Whether you’re packing for a business trip, days of guided tours and excursions or a leisurely week of rest and relaxation, the contents of your suitcase(s) often set the tone for your travel experience. Over-packers with that “just in case” attitude take comfort in being prepared for unexpected situations. But, more often than not, they simply have more work when they arrive home, unpacking their many unused items. After all, do you really need five bathing suits for a long weekend at the lake? Are those black slacks and bulky suit jacket versatile enough to mix and match and do double-duty at that work conference?

While Fast Park’s friendly drivers will heft and haul all your luggage as you board and depart the shuttle to and from the airport terminal, embracing the art of packing light can ensure your stress-free travel experience extends beyond your time with us. And with so many innovative travel bags and accessories on the market, such as packing cubes and even travel backpacks that function like a suitcase or even include a built-in vacuum and compression system, simplified travel is definitely on trend!

Here are just a few additional benefits of being a frugal packer:  

1. Cost Savings: Packing more costs more when flying. Discount airlines offer better deals on that roundtrip fare, but luggage costs can quickly eliminate those savings, especially as many of these carriers also impose fees for carry-on luggage. Even if you commit to limiting your luggage but require the assistance of a small child sitting on your suitcase to get it zipped, you may risk exceeding weight limits for checked baggage, which typically range from 40 to 50 pounds. Fees for checking a bloated bag can cost upwards of $100. 
2. Physical Strain: While checking luggage ensures you’re not loaded down when navigating the airport, the physical strain of hauling heavy bags really weighs travelers down outside of the airport. From the taxi line, bus or train station to the city streets and hotel check-in counter, having less luggage not only lessens your physical load and travel stress, it enhances your mobility while contending with crowds and navigating to your destination.
3. Fewer Opportunities for Hiccups: Tracking baggage is more sophisticated than ever, and many airlines even offer that extra peace of mind by sending alerts when your suitcase makes it onto the plane or arrives at the baggage carousel. But luggage mishaps still happen, and increased occurrences of rerouted flights, cancellations and overbookings introduce additional opportunity for luggage to go missing.  
4. Convenience & Flexibility: Waiting at baggage claim always feels like a burden, whether you’re eager to get out of the airport and head to the beach or just itching to get home after being away. And when traveling with a group, transportation becomes a bit more complicated if excess luggage is in play. And let’s face it, less baggage gives you the flexibility to be spontaneous. Perhaps you would consider taking that $800 credit to be bumped on your overbooked flight, if only you hadn’t checked luggage!

There is no substitute for being prepared when traveling, but don’t let remote possibilities, “what ifs” and excessive fashion whims drive your packing habits. Focus on the essentials and you may just experience that Fast Park Peace of Mind^® from wheels up through wheels down and beyond. 

Start Stress-Free at Fast Park