How to fly without paying to check a bag in at the airport – ten key tips for travelling light.
Buy a big bag:Purchase a bag specifically for the purpose, and it’ll pay back many times over in the long run. Some 30 to 35 litre backpacks and mini-cases fit within the airline size regulations – and can fit at least a week’s worth of clothing in. I personally use the Cabin Max 44 litre bag (£) but others are available.
Mini toiletries: Take a small tube of toothpaste, roll-on deodorant and a tiny bottle of shaving oil rather than a large can of foam. As for shampoo and shower gel, use what the hotel provides and nick any spares for future use.
Wear the heavy stuff: Shoes, jeans, jackets and jumpers on the plane; flip-flops and beachwear in the bag.
Stuff your pockets: You will get dirty looks at airport security when you create a mountain of keys, iPods, travel documents, books and phone chargers. But it’s a small price to pay for not having to wait for your bags at the other end. And the bigger the pockets on the clothing you’re wearing, the better.
Pack your most flexible gear: Shirts, skirts and tops that can work on the beach as well as the swish restaurant are the order of the day.
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Be ruthless on the shoes: One pair only – and pick plenty of clothes that match.
No beach towels: They take up loads of space, and the bath towels you’re not supposed to take from the hotel will do just as well.
Get the fabrics right: Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing gets sweaty less quickly – and thus passes the all-important sniff test for a day or two longer.
Layer-up: Forget the big jumper – just make sure you have garments you can layer on top of each other without making you look ridiculous.
Wash as you go: Use those spare mini shampoos to give undies the once-over in the sink, then hang them overnight – preferably in a place where they’ll dry quickly.
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Have you had any experience with the Cabin Max trolley backpack? It’s a fiver more, but it’s nice to have some wheels – as long as they don’t wear down too easily….http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cabin-Max-Approved-LIGHTEST-Backpack/dp/B005C3QKF4/ref=pd_sim_sg_1