A classic Tip of the Week from June 20, 2004, originally re-published February 7, 2016
If you're anything like me, there's a good chance you return from each trip with at least one item you hadn't brought with you when you left, whether it's a souvenier, a gift, or something else you picked up along the way.
To help ensure you've got space in your luggage for your new loot, try packing your carry-on bag before you leave home with things you know you'll get rid of along the way, such as lunch for the plane trip, magazines or newspapers, or gifts you're bringing to others. When you unload these things from your carry-on, you'll instantly have space for the stuff you want to bring home, so you can avoid having to overstuff your bags or fill up an additional piece of luggage.