Packing light used to be a handy skill. <!--break-->These days, it is a necessity. As airlines are crippled by ash clouds, strike action, and general financial meltdown, they have had to find alternative ways of making money. Enter "ancillary revenues," which basically means airlines charge passengers for anything they can get away with, including fees for checking your bags.
Can you really travel with only carry-on luggage?
Yes you can-you just need to get clever with your packing. First, check the hand-baggage dimensions permitted by your airline. Limits vary by airline. Generally it is around 56cm by 45cm by 25cm. Buy a bag that fits these dimensions and is not too heavy (a softer bag will be lighter and more pliable).
Next, consider your restricted contents. Check the rules before you fly.
Currently, liquids must be carried in 100ml bottles, and stored in a clear plastic bag that holds no more than one litre in total. Alternatively you can pack solid shampoo and soap bars, and remember to remove any extraneous packaging. Vital medicines can generally be packed in your carry-on in larger quantities if accompanied by a letter from your doctor. Sharp items are not permitted, so ditch the penknife and buy a cheap kitchen knife upon arrival (handy for picnic preparations/cutting ropes/prying off lids). You can use dental floss-non-minty-to slice cheese.
Off on a trip that requires lots of gear? Mountain climbing, camping or skiing maybe? Avoid baggage fees by buying or renting a specialist kit on arrival. Plus, it is good for the local economy. If you must take your own gear, pay to check it on the outward journey, then hook up with a local good cause and donate items to schools and orphanages on the ground rather than bringing them home.
Fitting it all in
Plan your packing list in advance and do not pack things "just in case." In this globalised world, you can buy most of the things you need at your destination. Do not take a whole library-take one book and swap it en route. Shoes are bulkiest, so just take one pair, like a smart, multipurpose sneaker or boot. If you need two pairs, wear the biggest on the plane and use the packed pair to stuff shorts, socks and pants inside, or use the cushioned interior to protect delicate items. Wear heavy items (coat, sweater) on the plane.
Packing multi-purpose clothing is key. Trousers that zip off into shorts, fleeces that can be used as pillows, sarongs that can be worn as skirts, beach mats and shawls, sporks-which combine the functions of fork, knife and spoon in one-all optimise your bag's weight-to-usefulness ratio. Pack clothes that are lightweight, dry quickly, and match each other, to maximise your wardrobe options.
Women, pack a pair of nice earrings, 50-squirt perfume atomiser, and a light scarf for a quick dash of style (also good for mosque visits or sun-shielding.) Men, buy travel shirts that do not crease, and smarter-looking travel shoes that work equally well on safari or in good restaurants.
The science of packing
Folding items individually into squares is the worst way to pack-it is space inefficient and increases creasing. Instead, roll clothes together. Lay jackets, shirts, trousers and T-shirts on top of each-in that order -alternating the thickest parts of the garment as you layer so you do not get an uneven bulge. Once piled, place a bag of socks, or somehting similar, in the middle, and wrap each item round this core in turn.
Other helpful tips
• Hand-held luggage scales could save you a fortune in excess charges.
• Packing cubes and organiser pouches allow you to keep your bag tidy and condense contents. Made of nylon and mesh, they do not add much weight.
• Invest in a travel towel-these viscose sheets are a fraction of the size of regular towels.