Go ahead, bring it home!

I'm not sure when my love of travel first began.  I often attribute it to the fact that I am of Norwegian descent --- I am pretty sure my ancestors took delight in climbing aboard their Viking ships as they explored the world and brought home their plunder.

Speaking of plunder, those airlines really put a crimp on shopping when they imposed such skimpy allowances on the number of checked bags, not to mention lower weight limits! Did you know that Asia Air actually charges per pound - not only on checked luggage but also your carry-on bags. Craziness!

I often coordinate group tours to Israel where the theme is "Today I walked where Jesus walked", my husband has renamed these tours (with honest exasperation), "Today she shopped where Jesus walked!"  Okay, I'll admit I may need a little anti-retail therapy.

So what's a girl to do?

If you asked my husband he would give you the easy answer, "You don't really need it anyhow, save money and skip the shopping!"

Since that is not a viable option, here are three suggestions:

1) Picture Packing: Take a picture of each souvenir you would like to bring home for your friends and family.  When you get back frame them, wrap them and present them with bravado.  Use the room you save to bring back as many lovely, 'must have' goodies for yourself  - just don't tell them your strategy.

2) Double Up Packing: Honestly, I can pretty much pack everything I need for a week or two in a carry-on bag (that topic for another day!)  So when you master traveling like a minimalist go ahead and pack what you need in your carry-on. Then put your carry-on inside of a larger bag and check them both.  On the way home you can fill the extra bag with your loot.

3) Discard Packing:  Do you really care what a bunch of strangers you will never see again think about your fashion style?  Learn to "Discard Pack".  Either pick up some clothes at your local thrift store or pack clothing you don't want anymore.  As it get's dirty, go ahead and toss it. By the end of the trip you will have plenty of room for your new treasures.  To be honest I've been doing this for years with my undies.  I mean really? Who wants to carry around your dirty under things in the same bag with your fresh clothes. Whenever I travel I either pack my old undies or go buy cheap ones and toss them out at the end of the day. Hmm, maybe too much information!

The best tip I can give you is to throw away your old heavy luggage.  With the airlines limiting you to 45-50 lbs it is ridiculous to waste your weight on the luggage itself.  I invested in this luggage set and it has held up great on my past three international trips.  The large bag is only 5 lbs, the medium is 4 lbs and the carry-on is 3.5 lbs.  This can save you up to 10 lbs. on traditional luggage which means 10 more pounds of treasures you can bring home!