The number-one rule in packing for a trip is to pack lightly because we often forget how frequently well have to lift or carry our luggage during our travels. Consider how, youll be dragging your luggage into the trunk of your car and out again, through the airport, off of the luggage carousel, through another airport, back into the trunk of your rental car and out again until finally you get to the hotel where hopefully theyll have a porter.

On top of having to lug your bags around, your airline will have strict rules on the size, weight and the number of bags you can travel withfor both carry-on and checked baggage. Make sure you check your airline's website for current information on restrictions and dont assume that what you took last time will be allowed this timeespecially if you are travelling on a different airline. Luggage size and weight restrictions can vary by airline or travel destination.