Balancing What You Take and What You Bring Back When You Travel

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.

You Can't Take It with You (Onboard)

A classic Tip of the Week from June 13, 2004, originally re-published February 2, 2016

If you want to keep your Swiss army knife, nail scissors, or lacrosse sticks while traveling by air, don't pack them in your carry-on luggage. In a season of extra vigilance by the security personnel in airports around the country, you can expect any verboten object to be removed from your carry-on bags and confiscated. (Some airports will allow you to mail the item back to yourself--at your expense--but not all offer this service.) 

For the most up-to-date list of what you can and cannot carry in your luggage, refer to the TSA's list of Permitted and Prohibited Items. Because while well-organized luggage can help make travel more enjoyable, only well-planned packing can help keep your trips and your possessions safe.