Holidaymakers heading off for a sunshine break are being given top tips on how to pack a case and save on luggage charges.
The lifestyle experts at WinstonsBeds.com are offering travellers advice for utilising all the space in hand luggage to avoid paying extra charges.
Baggage fees vary by airline, route and class of travel and while it can be tricky cramming all the holiday essentials into hand luggage, it can save time and cash.
Not only will holiday makers save cash to spend while they’re away by avoiding paying for additional luggage, it makes it much quicker at the airport for check ins and when you land.
Among the suggestions for keeping luggage to a minimum are rolling your clothes instead of folding and stacking, and making use of travel cubes.
The experts also recommend sorting liquids before you get to the airport and sharing items with friends and family.
Lifestyle expert Rebecca Swain from WinstonsBeds.com said: “Packing for holiday is never easy – we’ve all overpacked and come back with a case full of clean clothes and items we haven’t used.
“The budget airlines have bought the cost of travelling abroad down but the luggage charges really sting. That’s why we’ve looked at ways to cut down on what you take to ensure you stick to your allowance without have to shell out for extra cases.
“There may be a few non-negotiables like an eye mask to help you sleep in a different room but small items like this can easily be packed into a small corner or your case or even in a pair of shoes.”
Here are WinstonsBeds.com’s holiday packing tips
- Use the right bag
Before you get started make sure you check the measurements of your bag and check your airline on the size and weight you can go up to with hand luggage. It’s worth investing in travel scales to check bags aren’t too heavy.
- Packing cubes
These are a great option for keeping items and clothes organised and you’ll be amazed at how much you can cram into them. They will then fit into your case or bag perfectly.
- Roll clothes
Roll your clothes rather than folding before packing. They’ll be less wrinkled when you unpack at the other end and you’ll find you can get more in your case.
- Liquids
Sort your liquids into smaller clear bottles before you head to the airport and have them in a plastic bag ready to take out at security. Make sure to store them in your case in a separate bag to avoid any leakage.
- Picking your outfits
Try and build a capsule wardrobe to cut down on how much you need to take. Think about coordinating colours, neutrals tend to be best, and items you can wear while exploring, out for dinner or heading to the beach.
- Make up
Pack multi-tasking make up items to cut down on how much you need to take. If you have samples of items too, think about taking those. It’ll save space and weight.
- Using shoes
Use the space inside shoes for storing items. They’re great for delicate items like sunglasses and give them added protection. When packing shoes, pop them in a shower cap. That way no dirt or dust will pass on to clean clothing.
- Storing jewellery
Straws are great for storing necklaces and keep them tangle free. Try using tiny pots for earrings and rings.
- Sharing
If you’re travelling with friends or family, think about sharing items to save packing space. Toiletries, plug adaptors and electricals can all be shared, cutting down on how much you need to take.
- Check your destination
Check what your destination has to avoid packing items you don’t need. Most will have basic electricals like hairdryers, others will provide towels for the beach or pool. This will all cut down what you need to pack.
