Today one of the airlines announced that it will start charging customers $50 for a second checked bag. Some airlines already charge for every checked bag. Airline ticket prices are increasing; peanuts, pretzels and drinks are no longer free on some airlines; and luggage now costs extra.
Many people, particularly seniors who have looked forward to trips during retirement, are curtailing travel plans. But some of us are determined to fly especially to distant places. Driving across country doesn’t hold any special thrill for many of us unless we intend to stop and visit people and places on the way. We must find ways to cut back on travel costs.
Over the years, I learned to pack less and still have what I really need. Planning my wardrobe to allow for mixing and matching blouses, sweaters, skirts and slacks makes it easier to pack fewer items. Working around one basic color means I only have to take one pair of casual and one pair of dressier shoes. Hand washing some clothing at our destination means we can take less. I also put a complete change of my clothing in his bag and he puts one for himself in my bag just in case a bag is lost.
We also pack a change of clothing (at least a change of under garments) in our carry-on bags for the same reason. Lost luggage has happened to me twice, but I didn’t have to buy more clothes. And my luggage was found the next day both times.
Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag (in case of lost luggage) along with a paperback book; a magazine; a crossword, word jumble, or Sudoku book; a hand-held electronic game and/or a Travel Scrabble® or other travel games (to prevent boredom in case of delays). Traveling with parents, children and/or grandchildren offers some challenges which I will discuss in a future blog.
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