With travel prices rising, it can get expensive to check luggage at the airport. These days, most airlines ask you to pay for your second (and subsequent) bags, with some even charging $10 to $20 for your first bag; and maybe even more if you have extra bags to check. Fortunately, though, you can take a small suitcase on your trip for free if you take it with you through security. If you want to travel light, check only one bag or, better yet, pack everything you need in a carry-on bag. Take some time to learn about the items you can rent when you arrive at your destination. Every location is different, so call ahead before you go, but here are some of the most popular items available for rent at your hotel or nearby locations:
A cell phone
While it’s true that your cell phone may not take up a lot of space in your bag, it can be expensive to use if you’re traveling abroad. Instead, consider renting a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or international cell phone. You can pick them up when you arrive at your destination. This gives you a phone number for people to contact you while you’re on vacation. These phones usually offer you pay-per-minute plans, so you can save money and space in your bag; remember, you can avoid carrying a charger or other phone accessories with you.
Formal wear (and other special clothing)
Traveling for a wedding or other formal event? Instead of bringing event clothes with you, consider renting them once you arrive at your destination. Go to your local tailor and have them officially measured so they can be shipped ahead of time to a rental shop at your place of travel. You can even do this with business clothes like a formal suit. Most places have options for both men and women, and by renting, you can save a lot of space. If possible, make sure there are at least two options available to try when you get there. That way, if the first does not favor you, you can opt for the alternative. Along with formal wear, there are also rental options for unique clothing you might need while at your destination, like ski boots.
jeweler’s
Renting jewelry for events during the holidays is surprisingly affordable. For just a few dollars a day, you can choose from beautiful gold, silver, and even diamonds. Jewelry for men and women, as well as watches, are available. You usually have to pay a deposit, which you can get back when you return the items, but when you consider how much space a travel jewelry box takes up in your luggage, it’s definitely worth the fee. Keep in mind that most places require your bank information or a valid credit card with a limit high enough to cover the items you’re borrowing.
Handbags
Along with jewelry, you can rent handbags to take on vacation. When you travel, you may have various styles of clothing or types of events to attend. It’s hard to carry just one bag if you’re attending a formal event even one night and going to the zoo the next day. If you call ahead, you may have bag options waiting for you at your hotel. As with jewelry, you may be required to pay a deposit, which is returned to you when you return the item.
Sports team
If you’re planning on golfing, scuba diving, biking, or participating in other sports while on vacation, it’s usually best to rent equipment once you arrive at your destination. Some airlines check items like skis for free, but these usually count as one checked bag. Some hotels offer the option to rent this type of equipment, but if yours doesn’t, there should be rental shops nearby. Rental items may not be as convenient as items you own, but it is less expensive than shipping your own items.
Before you leave for your trip, call your hotel in advance to find out what else might be available, free of charge, or what can be rented. For example, most offer hair dryers and coffee makers, but some even offer items like computers and printers that you can rent. At international hotels, you may be able to get adapters for your items that require electricity, and other items you can get from your hotel include stools, robes, and extra pillows. In short, the more items you can get at your location for free or at an affordable rental price, the less you have to bring with you, saving you time and money.