., either to watch or compete in the Ironman Triathlon. But last summer Carl and I ventured to several vineyards around Naramata to taste and experience the local wineries.

Wine Education: Enjoying the abundance of free wine information.

We found that getting a winery tour is usually free, and the wine tastings are a mere $3-$5 for several sips. Buying a bottle (or two) usually waived any and all tasting fees, making the tour a fun “try before you buy” experience!

Along with our love for vino and free wine education, we met many amazing people and had fun for less.

3. Get a Room

The downside to traveling away from home is you need a place to stay. For the outdoor enthusiasts there’s always sleeping under the stars at a KOA camping site. If you prefer less people, then find a camping-approved State National Park (USA) or Provincial Park (Canada) to pitch your tent.

Having friends or family in fun places could save you some bucks by staying with them, and asking for a sofa to sleep on is free! If curling up on a couch is your style of vacay, then check out the Couch Surfing directory to find people willing to have you stay over for free.

For a special night or two away I prefer a little splurge by staying at a Bed and Breakfast Inn. Find one near you via Bed and Breakfast Inns or BB Canada. You might even find a discounted off-season rate by calling ahead!

4. Dine on a Dime

Dining out can get super expensive super fast if you’re eating out for every meal. A smart way to keep costs in check is to choose only a few local restaurants worth your dining dollars. A great way to find the perfect local eatery is to ask the locals when you get in town. I’ve often stopped at cute stores and clean gas stations and asked the staff for their best recommendation.

If you’re too shy to stop for dining direction, check out Chow Hound — where “food-lovers worldwide gather to swap expert tips about restaurants, foods, stores, and bars.” You may just find a local sweet spot for dessert by searching Chow Hound’s popular forums and talking to others with keen taste buds.

If you’re super frugal, then rent a room that comes fully equipped with a kitchenette and cutlery, and make the majority of your meals at home. Stopping in at a grocery store with a simple shopping list can keep your costs very low and lets you spend your modified staycation cash on other activities.

Building your own “modified staycation” vacation package is easy if you’ve found the right local place, the right frugal tools, and have your activities all planned out. But, before you leave your home, be sure to download your Printable Travel Checklist and Packing List so you don’t forget your wallet.

Your Two Cents: Got a frugal staycation or local travel tip for would-be vacationers?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

Packing for a trip can be a pain, especially when you’re on the plane in a panic because you’ve forgotten something important. And leaving behind an essential item like your visa or passport can cost you. So to help you get away with more fun and less pain, I’ve put together the Free Printable Travel Checklist and Packing List. It’s a three-page pre-travel checklist and packing list all rolled into one.

The Printable Travel Checklist and Packing List will help to:

• Create a pre-travel checklist.
• Prepare your home for short and longer vacations.
• Deal with vaccinations and health issues before travel.
• Get the travel documents you need for your destination.
• Create a packing list for yourself and your kids.
• Prevent forgetting stuff while away on holiday.
• Not get caught without your underwear.

Now, packing clothes so they don’t wrinkle is something I’m leaving up to you.

Did I forget to pack something important? What’s on your travel checklist or packing list?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

This definitive moving guide offers a monthly, weekly, and daily plan for moving your home. No more last minute packing. Get organized earlier, hire moving companies in advance, get truck rentals booked, or employ moving services sooner. No more last minute home moving gotchas.

The Printable Moving Checklist and Planner will help you to:

• Save money on your move by planning ahead.
• Save money by moving fewer items and decluttering.
• Contact moving companies, truck rentals, or moving services sooner.
• Identify moving tasks to complete on a single master list.
• Keep track of completed home moving items.
• Save time when relocating or moving.
• Stay on schedule with a monthly, weekly, and daily planner.
• Not forget a thing! The checklist and planner keeps track for you.
• Identify some great free moving tips and tricks!
• Keep sane. Moving to a new house or apartment can be stressful.
• Gives you an all-in-one moving apartment checklist.

Other home moving checklists you may like:

• Printable First Apartment Essentials Checklist
• Printable Dorm Room Essentials Checklist
• 15 Free Printable Home Inventory Worksheets

When you move, do you tend to be the checklist maker and planner? OR do you prefer to just throw everything into an unmarked box? Any tips or tricks for planning a move and saving money? What’s on your moving list? Did I miss anything?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness