I just read saw an article in Kiplinger’s Magazine called “Airlines Pick Pockets” warning travelers that more and more airlines are going to be nickel-and-diming us with various charges.

Spirit Airlines will start charging up to $10 for every bag you check-in and they will also start charging $1 for every beverage. You might begin to see other airlines such as Southwest doing the same. We’ve already lost free meals on domestic flights and soon we’ll lose the free drinks. Too bad the airports won’t let us bring in any drinks or liquids.

The price of overweight and oversize baggage has also gone up over the years. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $80 for bags that exceed airline limits.

Fortunately I’ve learned to pack smart and pack light over the years. My fiancée and I are only planning to bring one backpack each for our honeymoon to Greece. I picked up two Kelty backpacks for $28 at the last REI sale. This way, we don’t need to check-in our bags, and we will be the first out of customs.

Here’s one website that has been a great help in learning how to pack light: www.onebag.com
They have a lot of useful tips and advice about what you really need when traveling, and what you should leave at home.

Here’s a packing list I’ve used over the years: Packing List