We have all done it at some point in our travels. You know, trying to close the suitcase by sitting on it or slamming the trunk of the car to try to close it.
As we grow a little older and take a road trip, it’s very important to lighten the load.
After all, you’ve saved money to take this trip and you’ve been planning it for months . Who wants to throw their back out now by lifting a heavy suitcase?
Try this.
Before putting anything in a suitcase, layout what you want to take. Look it all over carefully and decided if you really need it all. Many of us worry about not having enough clothes or we take something ‘just in case’ and when returnMing home, you vow never to over-pack again.
Members of the Society of American Travel Writers produced a list of tips to reduce the weight of luggage. One idea was to pick one basic color that doesn’t show dirt (such as black) then brighten with lightweight accessories like scarves. Make sure each item of clothing can be worn with any other itemand will match all your shoes.
“I always stick to a single color scheme when I pack: black and white, khaki and navy, denim and red. It not only eliminates the need to pack multiple pairs of shoes and a variety of accessories, it ensures that I can mix and match as needed based on the weather, the day’s activities, or the formality of the establishments I’m visiting,” said freelance travel writer, Kim Knox Beckius.
Other ideas included wearing your heaviest coat and/or sweater on the plane.
Try to get by with two pairs of shoes.
Keep in mind you can rinse clothing out in the hotel sink and hang it to dry. Many hate to take the time to stop and wash clothes but it’s worth it. If your hotel does not have laundry facilities, go into town and find a laudromat. In about an hour you can have everything ready to go again and you saved a lot of heavy lifting and toting of additional suitcases.
If you are traveling by car and making multiple stops pack your clothes in clothes baskets in the trunk. Believe it or not, it saves room and the clothes are easy to sort through. Each day pack a backpack on wheels with the items you will need for the next two days and carry it into the motel.
Another way to cut heavy-lifting is take a big cooler and a smaller one. Load what you need from the big one into the small and carry it in. More and more motel chains are providing a refrigerator and a microwave in every room.
If you are staying in a hotel with bellhops, let them take the luggage to your room. For a dollar a bag tip you saved a lot. They will lift it out of the car for you and take it to your room and place it where you want it. Don’t be embarrassed that you have snacks, soft drinks and coolers. They’ve seen it all before.
If you’re staying several days, daily carry something you will not need again with you to store in the car. By the time you leave you will be able to combine items and roll just a suitcase or two down the hall.
One last tip, if traveling by air and there is more than one of you, drop someone off at the airport with the luggage and take the rental car back, ride the shuttle and then you did not have to carry all the suitcases on the shuttle.
Hotels and motels are usually very accommodating for travels and especially senior travelers, if you need something or some help, ask.
