Families are on track to pay nearly double their expected luggage fees this summer, with average costs reaching approximately £318, compared to an anticipated £152, according to new research from cleaning experts Dr. Beckmann. Holiday expert Rob Brooks has outlined four strategies to help travelers avoid these unexpected expenses and reduce the burden of post-holiday laundry.
Brooks advises travelers to pack specifically for their planned activities. Instead of overpacking with items that might not be used, he suggests making a list of activities like pool days, dinners, and excursions and packing only the necessary items. This approach aims to prevent the need to force excess clothing into carry-on bags or pay for overweight checked luggage.
Another recommendation is to distribute clothing evenly across all checked bags. By packing at least two complete outfits for each person in every suitcase, families can ensure that no one is left without suitable clothing if one bag is lost. This method also helps to balance the weight of the luggage, preventing individual bags from becoming excessively heavy.
Brooks also suggests purchasing toiletries, such as sunscreen and shampoo, at the airport rather than packing large bottles. Ordering these items online for collection after passing through security can save space and weight in luggage, potentially avoiding the need for an additional checked bag. Retailers like Boots offer this service.
Finally, Brooks promotes the "three-wear rule," suggesting that any item of clothing packed should be wearable at least three times during the holiday. Items that only coordinate with a single outfit or are unlikely to be worn frequently should be left behind. Planning outfits in advance and pairing tops and bottoms before packing can help ensure that luggage can be closed without excessive force.