The lines are long at security and customs these days. With what's going on in the world, they're likely to get even longer.
This is why prudent packing has become even more critical. It gives you the power to move through checkpoints more quickly.
As you will see, it also saves you money.
The biggest and most common traveler error is to bring too much luggage. Some travelers apparently fear going to a store to buy something they left behind far more than being bogged down with a collection of bulky bags.
That's a shame. The latter usually proves far more damaging.
Budget Strategy Depends on Mobility
Is the innkeeper quoting a high price? If so, you're going to walk.
Has the air courier service arranged a cheap flight to Europe for you? If so, you're limited to carry-on bags for your overseas trip.
Is the subway a cheaper ride from the airport than a cab? If so, you're going to inconvenience yourself and others on the train with four or five bags at your feet. Better hail that expensive cab instead.
Beginning to get the idea? Virtually every budget strategy we suggest on these pages begins with mobility.
There are suitcases with wheels on them, and many travelers are muscled enough to get those bags where they need to go. Capable or not, your trip is not going to be as pleasant when that budget room in Amsterdam or Venice is up five narrow flights of stairs.
How about the time you'll save not waiting at baggage carousels? When you begin crossing borders and oceans, those waits are multiplied. So are the chances that someone will walk away with your "essentials" or help themselves to your valuables when the bags are out of your control.
That Touristy Look
Speaking of security issues, how safe is it to arrive in an unfamiliar city with the name "tourist" tattooed to your forehead?
In effect, that's what happens when each person has two or three bags are in tow.
To many observers (some of whom have less than honorable intentions), someone carrying multiple bags certainly is a novice traveler and a newcomer to town. A person with one bag in tow who walks with purpose is less likely to be noticed.
There are thugs all over the world who live for that moment when a person such as this is spotted. It's part of their "job." It might make you the prime target of a pickpocket. It could inspire a mugging or travel scam. Let's not forget terrorists who target people with enough money to travel.
One-bag travel isn't designed to fool people into thinking you're a local. The idea is to exude confidence and competence as a traveler. Perhaps even more importantly, it's a great strategy for simple mobility.
If you've always thought one-bag travel was for other people, click "next" to the right and see just how easily you can achieve it and save money in the process.
