You know that feeling when you confidently walk into the airport… and then the staff smiles politely and says, “Sir/Ma’am, your bag is overweight.”
And suddenly your soul leaves your body.
Extra baggage fees are basically a jump scare for travellers. But don’t worry. With a few smart tricks, you can pack like a travel ninja and save your money for important things. Like dessert.
Let’s go.
Step 1: Only Pack What You Actually Need
Rule number one: if you are thinking “maybe I’ll wear this”
You will NOT wear it.
Be honest with yourself. You are not going to become a new person on this trip. You will wear your top 3 outfits on repeat. And that is okay.
Pack:
✔ Basics that match everything
✔ One nice outfit
✔ Comfy airport outfit
✔ Essentials only
Leave behind:
❌ 6 extra jeans
❌ 9 backup shoes
❌ That shirt you last wore in 2019
Travel ninja mindset: lighter is smarter.
Step 2: Rolling vs Folding
The Packing Battle
People love to fight about this. So here’s the truth.
🌀 Rolling
Great for:
- T shirts
- Jeans
- Casual dresses
Benefits:
✔ Saves space
✔ Reduces wrinkles
✔ Makes you feel like a professional packer
Roll each item into a neat tube. Place them side by side like little burritos. Very satisfying.
📄 Folding
Better for:
- Formal shirts
- Blazers
- Structured clothes
Keeps the shape intact. Looks tidy. Adulting level high.
Travel Ninja Trick
Use BOTH.
Roll soft clothes.
Fold structured clothes.
Boom. Perfect bag.
Step 3: Smart Packing Cubes = Magic
Packing cubes are tiny zip bags that help organise your suitcase. Sounds basic. Feels life changing.
Why they rock:
✔ Separate outfits
✔ Save space
✔ Keep things neat
✔ Make airport security less chaotic
Your bag becomes:
Cube 1 → Clothes
Cube 2 → Underwear
Cube 3 → Electronics
Cube 4 → Toiletries
No digging. No drama. No mess exploding when you open your suitcase.
Bonus flex: you feel like a professional traveller.
Step 4: Always Weigh Your Bag At Home
Do not wait for the airport to reveal the truth.
A small digital luggage scale is your best friend. Clip it. Lift it. Done.
Target weight:
Stay at least 1 kg below the limit. Because life happens. And souvenirs exist.
If you do not have a scale:
- Use a normal weighing machine
- Weigh yourself
- Then weigh yourself with bag
-
Do Maths
You are now a scientist.
Step 5: Wear Your Bulkiest Items
Jackets. Hoodies. Sneakers. Heavy clothes.
Wear them.
Yes you may look like a winter potato.
But guess what… you just saved 2 kg of baggage weight.
Winning.
Step 6: Toiletries = Travel Size Only
You do NOT need a giant shampoo bottle for a weekend.
Use:
✔ Mini bottles
✔ Refillable containers
✔ Hotel supplies
✔ Solid soap and shampoo bars
Your bag becomes lighter
Airport security becomes easier
Life becomes peaceful
Step 7: Use Every Pocket Like A Genius
Put small things in:
- Jacket pockets
- Backpack sides
- Laptop sleeves
Just don’t forget where you hid things. Or you will spend 2 months searching for your earphones.
Step 8: Avoid “Just In Case” Packing
This is the enemy.
“Just in case” creates:
Extra clothes
Extra shoes
Extra chaos
Trust yourself. You will survive with less.
Final Travel Ninja Wisdom
Packing light is not about suffering.
It is about freedom.
Less luggage means:
✔ Less stress
✔ No surprise fees
✔ Faster airport exits
✔ More space for snacks
And honestly… snacks matter.
So next time you travel with Travulu, open your suitcase and ask: “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no… Take it out. And thank yourself later 😄
