© the prodigal untitled13



The fees to check any baggage now is becoming the biggest packing headache of travelers.

How do you go to the Caribbean without your dinner dress, two pairs of swimsuits, three cans of sunscreens, flipflops, dinner shoes, cosmetics, cool linen shirts, umbrella etc. etc. without checking in at least one bag?

Now American Airlines is not only charging $25 for the second checked bag, but $15 each way for the FIRST checked bag. Atrocious.

But here are some tips for packing, even in the face of these mammoth restrictions.

- Get a highly organized bag like the BUTLER BAG (www.butlerbag.com) and you'll have less stress cramming your items into one bag
- Pack silk items if you can because it is extremely lightweight and compact when folded
- Try wearing a good chunk of your clothing- like versatile shoes, a coat, hat, sunglasses, jeans, extra layers of shirts etc. - so you can avoid packing them
- Try to take cosmetics that are disposable or single use packets. Don't carry full size items because them can be bulky and weigh a ton

Other good sites to check out for organized travel include www.shopgetorganized.com and www.ebags.com