Smart Packing

Before you can take off on an adventure, you must pack. It’s not easy, but packing well will save you time, money and frustration. Here are my secrets to packing all the essentials in the fewest bags possible. by Donnita Cagle Bassinger, CTC, MCC

Plan Ahead

If you know what to expect, you can plan for almost anything. Choose flexible clothing, as the temperature in airports and on planes can fluctuate dramatically. I dress my kids in T-shirts, joggers, a sweatshirt, and tennis shoes so they are comfortable for the flights and can adapt to any weather. Everyone should bring a sweatshirt, light jacket, or sweater, no matter where you are going.

• Lay out head-to-toe traveling clothes for each family member the night before takeoff (especially for early flights).

• Are laundry facilities available at your destination? If so, reduce the amount of clothing by half.

• Make sure everything fits, and check for stains or tears.

• Dress everyone in the same color of shirts or hats to keep track of each other in crowded places.

• Choose only necessities and multipurpose items. Shoes take up the most room, so get multipurpose shoes such as Keen sandals. Cargo pants with zip-off legs are great.

• Limit your bags. Decide how many suitcases you need and keep eliminating items until they are zipped. Check with your airline to see if there is a discount for prepaying luggage fees.

• All airlines allow a free personal item. Use a beach bag or large tote as yours, and put a small purse and other items you need onboard in this bag. Kids can bring a small backpack with their snacks and toys for the flight.

• Don’t check anything you can’t replace. Keep all important items, such as medications, with you. Split each person’s clothing between checked bags in case one bag gets lost.

• If you are only bringing carry-on items, make sure any liquids are in a quart-size zipper bag, with no container larger than 3.4 oz. See details on the TSA website.

• Tape a card with your name and cell number inside each piece of luggage.

• On your luggage tags, only put your name and cell number, not your home address.

• Leave valuable jewelry at home so you don’t have to worry about it.

• Purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for lost or delayed bags.

After you do all this, make sure you have one outfit for each family member that is color-coordinated so you can get a nice family photo. You’ll be happy to have this to remember your travel adventure!

Carry-On Versus Checked Bags

If you can avoid checking bags when you fly, it will make the logistics of traveling much easier, maximize your time, and save you hundreds of dollars. The cost for one bag to be checked ranges from $70 to $150 roundtrip. Waiting for your bags after arrival can take a few minutes or a few hours, and anyone who has dealt with a lost bag knows what a mess that can be.

Technology Can Save the Day

For about $25 each, you can purchase Apple AirTags (or similar items). These devices are invaluable if your bags are lost or misplaced during travels. Put one in each checked and carry-on bag, and take a photo on your cell phone of each bag before you leave home. It’s easy to accidentally leave a bag somewhere or have a checked bag lost by an airline. Having a photo and being able to track the location of your items can save your vacation. Bring charger cords and power banks in your carry-on bag.

Airline Baggage Rules Have Changed

Check airline websites for their latest policy every time you fly. “Basic Economy” fare tickets and low-cost airlines may only include a “personal item” for free and make you pay for carry-on bags.

Measure and weigh each of your bags to avoid excess size or weight charges at the airport. Some roll-aboard bags exceed the size requirements. If you do not follow their rules exactly, you could end up paying up to $100 per bag each direction.

So far, airlines still allow you to bring car seats and strollers for no additional charge. If you are checking a car seat or stroller, be sure to bring a big trash bag to place it in so it doesn’t get dirty. Place a luggage tag with your name and phone number on the bag.

Check the Transportation Security Administration website for what is and isn’t allowed at www.tsa.gov/travel.

Meet Vacation MOM

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport

Donnita Bassinger is mom to three, and she lives in Eugene with her husband where she is active in Scouting and local charities. Donnita has been a travel agent for over 40 years and has packing down to a science. She is the owner of VIP Vacations, Inc and would be happy to chat with you about travel.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272

@VacationMOMpage