We all know packing for a trip is stressful. I feel like anytime you can save money why not. Baggage fees are ridiculous. Finding a flight with a free checked back is rare, especially on international flights. Most flights require a checked bag fee, which increase from the 1st to the 2nd. This can range from $60.00 to over $100.00. Keep in mind on international flights, the weight limits are different than that of domestic flights. Most allow 1 carry on and 1 small personal item. Always check your specific airlines and their fees. Be mindful even carry on/personal items come with weight restrictions. Will they actually weigh your personal item? Yes. Or at least they did weigh mine. When I flew on Norwegian from Boston to London, they got me. Before I even left the ticket counter, I had to pay $100.00 fee for my “over weight” personal item & carry on. My little black backpack/pocketbook was stuffed. Imagine them placing an orange “over limit” on your personal item. So, plan accordingly. Look at those weight limits and aim to be under. It truly is who you get at the ticket counter. Some will be a little lenient, while others stick it to you.
This upcoming trip we planned a getaway to the Calabria region to celebrate Mike’s birthday. We will head down south to Scalea, Italy. We found an affordable Airbnb across from the sea for the weekend. I’ve been searching for the perfect travel beach bag/tote. I think I may have found it! The best feature being, it collapses into a small square. This will double as my personal item on our flight & our beach bag on our getaway. It’s stylish, quite large and mesh. It will make for finding everything I need much easier. The fact that it’s foldable is the best part, for repacking. It appears to be excellent quality and has multiple pockets for extra storage.
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever ~ Jacques Cousteau
I found it on Amazon and it came with great reviews. The bag is from Tonak. It’s an oversized XL mesh beach bag. It happens to be an Amazon Choice and cost only $17.99 for the XL size. Again, it folds down smaller than a shirt if you are worried about size and repacking. This bag is such a great find!
I’ll definitely update after our trip and let you know my thoughts, as both my personal item and beach tote. I’m a little excited to try it out. It’s the little things in life guys! Get yourself a new beach tote and head to the sea, even if it’s not in Italy. There is so much to be said about sitting by the water. Let your thoughts calm while your dreams take off. Some of my best conversations with God were sitting on the jetty. Grab a good book, your pretty sunhat and get some vitamin D. You definitely deserve it.
God is still beside you in the boat ~ Blessed is she.