Can’t Resist
With discount airfare, where are you going to go?
This summer we were able to take many advantages of discount airlines flying to destinations in Europe. Since the average flight time was about one to two hours, tickets are a low price. They are no frills and don’t include baggage allowance. I had to get used to packing just one carryon for each of us and one backpack. I think that when you have kids at least their clothing is smaller. So a carryon is the perfect size for budget airline!
Here are my tips to pack smart and still have room to bring home souvenirs.
Planning your carry on
- First, take the number of days in your trip, say it’s three day
- For underwear and socks, plan on packing a pair for each day plus 1. I always pack one extra pair of under for another day. My reasoning is these items are small and I don’t really want to end up washing them in the sink at the hotel. However you can pack less socks if you are wearing and only brought footwear that doesn’t require socks.
- For night clothes, I pack one set for every 3 days.
- Swimwear anywhere from 1-2 bathing suits, but if you will be at the beach every day then more is ok because they’re small. Remember a ziploc bag in case that your last day you go in the water, your wet suit wont get the other clothes in your bag damp.
- Tops or dresses, include the clothes you will wear on the plane so pack 2 extra for 3 days. Make sure they are versatile and can be worn as swim coverups.
- Bottoms, are the same as tops. Pack for a 3 day trip 2 bottoms. If you are worried it will be cool in the evening wear your jeans/long pants on the plane.
- 1-2 pair of shoes plus the pair you wear on the plane. If you need flip flops for the beach or water shoes for swimming. Make sure to wear your heaviest shoes (sneakers/trainers) on the plane.
- Wear a jacket or long sleeve shirt on the plane, since there are no blankets, that way you will be cozy.
- A packable hat, sunglasses & swim goggles are your last necessary items
ON THE FLIGHT
- Try to choose a backpack or bag that could also double as a beach bag.
- Wear your hat on the plane if it’s made of straw and will get ruined in your carryon.
- Since we are budget, there will be no entertainment. So bring tablet, phones, etc. make sure to pack headphones
- Snacks, nothing too salty. The food that you can buy on these low cost carriers are overpriced and not tasty.
- An empty water bottle. After security go to the bathroom and fill it up. This will also be very convenient during your trip.
- Finally pack a ziploc bag for each member of the family with 100ml (and under) hand sanitizer, small package of wipes (they can be used refresh, clean and disinfect) and sunblock. Often you want to hit the pool asap so packing a small bottle of SPF for each member of the family won’t slow you down. Last thing for me is I transfer hand sanitizing soap into a 100 ml TSA approved container. I hate those small bars of soap at hotels. Plus I use this soap to also wash the water bottles!
OTHER toiletries
Usually I use hotel’s toiletries, you can also use the shampoo if you have to hand wash clothing. I do bring my cosmetics. If you prefer to use your favourite brands of shampoo, lotion, etc then transfer into smaller carriers. Upon returning, refill your containers and keep in ziploc bags ready to go for next time!