I get the largest carry-on size the store has and make sure that the wheels spin well before I buy it. It helps a lot if the wheels are further apart, and if they are on the sides of the bag, that’s even better.

Regardless if I’m on a week-long trip or a year-long voyage, I take the same carry-on bag. Doing this keeps the airlines from losing it and me from paying any baggage fees. It also makes it so much easier once I get to my destination because I don’t have much to drag around town.

With less to carry, I’m free to take local transportation, which saves me a bundle on taxi fares. These days, most airports in major tourists destinations have bus, rail or subway links into the city for a few dollars when a taxi could cost $50. If I was carrying two heavy bags plus a carry-on, then I couldn’t take advantage of this.

Also, when you take a taxi in a new city or country, you may wonder if the driver is being honest with you about the price or even about the location. Then, you need to know the exchange rate and have the correct change to give him. I’ve heard the old “I don’t have change” line from taxis more than once.

Of course, there are plenty of good times to take a taxi, but the easiest place to get ripped off is when you’re walking out of the airport or main train station. Many times the bus or train from the airport has taken me very near my hotel, but if not, then you could take a taxi once you’re in the city and it will be much cheaper.

When I’m on a long trip and want to buy souvenirs, I’ll just go to the post office and mail them home. I usually send them back by boat since it’s cheaper, but in less expensive countries sometimes airmail is affordable too.

If I’m on a short trip, then I’ll just bring along an empty gym bag or backpack and then fill it up with my new treasure. Even though the airlines say “one carry-on”, they also allow you to take one “personal item”, which is my backpack.

Here’s to happy, and light, travels!