Travel accessories designed to lessen your baggage load are a natural outgrowth of what's happening in the airline industry. Baggage fees are trending ever upward, and there are more of them every month. Airlines have discovered a gold mine of revenue, and travelers often feel helpless as they try to avoid the charges. But one light bag on any trip should be every budget traveler's goal. To avoid fees for over sized or overweight baggage, consider putting some of the following products to work with your packing strategies.
Eagle Creek Compressor Set
Courtesy Eagle Creek/Magellan's
Large suitcases often fail the airlines' dimension tests and incur added fees. What if you could fit more into a smaller piece of luggage? With Eagle Creek's Pack-It(R) Compressor Set, you place bulky items inside plastic bags and roll them into a smaller finished product -- the claim is up to 80 percent smaller. It works well for dirty clothes on the return trip. Cost: $22.85 USD.
ReviveLITE Nightlight & Universal Charger
Courtesy Magellan's
Here's a product that saves you the need to pack multiple chargers and a nightlight. If you're not a nightlight lover, it can be switched off. The iPod/iPhone dock lets allows charging without cables and a separate USB port provides easy access for other digital devices. It weighs in at just 3 oz. and the cost is about $30 USD.
Pack-It® Folders
Courtesy Magellan's
Just fold your clothing using the special folding board, slip the neat stack inside the mesh Pack-It, close snugly and stash in your suitcase. Pack-It holds your largest items, such as suits, sport coats, and sweaters without a separate bag. (20 x 14"; 20 oz.) Cost is about $30 USD.
Travelon Stop and Lock Luggage Scale
Courtesy Travelon
Come in under the airline weight limit. Never be charged for overage again. Compact device accurately weighs and measures your luggage prior to baggage check. Scale handles up to 75 lbs. /34kg. Retractable tape measure. Cost: about $10
Balanzza Easy Grip Luggage Scale
Courtesy Balanzza/Magellan's
Here's another hand scale with a bigger price tag and additional features. This one measures up to 100 lbs. and projects readings on a large digital display. It also weighs just 8 oz. and operates on a pair of AAA batteries. Cost: about $25 USD.
Rick Steves Toiletries Kit
Courtesy Rick Steves/Magellan's
This kit weighs just 1 lb. when empty and slips inside a backpack, eliminating the need for a second checked bag. It comes equipped with a metal hook so that the bag can be hung in a shower or anywhere else where counter or table space is scarce. Cost: about $20 USD.
Magellan's Spill Proof Pouches
Courtesy Magellan's
One of the drawbacks to tight packing is the risk of liquids becoming squeezed out of containers and into your suitcase. Some people use zip-lock plastic bags, but those are not always durable enough for a long trip. This pair of spill proof pouches includes a smaller bag for a purse and a larger bag to stash in luggage. If there is a spill, the nylon mesh with vinyl lining wipes clean easily and quickly. Available in four colors. Cost $16.85 USD.
Body Glove Mask and Snorkel Enfold Combo
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
Avid snorkelers and beginners often agree on at least one thing: they don't want to rent something as personal as a snorkel and mask. Packing these items often takes up quite a bit of room in a suitcase. CWIC is a licensee of the Body Glove and has developed a collapsible two window mask and snorkel made especially for traveling. High quality glass lenses and a silicone face skirt give the combo a comfortable and effective feel. Suggested retail: $30-40 USD. Read a product review
Baggallini Hanging Bag
Courtesy Baggallini
This hanging bag is made of lightweight and water-resistant fabric, so it adds little to your weight total. Its compartments are in plain view, which should speed you through random security checks at airports. Since it hangs at your destination, there is no need to "unpack." Cost: $35-45 USD.
