31 Days of Frugal Travel Tips: Day 29


29. Bring just a carry-on: If you are flying try to only bring a carry-on. It will save you money if there is a charge for checking a bag (which is incredibly common on domestic flights). For the most part I have not had to pay for my first checked bag on international flights but I could see this changing any day (a second bag has cost me everything from 50 to 75 dollars and I only did this when I was moving overseas). You need to be aware of what the baggage policy is for the airline you are using. Make sure you check if there are weight/size limits for bags as well. Sometimes going over even by a few pounds can cost A LOT! My husband and I have invested in a hand scale to weigh our bags before we head to the airport. This 10 dollar purchase has saved us a ridiculous amount of money since we know that our bags are within the limits. I can´t tell you how many times I have seen people scrambling to re-pack or to throw away items just to avoid paying a baggage fee while checking in for flights. If you just pack a carry-on you should be okay. However, also be aware that there are limits for liquids that you can bring past security checkpoints. (I have also seen people parting with expensive make-up, perfume etc since it cannot go through). 

One extra bonus that worked for the husband and I when we went on a cruise with only a carry-on a piece: you don´t have room for extra purchases while traveling. With room so tight we weren´t able or willing to buy things to bring home. We could only really add to our magnet collection which was pretty frugal!

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