Shopping for new luggage

If you’re looking to buy new luggage, you should consider luggage with these features:
Retractable rollers, rollers will make it easier to make it through the airport. You’ll also want retractable rollers, so the rollers won’t be pulled off.
Removable straps. Straps make luggage easier to carry, but they can get caught on conveyor belts and either break or damage your luggage.
A lock, preferably one that doesn’t dangle off the luggage too much.
Carry-on luggage in a size that will be allowed under the recent more restrictive carry-on size limits.

How can I pack light and still have everything I need?
The more you travel, the more you know that traveling with the smallest possible amount of luggage is the best way to go. But, how can you cut down on your luggage burden?
Call ahead to the hotel to see if they offer any laundry services. See if they include items in your room such as, robes and toiletries that will reduce your packing needs.
Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you’ll be able to mix and match.
Check the weather, so you can bring the most appropriate items. Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperature.
Plan your outfits so you can layer instead of bringing lots of coats.
Take a solid color sweater that will match any outfit to use to keep you warm
List all the items you are taking and check to see if you really need each item, in other words, is there something else you could take to kill two birds with one stone.
Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of huge bottles.
Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of the luggage.
Take some old clothes with only one last wear in them. You can then toss them out and use the room for the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home.

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