In the UK, holiday habits are becoming more daring and cost-effective. According to a trend report from London Luton Airport, 56% of holidaymakers are increasingly drawn to 'destination dupes' for their summer getaways. For instance, travellers are opting to fly to Albania, dubbed the Maldives of Europe, as a cheaper and closer alternative to the island republic in the Indian Ocean.
However, navigating the world of budget travel can often come with hidden costs that threaten to derail even the most meticulously planned trips. Among the most notorious culprits are additional fees for checked and cabin baggage levied by airlines, which can set you back as much as £50 per bag. Fortunately, with strategic packing practices, savvy travellers can lighten their load and avoid financial burdens. Here's why you should start packing smarter and ways to do so for your next budget adventure:
Why you should pack smart
Nowadays, there are a multitude of ways that individuals can fly to the destination of their dreams without emptying their bank accounts. easyJet, for one, has earned its reputation as a budget traveller's best friend, offering cheap flights through its Low Fare Finder service to countries like Austria, Cyprus, and Morocco. This user-friendly tool allows travellers to search for the lowest fares across a range of dates, making it easy to find the best deals for their desired destination. To make the most out of easyJet's wallet-friendly promos, passengers must be mindful of the airline's luggage dimension requirements, which allows for a cabin bag measuring 45x36x20 cm, free of charge. This means that if you're able to bring only a carry-on, you'll be saving even more money.
Meanwhile, other low-cost carriers similarly impose cabin baggage restrictions. With Ryanair, passengers with cabin baggage exceeding 40x20x25 cm are charged an
additional £14. Wizz Air, another budget airline, charges an extra £29 for cabin bags exceeding the 10kg limit or are bigger than the 40x30x20 cm size restriction. By packing efficiently and staying within established limits, travellers can sidestep charges that could significantly inflate the cost of their journey.
Smart packing hacks
Roll up your clothes
The best way to maximise space in your carry-on is to use the roll method for packing. For tops, lay them facedown, then fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. When packing pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. After you've rolled all your clothing, place them in your luggage first before bulkier items like shoes and small items like accessories. As a bonus, rolling up your clothes tightly also helps prevent wrinkles!
Utilise empty spaces
In addition to rolling clothes, you should also think about using up all the empty spaces in shoes such as boots and sneakers. To do this, roll up smaller clothing pieces like underwear and socks, place them in reusable bags or disposable shower caps, and then put them inside your shoes. This method also ensures that your shoes won't end up getting deformed during the flight!
Use a bag organiser for liquids
If you're a frequent flyer, you'll know all about the hassle that comes with packing liquids in your hand luggage. In the UK, rules state that each container must not hold more than 100 ml, and all liquids have to be in a single bag that you have to show at security check. Our stadium bag is the perfect candidate for the job! Measuring only 27x16x10 and equipped with a zipped main compartment as well as two smaller zipped pockets, you can stash all the toiletries you'll need in our handy bag while ensuring that liquids don't accidentally contaminate your clothes. It's also transparent, which will make going through security a breeze!
Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, the key is to prioritise efficiency and practicality in your packing choices. With these tips, you'll be well-equipped to explore the world without breaking the bank.
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