Travel light

Choose your baggage wisely. Before you can even begin to pack, you should know how much your baggage weighs. Although we tend to buy baggage with wheels, keep in mind that baggage with wheels and extendable handles will most likely weigh more so you will need to decide which suitcase is going to be best to bring. If you shop around, you can find lighter options for baggage.

Get a quality bag with plenty of outside pockets. Make sure it fits the carry-on size limits and has wheels. Though you're packing light for your business trip, you'll still need to lug it around.

Bring only what you need. While you might be tempted to bring along the hair dryer, and irons, don’t. These items are considered the big weights in packing. If you are staying in a hotel, your room should come equipped with some of these items. In the case where you will be staying with friends or family, ask to borrow. It could save you a hefty fee at the airport.

Use your allowed limits. You may have to restrict what you pack to 50 pounds but you are permitted to have two pieces of baggage so take advantage and fill them both. Some airlines have less than 50 pounds limit, like 35 pounds. So it is a good idea to make sure with the airline that you have booked with. But, as long as you stay within weight limits on each piece of baggage, you won't have to worry.

Utilize your carry-on for all other items. There is no weight limit for your carry on so if you absolutely can't live without the flat iron, then feel free to put it in the carry-on bag. Instead of leaving the heavy items at home, you can put them in the carry-on bag and even check it at the gate without a weight limit. So fill it up!

Send the souvenirs home early. In order to avoid getting tapped with weight limit fees on the way home, send your souvenirs home via the postal service or UPS. This way you won't have to worry about those precious memories from your trip and gifts being left behind.

Decide on one pair of casual pants that will match shirts you will bring. Black, brown and khaki are usually appropriate for most occasions. If you choose carefully, these pants can also be used for dressier occasions. Pack at least one pair of blue jeans if you wear them. They can go with any t-shirt or shirts.

Choose basic colors so you can interchange clothes. A dress shirt in white, blue and tan work well with a dark blue or black suit. Women can utilize accessories like scarves and pins to change their look.

Buy travel-sized items at the drug store before every trip to make sure you'll have enough. You can also wash and reuse the containers if there are special brands you want to take.

Roll your clothes neatly to minimize space in your suitcase. You can also avoid wrinkles if you take care to smooth out the fabric before you roll.

Maximize the room in your purse, briefcase and computer bag. Slip small things like an electronic alarm clock, toiletries and office supplies in spaces and folds. Make sure you've secured any personal items, though, so your clients or colleagues don't see them.

Pack small items within other things. Your shoes are a great place for your socks. You can also slip small things into pockets.

Wear a suit on the plane so you don't have to pack it. Choose one of the wrinkle-free, comfortable fabrics that still look professional and keep it especially for business trips.

Pick a light pair of dress shoes and save them especially for business trips. Wear your heaviest shoes. Limit shoes to three pairs, but pack even lighter by trudging around the airport in your clunkers. Don't strain your back by wearing flip flops and carting boots. Pack one pair of shoes that will match your casual pants. Pick comfortable shoes that you can wear all day and you cam skip packing separate shoes for dress and leisure.

For Family vacations:
List the essentials. Make a long list of everything you think your family will need. Put the list away for a few hours and when you come back to it, knock off at least ten items you don't need. Remove items that you can purchase inexpensively as well as wishful thinking items, such as books you won't read and socks your kids won't wear.

Plan outfits. You will save a tremendous amount of space (and stress!) by planning one outfit per day, per family member. Items like jeans can be used for multiple days.

Save additional space by packing only one or two pajama outfits. Kids can wear the same t-shirt and shorts to bed.

Minimize your toiletries. This isn't hard to do with modern-day flight regulations. Spend ten bucks at the store buying mini-shampoos and mini-deodorants. You'll save space, prevent a giant mess and make your kids happy with all the sample-size items.

Bring detergent tablets. Laundry facilities are almost always available. Small tablets are easy to pack and your family can drastically reduce the amount of clothing they bring.

Nix the toys, stuffed animals and media. Allow family members their one favorite item and something to keep them occupied during travel. Leave the rest at home. Stuffed animals take up tons of room, and odd-shaped toys are bulky and annoying.

Substitute quick-dry clothing for heavy coats and jackets. Quick-dry layering is lighter and more efficient than heavy jackets. Remember, you can never know for sure what the weather will be. While it's good to be prepared, bringing something for every weather condition is not necessary. Cheap versions of harsh weather apparel can be purchased.

Child-size rolling suitcases are suitable as carry-on baggage and lighten the family vacation load by dispersing the weight. Kids love the added responsibility and independence that an individual suitcase affords them.

Tightly rolled clothing saves room in a suitcase and reduces rummaging when you're looking for something specific.

As parents, you may feel added pressure to burden your suitcase with all family vacation necessities. Yes, the camera is a must-have and so is a mini first-aid kit, but go back through your list of essentials and lighten your load before your suitcase weighs over 50 pounds.