Guide to Packing for a Leisure Trip

Smart people travel light. We’ve all seen them, striding through airports with their heads thrown back, as the rest of us linger by the baggage reclaim or scrabble for the last airport trolley.

But learning to pack little does not simply save time, it can save you money, too.

In the summer of 2004, low-cost airline buzz tried to woo light packers by offering a £10 voucher for a future buzz flight to anyone who took hand luggage only (up to 7kg) on selected flights. Where one budget airline ventures, others tend to follow, so this could be the beginning of a trend. More cynically, it could be the start of a move to get travellers to pay for checking luggage in. Learning a few tricks could pay off.

Travelling light to somewhere hot is a lot easier than if you’re heading off on a skiing holiday. Scheduled transatlantic airlines will allow you up to 32kg of checked in luggage and generous hand baggage, but on European budget airlines, 20kg is the limit. A pair of boots weighs about 3kg, a pair of skis 4kg and bindings a further 1.75kg. A suitcase alone can weigh 25kg. Remember that airlines charge from £4 per kilo for excess baggage on both the outward and return flight, so exceeding weight limits can be very expensive, and nullify the ‘budget’ price you paid for your flight.

One answer is to consider taking ski boots as hand luggage. Buy a boot bag and stuff it with other heavy items, such as holiday reading. Ski bags have room for more than one pair of skis. Most airlines do not notice, or care, if it contains more equipment than you can take free.

If you’re travelling with children, baggage weight limits are easily reached. The biggest culprit is a travel cot, so arrange to have this available at your accommodation. Car seats are another heavy item that many car hire companies provide for a small charge or for free, so check in advance.

Travelling lighter also helps the environment. Planes carrying less luggage need less fuel. And here’s another thought: have you ever tried carrying 25kg of luggage? Your back will thank you if you lighten the load!