It’s a common scenario: you’ve booked your flight, but when it comes time to pack, you realize that there is no way your bags will make it through the airport without getting charged. What do you do?

Luckily, there are plenty of options for those who want to pack light without sacrificing what they need.

Here are my top tips for how to pack light without sacrificing what you need:

– Choose a bag or suitcase that complies with airline carry-on requirements. Most carry-ons these days are approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

– Pack enough clothes so that you can wear one outfit per day and wash clothes in the sink or shower every few days. This prevents overpacking and allows you to rewear items of clothing.

– Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket! If it starts raining unexpectedly, having a rain jacket can save you from getting soaked. A jacket is a lifesaver and doesn’t take up much space!

– Make sure to bring any medications you might need during your trip. Don’t wait until the last minute because it can be difficult if not impossible to find them in another country.

Packing light is a skill. It’s something you can learn and improve. And it’s important to learn: the less you have to carry, the more freedom you have when you travel.

The fundamental problem with packing light is that it requires a trade-off between the things you need and the space they take up. To pack light without sacrificing what you need, you have to be able to balance these two competing goals in a way that lets you have both.

Here are some guidelines for how to do that.

The first time I traveled to Europe, I packed everything but the kitchen sink. The second time, I took a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. This is how I did it.

I bought a small rolling suitcase that can fit in the overhead bins of any airplane. Remember: if you want to pack light, you need to avoid checking your bag at all costs. After a few trips around Europe, mine has broken wheels and a busted zipper, so I recommend getting a good-quality model that will last for years.

I brought one pair of jeans, two pairs of shorts, four T-shirts, three long-sleeve shirts, one sweater, one rain coat (waterproof windbreaker), six pairs of underwear and socks, an extra belt and leather shoes. You’ll be wearing the leather shoes on the plane (if you’re taking any) so they don’t take up valuable space in your bag.

I also brought a small toiletry bag with shampoo/conditioner/body wash (use hotel soap), toothbrush/toothpaste/floss (pick up some travel-sized items at your local drugstore), lotion and sunscreen (only needed for summer trips). If you wear glasses like me, bring contact lenses and solution as

While the debate on whether or not to check a bag rages on, it’s clear that traveling light is imperative in today’s travel climate. Airlines are charging for checked bags and your time is precious.

But when the weather varies widely at your destination, packing lightly can feel impossible. How do you stay warm enough, but also cool enough? How do you pack light while also packing enough? Is it possible to travel carry-on only while maximizing your outfit options?

It can be done — and we’re here to show you how.

The secret is to know what to take and what not to take. With this in mind, you need to think about the purpose of your trip, and how long will you be away from home. From there, you’ll have a better idea of what items are necessary and which ones you can leave at home.

If you’re going on a business trip or a vacation, the first thing you need to determine is whether or not your hotel has a laundry room. If so, you’ll have no problem washing your clothes when needed. If not, then the amount of clothing you take with you will depend on the number of days you’ll be gone. For example: if it’s only for one night, then pack only one day’s worth of clothing; two nights, two days’ worth; etc.

Next, make sure that your luggage is as light as possible. This includes your carry-on bag too. While some airlines allow two checked bags and a carry-on bag for free, others may charge for every bag checked. In this case, my advice would be to cut back on the number of suitcases that you check in and just bring a carry-on bag onto the plane with you.

If your main suitcase is overweight before packing any extra

What you wear on your flight is important too. You want to be comfortable to avoid dealing with unnecessary stress. Instead of jeans, choose joggers or sweatpants. Jeans can be uncomfortable because they tend to constrict your movement and can cause you to perspire. Pick a shirt that will keep you warm but isn’t too heavy – a sweater or a sweatshirt will do the trick.

Remember to take off your shoes at the security checkpoint! In order to expedite the process, I like to wear slip-on shoes and pack my other pair in my bag. This way, it’s easy to slide them on once I’m through security and I don’t have to bend over or take anything out of my bag for inspection.

One last tip: eat a good meal before getting on your flight so you don’t fall prey to in-flight snacks and overpriced food at the terminal!

I looked at the list again, and realized that I needed to combine a few things:

Heathrow is not particularly close to downtown London. You should allow at least an hour from landing to getting into town.

The closest tube station is Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (Piccadilly Line). Heathrow Terminal 4 and 5 are connected by a free shuttle bus.

Taxis are expensive, but if you have more than 2-3 people and a lot of luggage, they may be your best bet.

I have never used the bus system at Heathrow, so I cannot comment on it.