At a time when airlines are charging increasingly preposterous amounts for passengers to check in their luggage, and even asking their staff to resort to public humiliation by demanding people to either get rid of some of the personal items making their hand luggage too heavy, or to stow it in the hold for a steep fee, ways of circumventing any airport troubles have become a new art. Keep a few things in mind before setting off to keep your journey stress-free.

Bags and Suitcases

The first mistake a lot of travellers make is the choice of bag or suitcase. If the luggage itself is heavy, this will considerably contribute to the overall allowance. Choose sturdy yet light holdalls without many buckles and zips. Check if it has a plastic or light metal frame and wheels as these will make it lighter. If you're worried it won't provide enough support for fragile items, ensure you pack these in bubble wrap.

Contents

Be selective in what you choose to pack. Find out in advance what the weather forecast is so you can pack clothing accordingly. It's also worth checking with your hotel to find out whether they have laundry facilities as this could let you pack much less. Choose versatile items that can take you from day to night. For women, this could be a strapless black dress for sunny weather that can be jazzed up with a colourful scarf and earrings for an evening out. For men, chinos are great, light trousers that can be worn comfortably during the day yet are also smart enough to be worn in the evening if teamed with a classic shirt.

The key is to avoid duplication. Take one of each item. Worse comes to worse, you can always hand wash a few items.

When it comes to holiday reading material, limit yourself to paperback books. Remember, airlines offer inflight magazines that are really informative and interesting nowadays. Also, you can choose magazines and newspapers in the duty free shopping area after you've passed security control. These can then be left on the plane once read. Alternatively, bring an electronic book reader.

Many hotels provide complimentary toiletries so this is something you can find out in advance and, potentially, save space with. Soap, shampoo and toothpaste are generally cheap wherever you go so it's also worth considering buying them on the spot, particularly for those travelling with hand luggage only. Whatever option you choose, share your toiletries. There's nothing sillier than a family of four taking four sets of identical wash bags.

Excess Goods

If you've spent a long time living abroad and acquired lots of household items you really don't want to get rid of, your luggage allowance simply won't cut it unless you feel like paying the very expensive price airlines charge for excess baggage. Instead, find an international removals company that's likely to be able to offer a much cheaper service. Similarly, if you're travelling and have collected a few too many souvenirs along the way, enquire after a local cargo service that delivers parcels to Europe and elsewhere http://www.parcelsplease.co.uk/cheapest-parcels-to-europe. Your hotel receptionist or the local post office clerk should be able to advise you. Remember to insure whatever it is you're sending.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.