Families are anticipating paying nearly double their expected luggage costs this summer, with average charges reaching £318 compared to an anticipated £152, according to new research from cleaning experts Dr. Beckmann. Holiday expert Rob Brooks has provided several strategies to mitigate these unexpected expenses and avoid excess baggage fees.
Brooks advises travelers to pack specifically for their planned activities. Instead of overpacking with "just in case" items, he recommends writing down the itinerary, including pool days, dinners, and excursions, and packing only what is necessary for those events. This approach aims to prevent the cost of excess baggage fees that can arise from bringing too many items.
Another key strategy is to distribute clothing evenly across all checked bags. Brooks suggests packing at least two complete outfits for each person in every suitcase. This cross-packing method not only ensures that no one is left without clothing if a bag is lost but also balances the weight of the luggage, preventing individual bags from becoming excessively heavy.
To reduce the weight and bulk of checked luggage, Brooks recommends purchasing toiletries such as sunscreen, shampoo, and face wash at the airport. Services like Boots allow travelers to order these items online for collection after security. This eliminates the need to pack heavy liquid bottles, which can contribute to exceeding baggage weight limits and incurring additional fees.
Brooks also advocates for the "three-wear rule," suggesting that an item should only be packed if it can be worn at least three times during the holiday. Items that only complement one specific outfit or are rarely worn at home are best left behind. Planning outfits by pairing tops and bottoms before packing can also help prevent overpacking and the struggle to close suitcases.
