There is a new trend in the domestic airline industry. United, Northwest, Continental, Delta and American Airlines are now all charging to check a second piece of Luggage, as much as $50.00. It's even more for a third or fourth bag. The airlines explain that this is necessary because of the rising price of fuel. On an airplane, weight = fuel consumption. If your passengers bring more stuff, the plane is heavier and uses more fuel.

This is a total shock to most American travelers. You can practically hear the indignation in airports all over the US. (What do you mean I have to pay to bring my golf clubs?!) Don't expect much sympathy from our European friends, though. They've been paying to carry extra luggage for a long time. In fact, on some discount European airlines you may have to pay to check ANY luggage. Yes my friends, the age of the steamer trunk has come to an end.

What's a traveler to do, then? How will you get by with only one suitcase on your three day trip to Des Moines? It's simple really and you only have to do one little thing...plan ahead. GASP! It really isn't that difficult and once you get the hang of it, it makes traveling a lot easier. You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

If you're anything like I am, the way you've packed in the past is to walk around the bedroom saying "Let's se, I'm gonna be gone six days so I'll need six pairs of underwear, six pairs of socks, six shirts...I might need a bathing suit, three meetings so I'll need three jackets, dress shoes, there's a fitness room so I'll need running shoes and a some shorts and t-shirts, some parties so I'll need dancing shoes, blah blah blah. Sound familiar?

If it does, let's do a little ceremony right now and break with our old bad habits. Raise your right hand, pull your nose, wiggle your little finger and say to your second suitcase, "I break with thee, I break with thee, I break with thee". Now turn around three times and start making a list of what you really need.

That's right, I said make a list. Take some time when you are not leaving tomorrow and think about what you really need when you travel. For example, do you really need the full size shampoo and conditioner or can you find travel size? I know that sounds overly simple, but every little thing helps. Start there and build on it.

Go through all of the things you would normally pack and divide them into three columns. "Must have" "Need but can downsize" "Can do without" Now before you put something in the "Must have" category, be sure it is really a MUST have. This requires a little soul searching. Honestly, you don't want to get somewhere and not have something you really need, but you also don't want to pay extra to carry along something you don't really need.

Now, you should start making a list. Don't worry; the list will evolve as you use it. You can refine it by adding or removing items. The important thing is that you work on the list so you're confident in it, then when it comes time to pack ... listen to me here ... stick to the list. That's right. I said it. No matter what you might think of while you're packing, stick to the list.

Here are some suggested categories to help you organize your list.

Get there: Ticket, passports, conference registrations, etc.

Get around: Drivers license or permit, maps etc.

Culture: Phrase books, guide books etc.

Buy: Money (in some form), backup money, etc.

Health and safety: Toiletries, first aid, locks, medications (back up meds), snacks etc.

These items should give you a framework to start building a travel packing list. Remember, put everything you might need on the list, but don't necessarily pack everything on the list every time. If you are an American citizen and you're going from Kenosha to Oshkosh you probably don't need a passport. If you're going to Death Valley, you won't need the parka.

In future hubs I'll dive deeper into some of these categories and talk more about choosing clothes, packing the bag, to carry on or not to carry on, restricted items and more. If you'd like more information you can check out my website, www.weclick2travel.com where you can drop me a line, research travel options and check out the travel industry in general. I hope you will make a comment on this hub. I look forward to hearing from you.