Leave it behind: What not to pack for your vacation

Jun 11, 2012, 8:54 a.m.

With airlines charging an arm and a leg just for checking baggage, there's never been a better time to concentrate on packing light. Here's a quick vacation packing checklist that should help you minimize the number of suitcases you bring with you, which will in turn make that long awaited vacation far less costly than you'd planned.

Leave your valuable jewelry at home. When packing light, this also means omitting certain wearables you might not dream of taking a vacation without -- but think it over carefully. Not only is dragging a jewelry collection with you adding an extra few pounds you can't spare, but it's also making you a prime target for thieves who go after vacationers.

Download travel apps to your smartphone. If you don't have a smartphone, maybe it's time you got one. Did you know that these nifty devices aren't just there to let you receive calls or check text messages from family... they can also be used to download reams of valuable information, like your travel itinerary and travel books that you'd otherwise have to lug along with you.

Be reasonable about your clothing. You'll never wish you'd packed that extra pair of socks until the moment that you need them, but it's critical that you don't bring along too many clothes and wind up having to pay a few hundred extra on bonus suitcases. Plan your days out ahead of time and ensure that you've got just enough wardrobe to keep you clothed, and not a shirt or pair of shorts too many.

Can you buy it there? Then don't pack it. This goes for everything from bar soap to toothbrushes to magazines, newspapers, and books. Packing light is all about cutting out everything but the bare essentials, and that doesn't mean the latest hardcover novel by your favorite writer.

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