Picture
Suitcase / Carry On

Airlines differ in luggage size restrictions, so I measure for the stingiest ones (e.g. Delta, United). Many airlines allow you to bring on 1 carry-on AND 1 personal item.

Carry on – I take my suitcase with my carryon for international flights, because I can. But make sure your small suitcase is smaller than: 22x14x9 carry-on limit

The small suitcase goes on top while your carryon stays at your feet. Some airlines are stingy, so here is one guideline:
  • Your carry-on bag can be up to 45 inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) including handles and wheels.
Personal item - personal item limit
  • Your personal item needs to be smaller than your carry-on item and must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item, are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches
  • Instead of a carry-on bag, you can bring on a soft-sided garment bag up to 51 inches.
Suitcase size (for shipping domestic) – bring a medium size, and half fill it, so you have space to bring back gifts and souvenirs.
  • Most airlines will charge you $25/person/bag to ship.
  • There is a 50 lb limit, or there is an extra charge.

Things that MUST be shipped in your suitcase (cannot carry on):
  • moisturizers
  • creams for your face/body
  • shampoo, lotion, toothpaste (full size)
  • contact lens solution
  • any liquids you are bringing as gifts
  • sharp things, even nail clippers (security dismantled mine in Panama)

Don’t forget:
  • passport (have a scan/Xerox copy as well)
  • drivers license (just in case you decide last minute to rent a car)
  • extra glasses / contact lenses (Quick replacements are difficult overseas. hard to enjoy when you can't see)
  • chargers for phone/ipad/laptop
  • small padlock for transit, lockers, hostels, backpacks, etc
  • electronic dictionary for target language (book version is too slow for conversation)
  • voltage converters if going to country with 220V (just changing the tips will not prevent your electronics from being fried). Check to see if your chargers are compatible with 220V. Many are. 
  • Battery charger for camera (it’s a pain to find a replacement overseas)
  • prescription medication
  • Over-the-counter sleeping pill to knock out when you need to. (flights, to try to overcome jetlag)
  • ear plugs (for that crying baby in the front, and some flight attendants are so slow at responding)
  • hand sanitizer (1 oz)

How to pack:

Use your socks as cushions for fragile items like glass. Sometimes you can pack them IN your socks/sweaters.
Business suits can be packed in a very large zip lock bag. Blow some air in before you zip it.
You can buy some vacuum seal bags to compress your clothes.
Instead of folding your shirts/pants, roll them up one at a time and line them in.
You can pack your hat or shoes by packing them with socks, so it doesn't get flattened.

Pack light!
You don't need a different shirt for everyday. A 5-day trip doesn't mean you pack 5 different outfits. You can always buy a souvenir T-shirt, so now you can pack 1 less shirt. souvenir hat? souvenir tie? If you need something, you can buy it there. Just pack enough toothpaste, etc for the first couple of days. You can buy soap, floss, socks, etc over there. There are many laundry services for cheap, and it's worth it. And it's not too hard to handwash in the sink.

Don't bring a book. Time to live what books write about! But go ahead and bring a journal to write on.
Roll up your clothes
Contact:
jason@budgetagency.org