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Most people figure that they’ll save money on their trip by packing everything they need. That’s not always the case. Besides,  packing light and buying as you go also makes travel a whole lot easier.

Ask yourself realistically what you have to have on this trip. Sure, you want those cute little travel shampoo bottles that you always get, but couldn’t you get by with the hotel shampoo? Or, if you’re going to be gone long enough, wouldn’t a bottle bought on discount at a store when you arrive make more sense than taking five travel bottles with you?

Before you go on vacation, make a list of the things that you’re thinking about taking with you, including make-up, toiletries and extra shoes. Now go through the list and cross off anything that you won’t actually need.  Go through the list again, asking yourself if you can borrow any of these items once you arrive. If you’re heading to see your sister, you can probably get away with using her shampoo instead of taking your own.

Once you’ve got the narrowed-down list in hand, determine if it’s more cost effective to buy extras of these products for travel or to get them once you get where you’re going. Don’t forget that you can also take small amounts of things that you already have at home. For example, you can transfer your shampoo into a smaller bottle.

Save money and save trouble by being smart about what you pack.

Tags: baggage | packing tips | tourism. luggage | travel