Packing for a trip can be really challenging especially when dealing with bulky footwear. Shoes take up too much room and often make clean clothes dirty during transit. Here is some helpful information on why keeping them out of your suitcase is a smart move and where to put them instead for a much easier travel experience.
Shoes Are Heavy And Bulky Items
They are usually the heaviest things you try to stuff inside your suitcase when getting ready for a trip. Their odd shapes make it super hard to pack your bags efficiently without wasting a lot of good space.
They Eat Up Precious Room
Every inch counts when you are packing for a long vacation or a quick weekend getaway. Putting big sneakers in your bag leaves you with almost no room for your actual clothes and important daily items.
Dirty Soles Can Ruin Clean Clothes
Walking around all day means the bottom of your shoes will definitely pick up dirt and grime from the streets. Stuffing them right next to your nice shirts without protection is a very quick way to get your outfits stained.
Clipping Them Outside Your Backpack Works Great
Instead of squeezing them inside your luggage you can just use a simple carabiner clip to attach them to the outside of your personal bag. This is a really easy trick that frees up so much valuable space inside your main suitcase for other things.
Flight Attendants Usually Approve This Trick
Many flight crew members have mentioned online that they see this happen all the time and they really do not mind it at all. It is a very common strategy that travelers use to manage their heavy gear without breaking any major rules.
Watch Out For Swinging Shoes Hitting People
The only small problem with clipping them outside is that they might swing around while you walk down the narrow plane aisle. You definitely want to be careful so you do not accidentally bump into other passengers sitting in their seats.
Holding Them While Boarding Helps Avoid Bumps
To fix the swinging issue you can simply unclip the shoes and carry them in your hands when you actually walk onto the plane. This keeps everyone safe and makes it much easier to walk through the crowded spaces without hitting anyone.
Covering Shoes In Plastic Keeps Things Clean
If you decide to let them hang outside your bag you might want to wrap them in a simple plastic grocery bag first. This just adds an extra layer of protection so the dirty soles do not rub against your own backpack or clothes.
Buying Something Small Gets You A Duty Free Bag
Some travelers have started buying cheap items at the airport just to get one of those plastic shopping bags from the store. You can easily slip your heavy shoes right inside that extra bag before you head over to the boarding gate.
Using A Duty Free Bag Sneaks Them On Board
Gate agents almost never count airport shopping bags as an extra piece of luggage so this is a really clever way to carry your shoes. It looks like you just bought some souvenirs and nobody really stops to check what is actually inside the bag.
Mesh Water Bottle Pockets Are Perfect Shoe Holders
Another really safe alternative is to pick a travel backpack that has stretchy mesh pockets on both of the outside edges. If those side pockets are big enough to hold a large water bottle they can usually hold one shoe on each side very securely.
You Get More Space For Useful Things
Whichever method you choose to go with you will end up with a lot more room in your actual checked luggage. This means your clothes stay completely clean and you have plenty of extra space to bring back gifts from your destination.
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